Sexual attraction: how does it occur?

The strategies that people use to conquer a potential partner can be as original as our imagination is developed. But, What determines that sexual attraction occurs immediately? Are there patterns of physical traits that ensure success when seducing?

The ability to sexually attract or generate erotic interest in other people is a skill. But you don’t need to have an “angel face” or spectacular eyes to achieve it. There are other elements and factors that are valued equally or even more.

The first impression is decisive

No matter how much we boast on numerous occasions that “what matters is the inside,” the eyes cannot escape a good physique. First impression always matters. Let’s think that once this first impression is formed, the person will tend to confirm said impression. Something that can go in our favor if this first impression is good, but very against it if it is bad.

Appearance is processed in the brain instantly, before we even realize it. Thus, in less than 2 seconds we have already made a quick judgment of the person in front of us. His way of dressing, his complexion, his nose… Everything is cataloged and classified. Without saying anything, he has already told us a lot, or rather, we have interpreted a lot.

In fact, if it is the face, it takes us only a tenth of a second to determine its attractiveness to us. Therefore, love at first sight does exist. At least, the love of the physical.

The psychologist and sexologist Antoni Bolinches ensures that: “the woman looks first at intelligence; then, in sympathy, if she has fun with him: and finally, in personalityin that he is a mature, magnetic man”. He clarifies that the intelligence that attracts is “the constructive one, the one that makes a woman feel good, not the intelligence that overwhelms”.

According to Bolinches, men “At first, they are hooked by the feminine attractiveness, but, over time, that attraction diminishes. And, then, they need that relationship to be more or less comfortable. They are looking for a travel companion who provides emotional support“.

Hair and smell, key elements

Hair is one of the attributes that we value most. Specifically, women move between two poles. On the one hand, according to research, it is deduced that shiny, dense hair is attractive to them. For another, Baldness is not as badly considered as one might guess from some comments.

This is because Hair loss is directly related to high levels of testosterone in the blood. In fact, many studies consider that this hormone is responsible for the attractiveness we find in others.

Smell is the second deciding factor. Unless we are fetishists about it, an unpleasant stench makes us do everything except the desire to mate with another. In any case, It is better not to risk it and opt for perfumes or deodorants with fresh and pleasant aromas.

Beauty is not everything

There are people who, although they are not beautiful in the eyes of the majority, do have something special that makes them irresistible. It’s an “I don’t know what” that works as a magnet for them: their way of speaking, their look, their laughter, their humor… That interesting trait is also successful.

On the other hand, There are a few days a month when women are more attractive to men.: the length of your ovulation period. At that moment, they perceive and feel attracted by a set of sweet and pleasant aromas that the woman gives off. Pheromones, for example, make them feel attracted and raise blood testosterone by more than 100% in just minutes.

Other physical factors that arouse sexual attraction

Unconsciously, men and women tend to be attracted to symmetrical faces. In fact, this anthropometric trait is considered the greatest exponent of beauty. The color of the eyes is not so decisive, but the intensity of the limbal ring is., the strip that exists around the iris. The darker it is, the more attractive we find it.

Good height and well-formed muscles also provide an extra point of attractiveness. If we go back to the first stages of human evolution, observing how the force of Homo sapiens It was the key element for the survival of the entire family.

And this heritage has continued relatively to the present day. At the moment, Larger and taller men give women a greater sense of security and protection. This explanation would be part of the evolutionary theory that explains so well the variables that make us more attractive.

We are not so different from animals

We know that some of the elements that attract us most physically in other people are equally valued by certain animal species. For example, Lionesses also notice the fur of males. Specifically, in its quantity, density and color. The more intense and black it is, the more indicative it is of the presence of high levels of testosterone and the more they like it.

Female red partridges prefer males whose colors are more intense. These tones are synonymous with a strong immune system and a good diet. On the other hand, The horns, teeth or crests that males have transmit protection to females. and “symbolize” power.

Types of sexual attraction

Sexual orientation, fortunately, is revealing to society the thousands of faces it can take. Every day is freer and, although there are still too many obstacles to overcome, the truth is that progress continues. Therefore, here are some of the most common sexual orientations that are recognized today:

Halosexuality: term that encompasses normative sexuality, that is, heterosexuality, homosexuality, bisexuality, pansexuality, etc.Asexuality: The lack of sexual desire is also considered an orientation by organizations that demand its recognition. This lack of desire does not exempt the person from having romantic feelings.Demisexual: The person cannot feel sexual attraction to someone if they have not previously formed a deep emotional connection. It can be included within the asexual community, since it is the primary tendency.Greysexual: It is considered a midpoint on the spectrum between halosexuality and asexuality, since the subject can only feel sexual attraction at very specific times.

The wrinkle is also beautiful

The signs of youth are not much better valued than their opposites. At least, not as much as what they want us to believe from some mass advertising and marketing media, Creams, tricks, treatments… The fight against age and the passage of time.

But a study carried out by the Autonomous University of Madrid refutes this propaganda effect. Their conclusions indicate that Men are more sexually attracted to facial features that distinguish a female face from a male face.than towards those who show youth.

That is, they value more, for example, the absence of facial hair, thicker lips or less bushy eyebrows, than the fact that there is not even a mark or scar. The traits of aging do not usually count as a demotivating factor.

Love and attraction are not exactly the same

Falling in love is closely linked to sexual attraction.. But other factors influence it, such as the circumstances and time in which each person finds themselves, their receptivity, affinities, desires, values ​​or shared interests. Everything counts.

Therefore, sexual attraction is physical and chemical. Without a doubt, as we see, chemicals (substances and hormones) contribute to its emergence, but without a good first impression there is a lot of ground to cover. There is no doubt that sexual tastes and preferences vary from person to person. However, a mix of good impressions that generate pleasurable sensations in each of our senses will help trigger that sexual attractiveness.

You might be interested…