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Can sexual attraction grow when the emotional connection is already strong?

7 replies

Midfortiescamb · 26/09/2026 19:56

A man who was a colleague and I have become much closer...exchanging the most beautiful emails (he's 56, a Professor, I'm 47) and I feel like I'm being beautifully courted. I adore his mind and heart. He's supremely generous and intelligent and full of wonder for life. (We are no longer colleagues). We always interacted via Zoom so now we've met three times in person. He's also amazing because he was obese and has now lost 27kg through lifestyle and is close to his goal. We have been to bed twice and it was such an unusual experience. I don't feel physically attracted to him in my usual way because he's not conventionally handsome and looks his age or more (I realise he's still in weight loss transition). His penis was small and didn't work that well. BUT I was very turned on and it felt very erotic and I keep thinking of him, wanting him. He's not the greatest kisser either. I'm not sure either if we look good together. I've been honest and said I'm not sure the sexual draw is as strong as the intellectual/emotional one and he said it is beyond fine...he adores me and just wants to spend time with me and see where it goes. That he wouldn't begrudge me sleeping with someone else etc. Has anyone had this kind of start to a relationship and the sexuality has grown? He must have been very nervous the first two times...he's apparently loved me for a while and had a long break from relationships after his fiance sadly committed suicide in his 30s. He may be my favourite person.

OP posts:
lottiegarbanzo · 26/09/2026 19:57

Yes

Flomingho · 26/09/2026 20:01

I think it depends on how highly you prioritise physical attraction. It sounds like he ticks all the boxes with regards to how you get on and as a person. In my honest opinion I think physical attraction and the spark is there from the start. It's something that can develop in time. Our brains make quick decisions within minutes of looking at a person.

XmasCrackPies · 26/09/2026 20:04

He's intelligent, kind, generous, joyful and also willing to let you have a boyfriend on the side? Girl, marry that man 💍

brisamarina · 26/09/2026 20:10

I believe it can definitely develop and have experienced this a couple of times myself. One ex partner was, I suppose, conventionally quite a nice looking chap but the polar opposite of what I’m usually attracted to. I didn’t fancy him one bit but he woo’d me into a couple of dates and I gradually became extremely attracted to him. He had a great personality and made me feel good about myself and I fancied him rotten in the end.
You don’t sound remotely put off by this chap, just go with it and see what develops. Good luck

highlandponymummy · 26/09/2026 20:15

Definitely! I wasn't physically attracted to my now DH, but he was the kindest person I'd ever met. Nor was it great when we first slept together, but it got better and better. I've been with him for 27 years now, and can't believe I didn't find him attractive.

downtoearththensinksthesun · 26/09/2026 20:18

In my experience, no. I really did try hard though but the attraction just wasn't there.

fuschiaproudparrot · 26/09/2026 20:28

The fact that he said he would be happy for me to go with another man would destroy any emotional connection I had.

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