It is often said “the heart wants what the heart wants”. However, when physical attraction is in play is the heart, or is it the brain (cognitive thought, emotional associations), or is it pure biology and genetic compulsion? Do humans have a choice in how they select who they are physically attracted too? What we say about physical attraction and how we respond to it seem to be very different based on geography, culture, and moral interpretations or influences.
The similarity is that physical attraction plays a significant role in how deep we respond and interact with another person. Genetics lead us in one direction – we as humans seem to be more physically attracted to those with similar features to us, or direct opposite of us. For instance one person that is smaller boned, a little shorter and not really holding much muscle may be interested physically in someone similar to their body type. Research also suggests that a direct opposition of attraction is significant a person with more curves may want someone that is very lean for example.
Proximity to the person or the exposure to the person in situations where the attractiveness of their physicality is on display also lend an influence. The idea that physical attraction can develop with more exposure to the person is highly supported in the literature available. There is a direct correlation to heuristic associations too. For example, a person is always nice to others and seems to be there when you need them. Many times a physical attraction develops, one position is that the attraction becomes a mental feeling of obligation, while another opinion is that the physicality has been related to the whole entity in a positive relationship based from the actions one witnesses of another thereby determining character that leads to visualization of specific characteristics.
Physical attraction is the most influential attraction when it comes to sexual activity or interaction. The idea that touch and energy exchanged between two people leads to a physical attraction is well documented in the literature on the subject of mating and includes similar findings in a “hook – up” culture. Other cultural influences will also lead to a lack of physical attraction activity as the idea of finding one physically attractive is forbidden or diminished in some ideology around the World. The conclusion – physical attraction is an unknown variable but one of powerful influence on human behavior – science is divided, and the reality of unifying human physical attraction by any specific study that does not account for all potential options of race influence, status influence, and cultural norms is going to be an assumption based finding.
The suggestion! Look and touch where you feel is appropriate as long as the reciprocity of the attraction is present! Enjoy life and realize that hormones, psychology, biology, and sociology all influence your attractiveness to another and those that you find physically attractive to you! Act upon your attractions at your own discretion and never live a life with guilt, fear, doubt, or regret!
You will need to keep one solid tenet in mind – Just because you are physically attracted to someone else this does not mean that those feelings are reciprocal! The other person may not be attracted to you! So, know when to move forward and when to scale back. Choices such as these are not yours alone to make! The choice to act upon your thoughts or feelings is one of your individuality – but the response is individual to the other person and you MUST always respect that reality!