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Romantic Attraction Is Different from Sexual Attraction

Both romantic and sexual attraction fit in a relationship. But did you know that the two aren't technically the same? Yup, there's a fine line between the two attractions. So, romantic attraction is different from sexual attraction? See for yourself.

By C.C. CurtisPublished 6 years ago 5 min read
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In a relationship there's usually a lot of love, cuddling, giving gifts, complimenting, sex, and everything else to express love and affection. Without any of these aspects, are you really in a relationship? Actually, some people's version of a relationship can be the complete opposite, because not everyone's relationship is the same — there are different types of relationships. But in this case, there's a lot of touching and affection.

Now, there are two types of attraction: romantic and sexual. The two are what actually make a relationship. There's the dates and handholding, then there's the sex and pleasing. See where I'm coming from? I know, it's tough to distinguish the two, but it'll be crystal clear when I thoroughly describe the two. So, how is romantic attraction different from sexual attraction? Be aware of the fine line between the two, and you can possibly use this information in your personal life to tell the difference!

Romantic Attraction

Romantic attraction is actually the core to any relationship. Even though someone's relationship isn't the same as yours, it's still considered a relationship. Some people might have excessive romantic attractions while other's barely have any. But that's not what I'm going to talk about right now. What has all of us confused is how romantic attraction is different from sexual attraction.

For starters, your relationship can be filled with hugging, dinner dates, cuddling, giving each other gifts, complimenting each other, hand holding, and a lot of that sweet stuff — it's an emotional bond. Cuddling with each other while watching a film is considered a romantic aspect. Being attracted to your partner is a romantic aspect. Even talking about the future is definitely among the romantic aspects, too.

All of these fall right under the romantic attraction in a relationship — it's basically a form of a pull. You want to get to know your partner more, his hobbies, his pet peeves, his weaknesses, strengths — you care about your partner. A lot of the times, romantic attractions can lead to wanting to spend the rest of your life with your partner. You always want to be around them because you're super attracted to them and want to constantly spend time with them. That's the romantic attraction to a relationship.

Romantic attraction is certainly a form of alluring — a pull. All of these actions with your partner are attracting you. You want to go on cute lunch dates with your significant other, walk in the park, spend the mornings cuddling, baking together, attend sports games, they're all romantic things you want to do with your partner; the fine line on how romantic attraction is different from sexual attraction.

Sexual Attraction

When it comes to sexual attraction in a relationship, there's certainly a difference. Remember when I said romantic attraction is filled with cuddling, dates, giving gifts, and all that adorable stuff? The feeling you care and want to know more about your partner? That's all right under romantic attraction. But for sexual attraction, there's much more touching and less spending romantic time — which is why romantic attraction is different from sexual attraction.

Yes, for sexual attraction, you are certainly also attracted to the person. But that doesn't mean you want to spend the rest of your life with them or want to get to know them better. There isn't any "dating" or "park walks," it's straight sex through receiving and giving pleasure. What do you think one-night stands are considered? All based on sexual attraction. You don't want to see that person in your bed the next morning, right? Nothing romantic about that.

You can walk down the street and see someone for the first time and think, "I want to have sex with him," but there's no romance behind it. You can be sexually attracted to people. Rather than having a deep relationship, all you want is the sex part and nothing more. Even if you do have a partner that you strictly only have sex with, how long do you think it'll last for? Usually, these types of "relationships" don't last long. Either a few months or a solid year if you're loving and constantly having great sex with them.

But if you're in a relationship with someone and all they want is sex then you're not really in a romantic relationship. If he doesn't take you on dates or if she only calls you up for sex then it's clear that they only have sexual attractions towards you. But if you want more than sex, something with more emotional bond, talk to your partner about it. Don't let her keep using you for sex if you want something more out of the relationship. But if he doesn't want to go the extra mile, then I advise you to cut it off with him. Because if you're looking for a romanic relationship, meanwhile he's only looking for sex, then you won't go anywhere with him — one of the bigger points on how romantic attraction is different from sexual attraction.

In a Relationship

But, of course, in a romantic relationship, there is usually sexual attraction — it's what keeps your relationship alive, to be honest. Like I said before, the two are the main ingredients to a relationship — they're what make a stronger relationship. But believe it or not, there are relationships out there that don't even think about any sexual activities. And they're mainly into the dinner dates and movie cuddling aspect of the relationship.

When it comes to forcing a relationship, there may be sexual attraction, but hardly any romantic. If you're searching for a romantic relationship, you can never force it to happen. These types of relationships come naturally and forcing one won't grant you what you want.

However, romantic attractions take much longer to develop than sexual. Why? Because it's so easy to have sex with nearly anyone. Do you think it's easy to love, get to know them, be there at their worst/best times, and think of your future with them? Nope. That's why romantic attraction is the key factor to any relationship. Sexual attraction is more on the connection aspect for any relationship. So, now you know that romantic attraction is different from sexual attraction.

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About the Creator

C.C. Curtis

Enjoys lounging in NYC bars, loves traveling to foreign countries, and volunteers at the homeless shelter twice a month.

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