Sexual tension is one of the most common signs that you and another person have chemistry. You feel the tension the moment you meet thar other person and it usually doesn’t go away on its own.
If you’re not able to satisfy your sexual tension feelings because you’re in a relationship with another person, or because you don’t want to ruin a friendship, then it can be a serious issue.
Sexual tension can be a problem if you are in a relationship with another person. However, if you’re single, sexual tension might be a sign that something exciting is about to happen.
What is sexual tension really?
In old movies, a woman in distress would faint or get in trouble, and a handsome man would catch her. Suddenly, you’re thinking about sexual tension as they gaze at each other.
Sexual tension may occur between lovers, friends, or strangers.
For some people, sexual tension may still occur in their relationship with someone for years. For instance, you may have been with a partner for a long time, and sexual tension might occur after a certain event.
A teenager may feel sexual tension whenever they hear a certain member of their favorite group sing, even though the celebrity is oblivious to it.
Some people can feel intense or weak sexual tension. It can make one feel anxious, excited, or agitated.
It’s a sexual urge that’s not being met in the moment. In this article, we’ll talk about the causes of sexual tension and how you can identify its signs.
What causes sexual tension?
Sexual tension can come from various factors. Some of these include romance, physical attraction, and hate.
We’re sure that you experienced it at some point. You may have felt this when you were sitting next to someone who is attractive or when you made eye contact with an attractive stranger. Your heart rate increases as you start to sweat, and there is a part of you that wants to kiss that person.
During times like these, your body releases hormones that are capable of running wild. Your mind is trying to make a rational decision while also trying to fulfill a desire.
The sexual tension builds
If you’re flirting with someone you’re interested in, then sexual tension might not be building as much as it would if you decide to kiss them after your first date.
If you’re feeling feelings for a long-term friend or someone in a committed relationship, then your sexual tension might be higher.
The concept of sexual tension is not desire or lust, as it is the stopping point that prevents anything sexual from happening.
Even though sexual tension can be hard to fight, it’s also a necessary part of any relationship. It can help you avoid making a lot of stupid decisions.
Take a minute and consider how amazing it is when you finally make a move following sexual tension. Whether it’s been months or years since you started flirting with someone, the release of sexual tension can feel more intense once it has been building.
The main reason why sexual tension can develop is to prevent or prolong sexual desire.
Why you sometimes want someone else
If you’re in a relationship and experiencing sexual tension with someone else, then don’t feel bad. It’s not always possible to stop thinking about someone else.
Being able to care for someone is different from having sexual tension with another individual. It’s only when you take action that a boundary can be crossed.
Human beings are not meant for monogamy. Being in a committed relationship is a choice that most of us have made, and therefore, our instinct might work against us sometimes.
Although you may feel passionate about someone else if you care about them, you should refrain from acting on these feelings.
The signs of mutual sexual tension
These are some of the signs that can help you determine if there’s mutual sexual tension in your relationship.
We also have some advice for dealing with these feelings if you want to avoid acting on them.
1. Lots of eye contact
If you’re attracted to someone because they also feel the same way, then you might start making a lot of eye contact.
Since eye contact is a form of communication that shows an individual’s connection with another person, it only makes sense that people with sexual tension would spend some time looking at each other.
2. Immediate flirty behavior
Mutual sexual tension can be confirmed when you see someone and then greet them in a very flirtatious manner.
The first thing you do after seeing someone is to spark the attraction. It’s also clear that both of you are thinking about one another sexually.
3. Increased heart rate
A couple of individuals who are both attracted to each other and experience sexual tension will likely feel upbeat and nervous around one another.
If your heart rate keeps increasing around them, then it’s likely that you’re experiencing mutual sexual tension.
4. A lot of smiling
You cannot help but feel aroused whenever you encounter sexual tension with someone you are interested in. When the tension hits, you will be more inclined to be flirty or crazy. This natural response is triggered whenever we come across people we want to get close to.
5. Horniness
If you’re feeling horny and thinking about having sex with someone, then there’s a good chance that you and the other person are experiencing sexual tension.
6. Flirty body language
Your body can tell you a lot about how you feel, and if you’re feeling sexual tension with the other person, then you might be leaning in to talk to them, or you might be casually touching them or straightening your clothes.
7. It’s like a magnet is pulling you toward them
You never know why you end up next to someone else, even in large groups. This is not a random occurrence.
Mutual sexual tension can be regarded as a type of magnet. It makes us want to be close to those who make us feel great.
8. Mutual staring
You cannot help but stare at these people even as you’re across the room. They’re also staring back at you when you look at them.
This is a huge sign that you and the other person are experiencing sexual tension. It’s clear that both of you want to have sex with each other.
9. You can just feel it
The feeling of sexual tension is real when it occurs with other people. It’s different from the feeling that you get when you’re attracted to someone.
