People Forget There Is More Than One Type Of Attraction | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

People Forget There Is More Than One Type Of Attraction

Sexual attraction is not the only attraction

40707
People Forget There Is More Than One Type Of Attraction

One of things I find myself explaining to people most often is the differences between the different types of attraction. Many people I encounter are not aware that there are different ways to be attracted to another person. This fact is disappointing, but is also says a lot about ignorance in our society. Because some believe that attraction is just one, black and white thing, there are many who don’t know how some relationships work within diverse orientations. It leaves room for confusion concerning asexuals, aromantics, and many other underrepresented groups. I’m the sort of person who doesn’t mind explaining things to people, but because there is so little accessible information on human attractions, I decided that it would be a good topic to write about.

1. Sexual Attraction

Sexual attraction: The desire for possible sexual intercourse with another individual

I listed this attraction first because there are people out there who believe that this is the only human attraction. There are other attractions, and other qualities in general, that go into human relationships. Sexual attraction is difficult to pin down because it is not the same thing as sex drive or how one feels about sex in general (both which are common misconceptions). When someone is heterosexual or straight, that just means that they are attracted to the opposite sex. When someone is homosexual or gay or lesbian, that just means that they are attracted to the same sex. When someone is asexual, that means that they are not sexually attracted to any sex. What all sexualities have in common, though, is that their sexuality says nothing about their sex life or sex drive. There are heterosexuals and homosexuals who do not enjoy sex as much as others. And just because someone is asexual, it doesn’t meant that they are sex repulsed. Sexual attraction is not equal to habits and preferences.

2. Romantic Attraction

Romantic attraction: The desire for a possible romantic relationship with another individual

There is not a lot of thought put into the idea of romantic attraction, and yet, it is very important. Because asexuals, gray-sexuals, and demisexuals do not feel sexual attraction at all or right away, the focus on romantic attraction is important. If one understands sexual attraction, then it is easy to understand romantic attraction. It is the same premise, the only difference is is that sexual feelings are then replaced with romantic (non-sexual) feelings. If the same prefixes are used from the last example, then a heteromantic would be attracted to the opposite sex, a homoromantic would be attracted to the same sex, and an aromntic would not be attracted to any sex.

3. Physical/Sensual Attraction

Physical/sensual attraction: The desire to non-sexually touch another person

There is no orientation for this and the last couple attractions, but they are still important in understanding who we are attracted to. When you are physically attracted to someone, you may be willing to hug, kiss, cuddle, or touch them and be touched in other non-sexual ways. This sort of attraction is not exclusive to sexual and romantic relationships. Sensuality can be seen in friendships, among family members, and in other platonic relationships.

4. Emotional Attraction

Emotional attraction: The desire to be emotionally open with another person

Like physical/sensual attraction, emotional attraction can be seen in limitless examples of relationships. This attraction explains why some people are more emotionally open with other people. Your emotional attractions show who you are willing to connect to, open up to, and share personal details with. Some people are more emotionally attracted to other people than others. Like other attractions, the levels of attractions vary from person to person.

5. Aesthetic Attraction

Aesthetic attraction: Appreciating the way another person looks

This is usually confused with physical attraction. The difference between the two, though, is physical attraction involves the want to touch somebody whereas aesthetic attraction does not necessarily involve the want to touch another person. The best way to understand this is by thinking in terms or art. If you are at an art gallery, you can look at a piece of art and appreciate the way it looks. You understand that it is visually appealing but you have no desire to touch it. Through aesthetic attraction, you can have this experience with another person. Though in terms of humans, this attraction can go hand in hand with other attractions. All the other attractions discussed can also be pared with each other. It is important to remember that, although complex, attraction is fluid. The ways we experience relationships are diverse and can change through a lifetime.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

108081
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

20813
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less
Health and Wellness

10 Hygiene Tips For All College Athletes

College athletes, it's time we talk about sports hygiene.

19247
Woman doing pull-ups on bars with sun shining behind her.

I got a request to talk about college athletes hygiene so here it is.

College athletes, I get it, you are busy! From class, to morning workouts, to study table, to practice, and more. But that does not excuse the fact that your hygiene comes first! Here are some tips when it comes to taking care of your self.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments