what is 'emotional' attraction?

[Cromm]

I've seen this phrase used by a lot of people here, but I don't think everyone is using it in the same way. What does 'emotional attraction' mean to you?

By the posters here, it seems to range in meaning from romatic love, to friendship. It's kind of confusing to me.

So, what does it mean to you?


~ CC

[Sceneboy612]

well what you are talking about is probably about someones sexuality, and how they need a physical emotional feeling to be gay/bi/straight. Emotional is basically saying h.ow you can love a person, who they really are, without judging them on appearance or anything physical. The emotional part of a relationship is something that is needed along with the physical part. you can kinda think of it as yin and yang

[Cromm]

See, that's just it, people use the term when trying to disscribe or even ASK their sexuality. To me, hetro/homo is about who you are sexually attracted to; but people say they're -emotionally- attracted to one gender and sexually attracted to another... well what the heck does that mean?

... I just don't think people are using the term the way I would, so I'm asking ;)


What you're talking about is (to me at least) romantic love. It's different from lust or erotic love... but emotional attachment can be different from all three.


How do all of you define it?

[The Joker]

Romantic love is 'emotional attraction'.

Physical attraction, or sexual attraction, is thinking they are hot/look good.

[MoveAlong]

I think sometimes we on VT make things too complicated, so I can understand why you're getting confused. People use the words differently, too.

Personally I think that two people should be good friends to have a good relationship. They like hanging out and making jokes and talking. So friendship is one level.

While people may share the same ideas, like political ideas, or interests, I think a "mental attraction" is not just an intimate thing between lovers. I think this is a part of a friendship. I've noticed that I find attraction in activities that the other person does. Like, it's appealing to me when I see someone who's a musician, cuz they share an interest with me. Or exercise, so I know their healthy. Or good plans for life, so I know they are smart.
But this may also play a part in an intimate relationship, because someone could be a good provider or someone who can nurture kids, and that's a charactaristic you'd look for in a spouse. I just think it doesn't HAVE to play into an intimate relationship.

Romance is the love and deep caring for the other person. This is caring more than friendship - like this is the most important person in your life. Romantic activities are like really intimate activities like holding hands, a kiss, etc.
This to me is "emotional attraction".

And then the physical attraction is the same as sexual attraction. Attractive facial features, a nice body, etc.
BTW I've found that I overlook a few flaws (like someone who's a little chubby) because of the mental or emotional attraction I have with them.

I think all of these play into each other in order to create a strong relationship.

[YourFriend]

Emotional attraction to me means when i love someone, when i want to be with that person for emotional and not sexual reasons.

[mosaic.]

To me, emotional attraction is romantic love for someone you would consider to be your life partner. Think marriage, and romantic companionship.

And if you ask me, trying to set your emotional attraction towards one gender is completely naive and marked with denial. Physically, men and women are distinct. You can prefer the penis or the vagina. Emotionally and metaphysically? Well....