This feeling can feel throughout your body, but it’s usually felt in certain areas of your erogenous zone, such as your breasts, groin, and neck. These areas are sensitive to sexual tension.
10. It’s all in the touch
This doesn’t mean that the other person is trying to grab your ass. If they are, then try finding someone who is more respectful to you.
If the other person starts laughing, then they might touch your arm or put their hand on your back. These are minor gestures, but they can help close the gap between you and them.
11. Heavy on the smiles
Genuine smiles are valuable on people you’re not interested in. If you and the other individual smile frequently around each other, then that’s a good sign that they’re enjoying their time with you. A smile is an automatic response to something that makes us feel happy.
12. Up close talking
They may be naturally curious people who come into your personal space when talking, or they may be interested in you sexually.
It’s not possible to explain why you would want to talk to someone who you don’t like. In most cases, when we don’t like somebody, we try to make sure that there’s enough space between one another.
13. It’s all laughs
We typically avoid laughing with people we’re not interested in unless they’re genuinely funny. If they’re into someone, then anything they say will likely make you giggle.
If you find this individual laughing at everything that you’ve said, then they’re likely crushing on you.
14. Silences aren’t awkward
Although silences are not ideal, they are also not bad things. In this case, there are no awkward silences that leave you feeling strange in your stomach.
The presence of silences only heightens the level of sexual tension between you and the other person.
15. They move in close
They’re also close talkers, and they can help close the gap when you’re not engaged in conversation. They lean toward you while you speak, and they’ll sit next to you with their legs touching. The closer the person is, the more sexual tension there is between you and them.
16. Their eyes are all over you
They’re likely looking for you, not other people. They’ll probably try to catch your attention whenever they get the chance.
Your body and face are the things that they’re looking for in someone. They’ll probably try to catch your attention if they see that you’re attractive.
17. Flirtatious jokes
They introduce some naughty but affectionate jokes around you, observing how you respond to them. Initially, these are harmless, but over time, they turn into explicit cues that indicate their intent. As their sexual tension grows, so does the level of these jokes.
18. You feel they’re going to kiss you
You start to feel that they’re going to kiss you when you lean into each other and both of you smile. There is a feeling that you want to kiss them but you have to think about it.
19. Long pauses
They’re stunned by your actions. A smile after a long pause indicates that they’ve been thinking about you. Although you may have been talking, they haven’t stopped daydreaming about how much they want to kiss you.
20. Other people comment on the two of you
People are also commenting on the sexual tension and chemistry between you. You may have thought that only you and the other person could see it, but everyone can see the sexual tension between two individuals.
21. Nervousness
A sign that you’re attracted to someone is being nervous around them. But, being uncertain about what will happen if you make a move heightens the sexual tension between you and the other person.
You may come across as a little unsure of your words when talking to them. In addition, you may feel butterflies in your gut or fidget when you first see them.
22. Blushing
When you blush around someone, whether they compliment you or accidentally touch your hand, this is a sign that you are feeling anxious.
23. Laser focus
Even if there’s work to be done, or other people around, you’re still interested in this individual. This is because you’re focused on them using both your mind and sight. It’s hard to let go of them when they’re around.
24. Hesitating
The longer you wait, the more sexual tension develops between you and the other person. You hold out hope that the other person will make the move even if you do not.
Even though you’re no longer with the other person, you still take a second look to see if there’s something that might happen.
25. Physical awareness
Your awareness of the body increases as sexual tension develops. For instance, if you hand this person a coffee and brush against their fingers, it will feel more intense than if you do it with other people.
By becoming more aware of your gestures, you are more inclined to touch your hair, face, and even accentuate your assets without realizing it.
26. Awkwardness
When sexual tension is involved, it can feel like you’re in high school again. This makes you feel like you’re flirting with someone before you fully understand how to handle your hormones.
Awkwardness can appear in various forms, such as a giggle, a snort, or even a nervous tick.
27. Arguing
This isn’t typically seen in real life, but it’s what’s commonly seen in movies and TV shows. Usually, this is used by couples who argue a lot to avoid sexual tension.
Sometimes, people will make fun of each other or argue with one another when they don’t want to give in to their desires.
28. Intense desire
Although sexual tension can seem obvious, it is actually partly caused by intense desire.
Even though you may not want to drool over this individual, you have a feeling that is close to it. Ideally, you would like to be alone with them and let things happen.
29. You never feel relaxed around them
When you’re around someone who shares sexual tension with you, you won’t feel like you’re in a state of relaxation. You’ll always feel like you’re constantly on your toes.
Since you never know what might happen between you and the other person, you’re always on alert.
30. Sweating
Although sweating is a common sign that you’re feeling nervous, it can also occur when you’re with someone who turns you on.
