What does romantic and sexual attraction mean to you?

[dreamerboy]

I know just about enough to know that I can't relate to much of any of it at all. It's kinda frustrating that when I google "what does it mean to be romantically attracted to someone", the first answer I see is "a type of attraction in which people desire a romantic relationship with another person.". Okayy... really? But what even IS a "romantic relationship"! LOL

So I ask google what a romantic relationship is and it says it's a "mutual, ongoing and voluntary interactions between two partners that is characterized by specific expressions of affection and intimacy." ...okay... but how is that any different than just having a close friend for life? Perhaps people just mean like a "super special friend" that's got some "super exclusive privileges" that other friends can't have, like doing life completely together (living together, making decisions together, etc)? I mean, I only guess so...

The definition for sexual attraction I find first on google seems rather simple: a desire to engage in contact with someone sexually. Googling the definition of sexual orientation is a bit frustrating, especially since the definitions seem quite allonormative... "a pattern of sexual attraction"? Really? If those defining sexual orientation had considered asexuals, they'd have to also include "the lack of attractions" in that definition as well.

But whatever, in theory, sexual attraction and orientation both sound really simple, but in reality, allosexuals (people with sexual attractions) seem to speak of it as being more nuanced than that. Allosexuals have pointed out that being sexually attracted to members of a gender doesn't mean being sexually attracted to every member of a gender. They've also pointed out that sexual attraction isn't the same as merely objectifying someone sexually. Some have even gone as far to say it doesn't even mean you instantly want to get into someone's pants, but if that's the case, then why is it "sexual" attraction and not simply just other forms of attraction? 

So you see, I find this topic really puzzling...

[InbetweenDreams]

Some things you can't google. I don't know how old you are or what experience you have had with relationships. Best way I can put it is sexual attraction is just that, whatever "it" is that turns you on is that. What causes it, might be eyes for some, a big ass, a big dick, a certain build, it might be their personality that turn you on (look up demisexual).

What I can say about romantic love is it feels more like unconditional love and yes sexual attraction and everything else is mixed in. You're accepting that person for who they are and generally speaking you want to spend the rest of your life with that person.

The reason there isn't a singular answer is that there's a lot to sexual attraction, far beyond what the headlines would suggest, it's not just about gender and body characteristics (and so on you get the idea), it's all the nuances about that person, their personality do how they laugh, how they walk or dress, how they treat others. Why is one person sexually attractive and not another? A lot of things about sexual attraction that aren't by themselves sexual.

It is puzzling but I also think some of the definitions are perhaps a bit to rigid, I find that most everything about sex and sexuality don't really fit into one or any particular box.

As far as the labels and definitions, go with what fits you best or

[JDD22]

 

   'Ello—So! Romantic attraction to me is sex, dedication, and—of course—love all rolled into one! I agree with Mr. InBetweenDreams, some things you simply cannot Google; in addition to the fact that you do not have to follow everything on Google.

   Sexual Attraction is mainly the physical stimulation you get from an individual; for example, their overall physique like their build; the way they slide the tip of their nose up your shoulder or even just how their voice resonates through you.

   I can't really put it much more than what Mr. InBetweenDreams said!

   I'd like to be certain that I answered the title to your thread thoroughly!

   Take care—all right?

[Muscledude098]

I know just about enough to know that I can't relate to much of any of it at all. It's kinda frustrating that when I google "what does it mean to be romantically attracted to someone", the first answer I see is "a type of attraction in which people desire a romantic relationship with another person.". Okayy... really? But what even IS a "romantic relationship"! LOL

So I ask google what a romantic relationship is and it says it's a "mutual, ongoing and voluntary interactions between two partners that is characterized by specific expressions of affection and intimacy." ...okay... but how is that any different than just having a close friend for life? Perhaps people just mean like a "super special friend" that's got some "super exclusive privileges" that other friends can't have, like doing life completely together (living together, making decisions together, etc)? I mean, I only guess so...

The definition for sexual attraction I find first on google seems rather simple: a desire to engage in contact with someone sexually. Googling the definition of sexual orientation is a bit frustrating, especially since the definitions seem quite allonormative... "a pattern of sexual attraction"? Really? If those defining sexual orientation had considered asexuals, they'd have to also include "the lack of attractions" in that definition as well.

But whatever, in theory, sexual attraction and orientation both sound really simple, but in reality, allosexuals (people with sexual attractions) seem to speak of it as being more nuanced than that. Allosexuals have pointed out that being sexually attracted to members of a gender doesn't mean being sexually attracted to every member of a gender. They've also pointed out that sexual attraction isn't the same as merely objectifying someone sexually. Some have even gone as far to say it doesn't even mean you instantly want to get into someone's pants, but if that's the case, then why is it "sexual" attraction and not simply just other forms of attraction? 

So you see, I find this topic really puzzling...

Romantic relationship is not just sexual attraction, this includes trust, responsibility, dedication, and loyalty to your partner. The sexual relationship includes mutual physical attraction, hard-on, a bed, and a condom.

[allin4oral]

Hmmmm, interesting and hard to answer.
Romantic to me means an attraction that covers everything (physical, charater, personality, etc.) about the person, you want love and all of the aspects of a relationship regardless of any imperfections that individual may have. In short - OMG, he is adorable and I want him in my life.
Sexual attraction means being attracted to an individual that meet specific physical attributes (and typically only physical) that meet your criteria for a relationship that fills your sexual needs. The imperfections of that person can easily stop your attraction (unlike in a romantic attraction) or must be overlooked for the moment. In short - OMG, that cock is gorgeous or that body gets my cock hard.