A greater number think of themselves as exclusively heterosexual. These groups represent the broad ends of the spectrum. Individuals between the ends of the spectrum exhibit varying mixtures of preference and experience, which may also change over time. It has also been used to refer to the hatred of gay, lesbian, and bisexual people. In particular, it includes the assumption that everyone is heterosexual or should want to be.
Confusion regarding sexual attraction and identity is very common for college age people.
Two important things to keep in mind are that no two individuals have the same experiences examining their sexuality and that such explorations often take a very long time. Collections of coming out stories show the wide range of experiences related to sexual identity and can offer all sorts of examples of what others have faced and how they have dealt with these issues. Talking to people knowledgeable about such issues, whether they are openly lesbian, gay or bisexual individuals or are counselors, instructors, residence hall staff or other persons who are publicly gay-affirming, is another option. Not only can such persons provide important information, talking with them breaks the sense of isolation many students trying to deal with such matters alone have felt. And up to one-third of the population may be bisexual.