Sexual tension is a social phenomenon that occurs when two individuals interact and one or both feel
sexual desire
Sexual desire is an emotion and motivational state characterized by an interest in sexual objects or activities, or by a drive to seek out sexual objects or to engage in sexual activities. It is an aspect of sexuality, which varies significantly f ...
, but the
consummation is postponed or never happens. A common scenario is where the two individuals function in proximity, such as co-workers or in a group of friends, but do not have sex to avoid awkwardness or for other reasons.
Sexual tension can also occur when two individuals have previously had
sexual relations
Human sexual activity, human sexual practice or human sexual behaviour is the manner in which humans experience and express their sexuality. People engage in a variety of sexual acts, ranging from activities done alone (e.g., masturbation) t ...
and still feel an attraction towards each other, but do not wish to have sex again for fear of its effect on their current social situation—such as maintaining a relationship with a different partner. It can also be felt in situations when two individuals have a relationship devoid of physical contact, as in a long-distance relationship.
Sexual tension often occurs between individuals when the relationship is close and often flirtatious, yet the two people involved adamantly deny their feelings for each other. Meanwhile, it can appear extremely obvious to other friends or co-workers that such tension is present between the two individuals. When people give in to sexual tension, the relationship can become complicated and awkward if no new relationship level is established, as the relationship that existed before is no longer valid.
In fiction
Sexual tension is a common feature in works of
fiction. This longing is often suggested by incidents of
intimacy
An intimate relationship is an interpersonal relationship that involves physical or emotional intimacy. Although an intimate relationship is commonly a sexual relationship, it may also be a non-sexual relationship involving family, friends, or ...
; for example, when two characters are alone and in proximity (or actually touching), yet desire is never explicitly expressed. Another common theme is for characters to develop an interest in each other over the course of the story, and if this is expertly done, the audience can become aware of the growing attraction.
Sexual tension intensifies the audience's involvement with all characters involved. However, as several television series have discovered to their sorrow, tension dissipates when characters come together in sexual harmony. It is not like violence, which establishes the villain's credibility and makes the next round of jeopardy even more powerful. Instead, sexual fulfillment has the same effect on sexual tension that the death of the victim has on jeopardy.
See also
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Sexual frustration
Sexual frustration is a sense of dissatisfaction stemming from a discrepancy between a person's desired and achieved Human sexual activity, sexual activity. It may result from impotence, physical, human sexuality#Psychological aspects, mental, sex ...
Notes
References
*
* {{ citation , last1 = Palmquist , first1 = Susan , title = How to Write a Romance Novel , location = Winchester, U.K. , publisher =
Compass Books , year = 2012 , isbn = 978-1-78099-467-3
Plot (narrative)
Sexuality in fiction