Imagine that you enter a room full of people. You greet some familiar faces but then you see an attractive person. You can't resist looking at that beautiful person even though you don't know each other yet. You can't really give an explanation about this instant attraction that is so physically appealing. Whether we realize it or not, we tend to look for partners who are physically attractive. We do value other qualities such as kindness, a good sense of humor, understanding, and intelligence. But when it comes to dating and relationships, both men and women prefer dating someone they find attractive. Physical attraction in a relationship is important and there are a number of reasons why it matters.
4 Signs of Physical Attraction
What is physical attraction in a relationship? The attraction has been defined in different ways with the help of biology and psychology. According to biology, hormones are responsible for attraction. Psychologists claim that it is rooted in our minds in early youth. Both are plausible theories and you can easily detect the signs of physical attraction. You just have to notice how people behave when they are attracted to each other.
1. You smile in each other's company
It feels good to be with someone you are attracted to. That's why you can't stop smiling at their company. When a couple smiles a lot, it means that they are attracted to each other. Physical attraction matters a lot to start a relationship and keep the passion alive.
2. You want to touch them
If you are looking for excuses to touch someone, whether it is a pat on the back or more obvious like hugging, you are attracted to that person.
3. You feel nervous
When you find someone attractive, you may feel nervous. It's difficult for you to convey your feelings or simply their presence makes your palms sweaty. You start fidgeting and keep fixing your hair or clothes.
4. Whispering
You might have noticed couples who lean closer to each other when they are talking. They usually whisper because they share an intimate connection. When people are attracted to each other, they usually talk in a low voice or whisper because they want to stay close to each other.
4 Reasons Why Physical Attraction Matters
Noticing signs of physical attraction helps you in understanding the dynamics of bonding and romantic relationships between people. It helps you to understand what physical attraction is in a relationship. But have you ever wondered why it's so important to feel that physical attraction for your partner? It is one of the major binding factors that keep the couples happy and passionate about each other. If a person doesn't feel a physical attraction for their partner, they will not be satisfied with the relationship.
1. Lack of physical attraction can cause a lack of sex life
When you are looking for a potential partner, having a satisfactory physical relationship is one of the most important factors you consider before making a commitment. If you are not attracted to your partner and you marry due to other reasons, you will not be able to have good sex or not want to have sex at all. Dr. Laura Berman, a relationship therapist says, "Attraction results from the unique information gathered by all our senses." It means that you are attracted to someone not only because of their looks but also because of their smell and the way they talk. Every individual finds someone attractive on the basis of different things. If there is no attraction from the start, it will not develop over time. It is an instinct ingrained in human beings and you need to be with someone you find attractive.
2. Lack of physical attraction means lack of affection
Physical attraction doesn't determine the success of a relationship but it does help two people in love and bonds them with each other. There are other important factors like understanding and trust but if a couple doesn't have a natural affection, their relationship seems dry. There is no hugging, cuddling, teasing, and very little show of affection. Both partners should have an attraction and liking for each other to develop love and fondness for each other.
3. Lack of physical attraction leads to a lack of emotional attachment
There is a lack of emotional attachment when one partner considers the other one to be less attractive. It is not just about the actual appearance but the perception of someone about themselves in their partner's eyes. Another reason for a lack of emotional attachment is that you end up with someone you didn't find that much attractive but they were a suitable match due to factors such as financial status and personal qualities. However, do keep in mind that looks wear off over time. Then your bond and attachment keep the relationship intact. It doesn't have to depend solely on looks.
4. You don't value your partner
When you are not attracted to your partner, you don't develop affection for them. Even if they are good in other ways, you find it difficult to care for their feelings. Relationships suffer because one or both partners don't value each other even if everything seems perfect on the surface. That's why it's important to have that intimate connection which mostly stems from physical attraction.
It Depends on Your Preferences
There is no doubt that physical attraction plays an important role when you choose a partner. However, the attraction isn't simply about good looks. It depends on your preference what you think is attractive. For example, some men find strong athletic women to be attractive while some women think that good personality and charm are more attractive. However, keep in mind that long-term relationships don't simply rely on physical attraction because looks wear off over time. It's not the only thing that keeps the relationships vibrant when you look into long-term relationships. But as human beings tend to go with their natural instincts despite knowing that the other qualities also matter, the importance of physical attraction cannot be denied.