Your body temperature increases when you can’t control the feelings that are causing you to sweat. You may also start feeling warm and start touching the back of your neck or forehead.
31. You automatically face each other
Sexual tension can be seen in various aspects of your body, such as your feet and body position. When you position your feet and center of your body toward the other, it signals a physical desire.
32. Internal battle
There are times when you can experience the inner battle between sexual tension and your body’s desires. Your rational mind will fight these urges.
Your brain will stop you from touching their hand but you may still feel this internal struggle.
33. There is something unsaid
One sign of sexual tension is the feeling of being held back by something that is not being said by either side. Whenever you speak or say goodbye to the other person, you feel that something is being held back.
34. Daydreaming
Your subconscious may be screaming for this person in a daydream or an actual dream. If you cannot be with them in real life and cannot satisfy this yearning, your mind will be displaying what this part desires.
You could have a sexual dream or a daydream about being with this person. If you cannot satisfy this yearning in real life, your mind will be displaying its desires.
35. The spark
You may have experienced the spark that you seek in a partner when it comes to dating. Although they may not be the type of person that you would like to be with, you have a unique chemistry with them that you can’t describe adequately.
36. Denial
Even though you acknowledge that there is mutual sexual tension between you and the other person, you often deny it. This is because you don’t want to share your feelings with the other person.
Sexual tension can be denied by those who are experiencing it, whether they are in a relationship or working as a part of a group.
37. There’s sexual body language
If the other person starts touching your upper leg or hair while you’re sitting down, this could be inappropriate.
You’re aware of what sexual touching is, and if the other person starts touching your genitals, chest, or neck, well, they’re not being just friends.
38. There’s always physical contact
Although you’re not saying that you have your hand on the other person’s chest, there is still some level of physical contact.
You may feel like the other person is sitting close to you, and you may touch their back or arms. Although it doesn’t have to be sexual, there is something deeper happening when two individuals touch each other.
39. The energy changes when you two are together
Even though you’re friends with the other person, the energy level changes when this individual approaches or enters the room.
If you are attracted to the other person, then this could be a sign that you are shifting from being friendly to being sexual.
40. Your voice changes
A fun fact about it is that when a person starts being sexually interested in another individual, their voice changes.
Men tend to have fuller and more prominent voices, while women have a softer and more raspy tone. With that in mind, it’s possible to tell whether or not the person is hiding their feelings by observing their voice.
41. You want to be alone with them
You probably hang out with some of your mutual friends, but when it comes to being alone, you don’t want to be with other individuals.
It’s likely that you touch each other in a playful manner. However, when you’re with your friends, you have less chance of doing so.
42. You linger, they linger
The movie has already ended, and no one wants to leave. Instead of walking home, you continue talking to them on their couch.
They ask you to go home but still want to be with you, this shows a lot about the person’s feelings. It also indicates that they enjoy being around you.
43. You challenge each other
The fight between you and the other person is escalating. You both make fun of one another, and you’re always striving to be better than the other person.
The competition is not because you dislike the other person. It’s because you’re fighting your inner conflict and sexual attraction against your thoughts. If this person isn’t your type, then you don’t want to give in.
44. You feel it most when alone with them
Although the sexual tension between you and the other person remains strong when you’re with a group, it’s when you’re alone that sparks will start to emerge.
It’s like you want to jump over them and remove their clothes. You can’t wait another minute.
How to deal with unwanted mutual sexual tension
Mutual sexual tension can be easily solved if you’re single. There’s nothing stopping you from being with the other person.
One of the easiest things in the world is to have sex with whomever it is that you want.
If you’re in a relationship and are experiencing feelings for another person, then there are some steps that you can take to manage it and avoid making a big mistake.
1. Avoid being around them
If you’re not able to get with that person, then avoid them. This will prevent you from experiencing sexual tension with them.
2. Remind yourself why you can’t do it
Keep in mind the reason why you and the other individual cannot be together. Eventually, you’ll associate them with being wrong, and this will help reduce any naughty feelings.
3. Think of your partner
A committed relationship can help you deal with the unwanted sexual tension with the other person, as it makes it easier to focus on the damage that you could do to them.
4. Think of the consequences
This can also help you avoid exacerbating the sexual tension. What could happen if you gave in?
You’re likely not going to get anything good out of it. Pondering about the consequences will help you get over the sexual tension.
5. Stop flirting
You have to stop flirting with that person if you don’t want to deal with the feelings that you have for them. Doing so will only make the situation worse.
6. Shut down the possibility early on
If you’re friends with the person, then shut down the possibility of ever being intimate with them. You won’t be able to give them any hope that it will ever happen, and it will be easier to let go of their feelings once they stop pursuing you.
7. Ask friends to intervene
If you’re not sure whether or not you trust yourself, then ask your friends to help you. They can help you steer the other individual away from you and remind you why you shouldn’t be with them.