What does it mean to be Sapiosexual? The attraction to intelligence

We have all heard of sapiosexuality or that attraction to other people’s intelligence. However, what is behind such fascination, excitement, obsession and delight? What is clear is that, in these cases, physical attractiveness comes in second place and, for once, it seems that the classic idea that love enters through the eyes first is out of use.

The truth is that until not long ago the term sapiosexuality only entered the field of popular culture. There were no scientific research and academic works on this topic. However, In recent years, references have been appearing.

In this article we will explore in depth what it means to be sapiosexual and we will learn about its main characteristics. In addition, we will present some interesting data derived from scientific research.

Finding love inside

Sapiosexuality has become fashionable to describe a circumstance that has always existed: the sexual-affective attraction for intelligence. Although the term is new, the relationship between intelligence and mind as factors of interpersonal attraction dates back to the writings of the philosopher Plato, as early as 380 BC.

People who identify with this type of sexuality allow themselves to be seduced through words. They like to have quality conversations and be part of dialogues that stimulate them. However, being sapiosexual does not mean that other parameters such as physical appearance or personality are not taken into account.

Sapiosexuality is one more aspect to include along with the rest of the criteria we use to choose who we would like to be with. In short, if we want to spend time with someone, they better provide us with interesting conversations and be able to maintain mystery and desire.

What does it mean to be sapiosexual?

This concept is used to designate those people who consider intelligence as the main factor of sexual attraction. The origin of this term comes from the word sapienswhich means ‘wise or judicious’.

These types of subjects are emotionally activated by novel stimuli and pay little attention to what is repetitive. They have a trait that personality psychology defines as openness to experience. For this, in seduction they feel attracted by conversations that open your mind. This activation, which is initially only mental, ends up extending to other levels, such as the physical, emotional and erotic.

Characteristics of sapiosexual people

Among the most outstanding qualities of these individuals we find:

They value the cognitive abilities of others. Intelligence is the most relevant factor for them.They appreciate dialogues and intellectual discussions deep and meaningful. This makes them feel more connected to the other person. They have a genuine desire to understand the worldThey are curious and open to knowledge.They experience greater connection and intimacy with those who have a passion for knowledge.They admire beauty, but it is not the most important thing for them when it comes to feeling attracted to someone. They tend to be a little selective when establishing intimate relationships, since Intelligence is a crucial factor in your romantic bonds.They appreciate intelligent humor.They tend to seek mental stimulation constantly, through reading, learning, etc.

sapiosexuality can understand any of the genres. Although there are no studies to support it, it is estimated that there are more sapiosexual women than men.

Why intelligence is so exciting to some people

If we ask why intelligence is so exciting, the answer may be controversial. That attraction to intelligence quotient (IQ) would be beyond any gender or sexual identity. However, the idea is also defended that within our own sexual orientation, we look above all for brilliant people.

Now, science still does not have conclusive answers regarding whether or not we would be facing another gender identity. Despite this, a study of Magazine Intelligence found that the majority of participants in the analyzed sample were attracted to intelligent people and that this attraction was positively correlated with intelligence.

The results also showed that Attraction to intelligence is not associated with age, gender, or sexual orientation. Individuals of all ages, genders, and orientations reported being attracted to intelligence.

On the other hand, the authors wondered whether excessively high intelligence was also considered attractive. Thus, they discovered that The relationship between IQ and attractiveness is curvilinear. That is, it reaches its peak when reaching an IQ of 120, but declines when it reaches 135. Curious, right?

When a person’s mind is exciting

Sexual arousal is not figurative or part of a fashion. It is an authentic biological mechanism by which someone experiences fascination, excitement and desire for this specific factor and not for others. In fact, Before the term “sapiosexuals” appeared, the word “nymphobrainiacs” was usually used.

Far from having any pathological component, it would reveal a particular response of attraction towards people with high intellectual gifts. An example, it is said that Marilyn Monroe He always felt a high fascination for Albert Einstein. The photo of the famous scientist always accompanied her in all her homes.

Childhood as an explanation

There is no shortage of those who point out that one of the reasons why intelligence is so exciting would be in our childhood. On the one hand, there are those who warn that having had a very intelligent and charismatic parent means that throughout our lives we look for those same faculties in our partners.

On the other hand also It is stated that we look for in others what we desire for ourselves. Most of us would like to have vast knowledge and also those communication skills capable of enchanting, seducing and fascinating through words.

The personality of a sapiosexual

What distinguishes these people from others? Personality psychologists point to a high level of the personality trait known as “openness to experience.”. It corresponds to subjects who are curious, have imagination and are open-minded. In general, they appreciate art and like to hear innovative ideas.

Sapiosexuals, being open-minded, are not only attracted to intelligence, but also value diversity of thought. They are prone to listen carefully and respectfully to the ideas of others, even if they are different from their own.

Sapiosexuality and evolution

This new form of sexuality seems to be somewhat disconcerting, given that The psychological variable comes into play, confronted with evolutionary or biological theories.

These classic trends speak of the power of attraction marked by a merely perpetuating trend. That is to say, Men tend to choose women with attributes associated with motherhood and immaturity. (small nose, big breasts, wide hips, and big eyes and mouth).

Besides, Women look for characteristic traits of dominance or care of offspring (large jaw, muscle strength, or tendencies to help others).

It is obvious that the criterion of searching for a partner marked by health and survival has become obsolete, which is why new scientific trends are emerging that transform classic hypotheses in line with current times.

Being sapiosexual is a change of focus

Sapiosexuality reflects the change in perspective on attraction in an interconnected world, where the exchange of information becomes increasingly relevant. Given this context, it is not surprising that the intelligence of others is valued more.

It is essential to remember that, like all forms of attraction, Being sapiosexual is just one of the many nuances that make up human sexuality. At the end of the day, the key is to find a genuine connection, whether based on intelligence, shared passion, or any other characteristic.

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