- Discover what causes sexual attraction between people
- Learn about the basis of sexual attraction and the psychology behind it
- Explore what determines attraction and how you can spot it
- Find out how to tell when someone is attracted to you
Sexual attraction is part of human nature and can encompass a wide range of physical, psychological, and emotional nuances. What can be sexually attractive to one person may be neutral to another and can contain many chemical and subconscious factors. Who, what, and how we experience attraction is personal and individual and is typically influenced by both environmental and biological factors.
Now, more than ever, sex positivity movements are paving the way for those who want to understand what causes their own sexual attraction. Sometimes, one of the best methods for understanding your own sexual attraction psychology is through exploration and discovering new, uncharted territories, often through experimentation with unique sex toys. Read on, and we’ll explain the physical and emotional ways that attraction fits into the human experience.
What Causes Sexual Attraction?
Sexual attraction is a scientific evolutionary trait designed to help humans become naturally drawn to one another. What determines attraction for one person may be different from another, but generally, evolutionary factors that signal reproductive success and good health are at play. Evolutionary factors can include:
Pheromones and Body Odor
One person’s natural scent is another person’s intoxicating aroma. It might be strange to think that body odor may be what causes sexual attraction, but our pheromones don’t lie. Our keen sense of smell can make us subconsciously attracted to someone whose chemical makeup is compatible with our own.
Physical Traits
They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but certain physical features definitely affect the psychology of sexual attraction. Preferences in grooming, dress, and outward appearance can be culturally influenced. Still, oftentimes, a strong and healthy physique, symmetric facial features, and the appearance of youthfulness are key factors in what determines attraction. We may also be subconsciously attracted to partners who indicate that they may be ideal romantic partners.
Sexual Attraction Psychology
Even though biology plays a big part in what causes sexual attraction between two people, there are a number of psychological and external factors at play too. Even if the sexual chemistry between partners is on fire, if they don’t align psychologically and emotionally, that flame may burn out.
Personality
One of the biggest factors in sexual attraction psychology is as simple as having a good personality. Nothing can turn some partners from hot to cold faster than a bad or clashing personality. Displaying intelligence, kindness, humor, and confidence is essential to many when it comes to overall sexual compatibility. The more you hone these skills and personality traits, the more attractive you’ll be to prospective partners. However, it’s important not to take it personally if you and a prospective romantic partner clash. Remember that personalities and lifestyles don’t always align, no matter how good someone’s personality may be.
Emotional Intimacy
Being emotionally available is another key factor in what causes sexual attraction between partners. Intimacy plays an important role in ensuring a healthy and flourishing sexual relationship. A sense of safety is crucial for those craving physical intimacy and can be achieved by creating strong bonds and deep emotional connections. Experimenting with unique adult toys and adult toys for couples can also help boost emotional intimacy through physical touch.
What Determines Attraction?
Many times external factors are also responsible when it comes to the laws of attraction. Distance may make the heart grow fonder, but being far away from your partner may also make things like intimacy difficult.
Emotional State and Mood
It’s not easy for many couples to experience sexual attraction during heightened states of stress, depression, or anxiety. Helping your partner feel relaxed and secure is a primary factor in what causes sexual attraction and is part of emotional intimacy. Paying attention to your partner’s cues and being understanding, helping them manage stress, or being present during hard times can naturally help boost your mutual sexual attraction. Focusing on her pleasure first, with the help of adult toys for women, can also alleviate stress and strengthen bonds.
How to Tell if Someone Is Attracted to You
While some potential partners may be forward in letting you know they are into you, others who may be more shy or reserved will only give subtle clues. Here are a few ways to clue into whether or not someone is interested in you and how to understand what causes their sexual attraction to you.
Body Language
Figuring out body language and understanding sexual attraction psychology is simple when you know the signs. When you’re engaging with a potential partner, are they making direct eye contact? Are they leaning in toward you? Smiling? Instigating physical touch? While many of these body language cues may also be present in non-sexual relationships, they are important clues to how someone is feeling. If someone has their arms crossed, their body turned away, and displays indirect eye contact, those may be important clues that someone just isn’t that into you.
Flirting
While flirting isn’t what causes sexual attraction, being flirty is an obvious clue that someone is into you. Whether it’s telling jokes, giving appropriate compliments, or showing extra interest in you, being flirtatious is a very good sign of sexual attraction.
When it comes to the psychology of physical attraction, the rules and facts are very simple. It’s important to remember that attraction isn’t a two-way street, and that being physically attracted to someone often isn’t enough. While biology is at play, having confidence, being a caring and intelligent person, and having a sense of humor all contribute to what causes sexual attraction between two people. By honing in on all of these factors, learning how to decode body language, and working hard at becoming a good potential partner, anyone can master the art and psychology of sexual attraction.
