Lust alters the chemicals in our brains.

Hormones like testosterone, pheromones, and androgens all influence how lust may be experienced.

This is also a part of our natural biological processes and the human instinct to procreate.

Lust vs. love

Verywell / Nez Riaz

People can experience feelings of lust upon meeting someone new or within a committed partnership.

How can you spot the signs of lust in a man or woman?

It can be difficult to tell them apart, particularly during a relationship’s intense and passionate early days.

Lust vs. Love: How Are They Different?

You may feel an undeniable connection to somebody and think that its love at first sight.

It is important to note, though, that there is a clear difference between lust andlove.

Ultimately, lust is strictly based on sexual attraction, whereas love is based on emotional desire.

So, how can you tell the difference?

This means that having sex doesnotneed to be the reason you spend time with someone.

Yes, they can.

However, over time once a deeper, more emotional connection has been established, love can develop.

At this time, lustandlove can both be present in a relationship.

Researchers have found that eye gaze can provide important clues about whether a person feels love or lust.

Are the signs of lust in a man different than they are in a woman?

Is lust a healthy emotion?

The short answer is yes.

According to Zajac, lust is not exactly “healthy” or “unhealthy” in and of itself.

Rather, “how a person expresses lust may be healthy or unhealthy,” she clarifies.

“Are there any negatives associated with it?

There can be, but that is based mostly on behavior, not the actual feeling itself.”

First, always ask for consent before initiating any physical or sexual behavior with another person.

Openly communicate your desires with partners and potential partners to avoid miscommunications or incompatibility.

When initiating the conversation about lust with a partner, prioritize honesty and transparency about your feelings.

Instead, let them know that you’re experiencing attraction toward another person.

(Once again, honesty is key here.)

What Happens After You Act on Feelings of Lust?

Depending on the situation, there can be small to severe consequences after acting on lust.

To avoid unwanted and undesirable results, you will want to go slower in your sexual andromantic relationships.

Seshadri KG.The neuroendocrinology of love.Indian J Endocrinol Metab.

2014;25(9):1748-1756. doi:10.1177/0956797614539706