Attraction and its different ways of leaving us enchanted

Throughout our lives, we will experience different types of attraction and not all of them pass through the sexual filter.. Our way of connecting with others goes far beyond skin and an image. The human being is so rich and exceptional in all its nuances that it is inevitable to fall in love with more than one facet.

Understanding the psychology of attraction a little better will help us get to know ourselves and how our emotional mechanisms work. We say this for a very clear aspect: Sometimes we confuse different styles of attraction with lovewhen in reality, one can have interest in someone in a certain aspect without the need for falling in love.

Let’s delve a little deeper into the topic.

What is attraction and what types exist?

Attraction is a social phenomenon that It drives us to connect with others, to bond and establish relationships of different types and intensity. There is not just one type of attraction, but rather there are several of them. Depending on its nature, among other variables, we find up to eight forms. Let’s get to know them!

1. Sexual attraction (physical)

Among the different types of attraction that exist, sexual attraction is the best known to everyone. In this typology, sexual desire, the need for closeness and, especially, physical contact are mixed. A curious fact is that the use of oral contraceptives alters physical attraction.

This kind of fascination It may be the most intense, but no matter how deep it is, it is not always the most lasting. In addition, a series of specific neurochemical and hormonal elements come into play. For example dopamine, oxytocin, adrenaline and phenylethylamine.

It can arise independently (without the need for falling in love) or in combination with romantic attraction, thus forming the basis of love. In fact, physical attraction is a key element when choosing a partner, as mentioned in a publication in PloS one.

Subjective sexual attraction

It is the attraction we feel towards someone we like because of their physique. It makes us want to have sex with that person, explore their body, get to know them more in depth in that sense. It is a type of attraction that perhaps changes over time depending on different variables, such as the evolution of the relationship itself.

Objective sexual attraction

This involves thinking that someone is physically attractive. However, it is not necessary that we want to maintain intimate contact with such a person.

2. Romantic attraction

Romantic attraction is, above all, an impulse to be close to someone to share experiences, moments and life itself… It is proximity, it is affection, it is admiration and it is affection.

Sometimes, the following situation may arise: a couple sees the flame of sexual desire and passion go out, but, even so, they remain united by that romantic bond capable of sustaining and nourishing the relationship.

3. Sentimental attraction

Based on the previous idea, sentimental attraction is one that focuses only on the other person’s emotions. It is the support that gives life to long-term interpersonal relationships, partly because it is not based on physique or appearance. This attraction takes into account the inner value of people, to the point that an affinity or connection is established by knowing more about them.

4. Attraction of friendship

This is, without a doubt, one that we have all experienced firsthand more than once. There are people who attract us more than others to maintain a bond of friendship with them, without romantic or sexual purposes.

Although a good friendship can take years to establish, the truth is that the initial connection usually happens quickly. This is called “friendship chemistry” or chemistry friendshipto which an article in The Social Science Journal.

5. Attraction based on proximity

Familiarity and constant interaction foster greater emotional attachment. The attraction based on closeness is then that which is associated with the famous phrase “touch makes love.” It is also related to sentimental attraction and we can feel it for many people: family, friends, neighbors, partners and even pets.

6. Intellectual attraction

Intellectual attraction is integrated under a well-known term; the sapiosexuals. That is, people who are attracted to the intelligence of others. When it happens, we feel that we like the other “inside”; we like his ideas or arguments, so much so that we are exhausted by a deep and interesting conversation with someone.

In this case, there is also a sexual component. When we are attracted to the other person’s way of thinking and communicating, a sexual desire is awakened in us.

7. Aesthetic attraction

Defines that admiration that we have for someone derived from his appearance, his style, his way of moving and expressing himself. Aesthetic attraction does not necessarily awaken sexual desire or romantic feelings. Nor does it have to be linked to physical appearance in a unique way.

It goes further and encompasses different aspects of your appearance, such as your way of dressing. It is a type of admiration that we can often feel for a fashion, television or music icon.

8. Sensual (or sensory) attraction

Another type of attraction, perhaps less known, is sensual or sensory. It is linked with the desire to touch someone, to caress them, to hug them and to pamper them. It usually happens to us with our partner and children. However, not only people can generate this type of interest in us, but also objects, art, animals or anything that seems beautiful to us.

An inherent aspect of humanity

Attraction accompanies us throughout all stages of life, from earliest childhood to old age. It is inherent to human nature, since it is an indispensable condition for the perpetuation of the species, as mentioned in a work published in Psychology Magazine.

It is like a force that drives us to seek meaningful connections and explore the world around us in search of what resonates with our perception of what is beautiful, interesting or authentic. That which we feel is in tune with our essence.

As we are social beings, the need to bond with others is rooted in our nature. This impulse leads us to feel attraction towards various people, manifesting in different ways and intensities. It may be the infectious laughter of a friend, the wisdom of a mentor, or the magnetism What we feel towards someone whose presence we find attractive.

Ultimately, the diversity of these attractions enriches our relationships and contributes to the complexity of our human experience. Besides, We are all worthy of being admired, of generating attraction.

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