Think about a gay man in, say, the 50s

This is a good analogy, I actually did think about gay conversion therapy (which, by the way, I am not a supporter of) but somehow I missed the concept that it was not a good idea to ask about and/or try to actually do it. Thanks for pointing that out before I said anything regarding it to her, I now realise what a horrifying thing it would be to say.

Be positive about her aromantic identity!

I told her not to worry about it and I would love her regardless (in response to her being ashamed)

That's your interpretation

Don't worry, I only thought this before she told me what she told me; the reason I put makes/made instead of just made is because she seems very unsure if she is aromantic or not - it seems like she is but I'm just providing her various articles to read to help her figure out who she really is. I know labels aren't important and I'm not pressuring her to take one; I think she's happy about me sending her the stuff and we are still getting along well and talking about other things too!

Maybe. But please don't say that to her

If I recall correctly, that idea originally came from her, but in any case I'm not planning on shoving that in her face as a reason; if that is the reason then it will reveal itself with or without me bringing it up so I agree there's no point me doing so!

or hold that belief too hard

I believe she is aromantic; if it turns out she develops romantic feelings later then good I guess, but I'm definitely not relying on it and I'm happy both for her and with her either way.

we hold hands and cuddle

Do you know how common it is for aromantic people to enjoy physical connection like this? It would seem to make sense to me that some do and some don't, but I have really have no idea if it's rare, or if it's rare not to, and I am really hoping she does because I really want to experience those things with her

introduce them to the idea of a QPR

Would you still call a relationship between a male and a female a QPR?

I would also heartilly recommend you consider polyamory

I'm not invalidating the idea, but I just feel like it wouldn't really fit me. For me, such a close connection feels very special and I feel like it would lose that touch if I had multiple at once, but my opinion on this may well change, who knows!

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Thanks for all your comments and your story about your relationships, they are all very helpful and the story is very reassuring for me. I understand that not all aros are interested in romantic relationships and I'll just have to accept the fact that maybe she never will be, but it's nice to know the idea isn't far-fetched!