People come in a lot of different packages — colors, shapes, and patterns. Some of what we can see may be quite attractive.

But the wrapping is no clue to what’s inside — which is what’s important. Yes, that’s true for many people who put soul and emotional compatibility ahead of physical attraction. But it’s especially so for people who don’t define their attraction by the shape of the package or its parts.

One way pansexuality is not like holiday presents: Please don’t shake the packages to see if they’re yours.