How to Differentiate Between Physical Attraction and Emotional Desire
When it comes to human beings, there are many things that can attract them towards one another. Two people may feel physically attracted to each other without necessarily feeling any kind of emotional connection. On the other hand, they may also feel deeply connected emotionally but lack the physical attraction. In this article, I will explain what is meant by physical attraction and emotional desire and how to differentiate between the two.
Physical attraction refers to the degree to which an individual finds another person physically appealing. It is based on appearance, body shape, body type, height, hair color, facial features, skin tone, voice pitch, eye color, and even smell. Physical attraction usually occurs quickly and happens at a subconscious level. When you see someone who looks good, your brain sends out chemical signals that make you feel excited and aroused. However, this excitement doesn't mean that you have feelings for the person or that you want to build a relationship with him/her. Physical attraction is often superficial and can change over time as people age or gain weight.
Emotional desire, on the other hand, refers to the strong feelings of affection, love, care, and intimacy that develop when two people spend more time together. This could happen because of shared interests, similar values, or common goals. Emotional desire can take longer to develop than physical attraction and requires emotional investment from both parties. People who share mutual emotional desires tend to be committed to building a long-term relationship. They are willing to put in the effort required to maintain the relationship and work through challenges that arise. Emotional desire is deeper and more meaningful than physical attraction because it involves understanding, trust, and respect.
One way to differentiate between physical attraction and emotional desire is to examine how each affects your behavior. Physical attraction makes us act impulsively and without thinking about consequences. For example, we may pursue someone we find physically attractive without considering whether they are right for us or not. On the contrary, emotional desire requires thought and reflection before acting. We consider if our partner shares our values and beliefs and whether they will support us in achieving our goals. We also consider how their presence would affect our lives, including our family and friends.
Another way to tell the difference between physical attraction and emotional desire is by observing body language. When we feel physically attracted to someone, our bodies respond with excitement and arousal. Our heart rate increases, pupils dilate, and blood flow to certain parts of our body intensifies. In contrast, when we experience emotional desire, our bodies relax and calm down. We become more comfortable around the person and can even rest comfortably next to them.
In conclusion, physical attraction refers to physical appearance while emotional desire is based on shared interests, values, and goals. It takes time to develop emotional desire but leads to deeper intimacy and commitment. To differentiate between physical attraction and emotional desire, observe body language and ask yourself what you want from the relationship. Are you merely interested in a sexual encounter or do you wish to build an enduring connection?