Sexual attraction can be seen as an instinctive drive that humans have towards members of the opposite gender, but it also can be regarded as one of the most powerful forces in human behavior, and it has many different forms. In this article, I will discuss the various types of psychological resistance that may arise when sexual attraction is considered to be socially inconvenient.
One type of psychological resistance that can occur when sexual attraction is deemed inconvenient is cognitive dissonance. This refers to the mental discomfort that occurs when an individual holds two conflicting beliefs or values, and it can cause individuals to experience feelings of anxiety and tension.
If someone feels attracted to another person who is outside their social circle or cultural norms, they may feel uncomfortable due to the potential consequences of acting upon that attraction, which could include being ostracized or judged negatively. Another form of psychological resistance is emotional avoidance, whereby individuals attempt to suppress their sexual desires by distracting themselves from them or engaging in other activities such as work or hobbies. This often involves denying the existence of the attraction itself, leading to a lack of self-awareness regarding one's own desires.
Another way that individuals resist sexual attraction is through rationalization. This involves creating logical justifications for why it would not be appropriate to act upon their sexual desires, even though these justifications are not necessarily based on reality.
Someone might justify their lack of action by saying that the object of their desire is already taken or is too young or old, or that they have other priorities that take precedence over pursuing a romantic relationship.
Some people resort to physical resistance by avoiding physical contact with the desired individual altogether. This includes acts like ignoring texts or emails, changing seats during conversations, or avoiding eye contact altogether.
There are several forms of psychological resistance that arise when sexual attraction is deemed inconvenient. Cognitive dissonance, emotional avoidance, rationalization, and physical resistance all serve as ways to deal with this potentially difficult situation. It is important to remember that while these responses can help in the short term, they ultimately do little to address the underlying issue at hand, which is the individual's own feelings and desires. By understanding and exploring our own beliefs and values surrounding sex and intimacy, we may be better equipped to navigate these situations with greater ease and authenticity.
What forms of psychological resistance arise when sexual attraction is socially inconvenient?
When people experience sexual attraction towards someone whose social status or age makes it inappropriate for them to pursue that attraction, they may struggle with feelings of guilt, shame, or embarrassment. They may try to avoid thinking about the other person, or engage in self-criticism, rationalizing their feelings as wrong or unhealthy.