What is the Difference Between Lust and Attraction?

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The main difference between lust and attraction lies in the nature of the feelings and the intentions behind them.

Lust is a craving for sexual satisfaction, driven by hormonal desire for sexual gratification, and is focused solely on physical gratification or self-gratification. Lust involves a deliberate and excessive indulgence in sinful desire. Signs of lust include spending most of your time with a partner being physically intimate, having little interest in their life outside the bedroom, and having different values.

Attraction, also known as passionate love, is associated with feelings of excitement, cravings for emotional connection, and intrusive thinking about the beloved. Attraction is often based on positive qualities, such as kindness, intelligence, or humor. Signs of love include being emotionally vulnerable, looking forward to meeting their friends and family, and feeling secure in the relationship.

In summary, lust is purely sexual attraction, while attraction is a more complex and multifaceted feeling that involves emotional connection and appreciation for a person's positive qualities.

Comparative Table: Lust vs Attraction

Here is a table comparing the differences between lust and attraction:

Feature Lust Attraction
Definition Lust is a passionate, overmastering, uncontrolled or illicit appetite for, or after something; a strong or excessive craving or desire for sexual gratification. Attraction is something providing pleasure or delight, especially in appearance or manner; pleasing, charming, fascinating, alluring, or considerable; something capable of grabbing attention or being noticeable.
Focus Lust is self-centered and based on attraction and sexual desire. Attraction is centered on the other person and can involve a mix of emotional, physical, and intellectual connections.
Characteristics Lust often involves uncontrollable yearning and can be associated with covetousness and idolatry. Attraction only requires noticing and appreciating someone or something without the need for desire or physical gratification.

In summary, lust is a self-centered, intense desire for physical intimacy, while attraction is a multi-faceted appreciation for someone or something that can involve emotional, physical, and intellectual connections.