Attraction and connection are words we hear all the time but what do they actually mean?
Attraction is the predisposition to find connection with someone. Features we see in someone; their personality, appearance, physique, manners, the way they talk etc. that we find appealing and inviting. That attraction is often the initial spark that prompts people to approach each other and explore a potential connection.
The emotional attraction goes beyond physical appearance and involves being drawn to someone’s personality, values, and emotional expressions. Emotional attraction is essential for deeper and more meaningful connections.
We can be attracted to someone emotionally without being physically attracted to them.
Connection on the other hand is the ability to share emotions, experiences and feelings; understanding and resonating with someone else’s state. In other words, the meeting of minds, body or soul. I would add it’s our ability to be our true self with someone and being vulnerable. While I’m mostly thinking about in in terms of a romantic / sexual context here, it works similarly for all types of relationship, friendship, family, professional etc.
Connection and attraction are 2 distinct things and don’t necessarily go hand in hand.
When it comes to intimacy, you can be highly attracted to someone only to discover you can’t connect with them and sex is unsatisfying. Just like you could deeply connect with someone emotionally and have amazing sex even though you weren’t initially attracted to them physically or as we would commonly say, “they were not my type”. However once that connection is establish you see them in a different way and they are attractive to you.
While attraction can be the initial pull, it is the depth of connection that sustains and strengthens bonds over time. Different individuals may prioritize different aspects of attraction and connection based on their personal values and experiences.
Do yourself a favor and stay open to challenge your perception of people and give a chance to someone perhaps you would not have considered trying to connect with. You might find your life enriched by it.
