Learn about the six types of attraction and how they can affect your relationships.
What Is Attraction?
People commonly think of “attraction” in a sexual context.
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However, humans experience attraction in different wayssix of them, to be exact, plus combinations thereof.
Understanding the ways in which you feel attraction can help you strengthen yourself-awarenessand discover what you need in relationships.
Physical Attraction
Physical attractioninvolves a desire to touch or be touched.
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Emotional Attraction
Emotional attraction involves having an affinity for another person based on theirpersonalityor other inner characteristics.
Research suggests that emotional attraction can play a pivotal role in the success of romantic relationships.
One study found that being emotionally accessible was more important than being sexually accessible.
Couples who lacked this emotional connection were more likely to break up.
Romantic attraction can also occur without the desire for physical or sexual contact.
For example, a person who isaromanticexperiences little to no romantic attraction to others.
It can inspire feelings of arousal andlust, and it isn’t necessarily limited to real life.
Recap
Sexual attraction involves a desire to become sexually involved with another person.
While it often occurs alongside romantic attraction, the two are not the same.
Sexual attraction can occur without romantic attraction, and vice versa.
Intellectual Attraction
Intellectual attraction refers to finding someone’s thoughts or intellect appealing.
The mind is the initial draw, often followed by other types of attraction.
Aesthetic attraction is the objective appreciation of someone or something you find visually appealing.
Intellectual attraction focuses on someone’s ideas and thoughts.
The Impact of Attraction
Different types of attraction can affect your behavior in a variety of ways.
This phenomenon is an example of thehalo effect.
Attraction and Relationships
Attraction is not always easy to manage and can be confusing.
You’ll probably experience several types of attraction throughout your lifetime.
Being aware of the attraction you’re feeling can help you navigate relationships effectively.
For example, you might feel intrigued by someone but can’t articulate why.
Identifying your feelings accurately can help you avoid mistakes.
Building self-awareness and boundaries can help you make sense of your attractions to others.
If you are experiencing problems in your current relationship, considercouples therapy.
Learning about your own experience of attraction can help you understand yourself, your needs, and your desires.
This can help you form and maintain mutually beneficial relationships.
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