Physical Attraction Is Not Superficial

Whether they are in a romantic relationship or in the process of seeking one, some Christians may seriously contemplate the actual importance of physical attraction to their partners.  The answers supplied to them on the subject are often incomplete, unhelpful, or thoroughly incorrect.  In many cases, this form of attraction is characterized as a shallow, insignificant thing, with emphasis on the feature's of a person's soul drowning out an emphasis on interest in their body.  Despite this, the exact importance of physical attraction in a relationship depends on the traits, priorities, and preferences of all parties in the relationship.

Physical attraction is sexual attraction to a person's body, perhaps accompanied by a sexual reaction of one's own body in the form of physiological arousal.  Physical attraction is far from the only manifestation of sexual attraction, as sexual attraction can also be sparked by personality traits, emotional intimacy, and the nature of an established relationship.  Treating physical attraction as the only legitimate or possible form of attraction is erroneous, but having desires for it, even powerful, deep ones, is in no way a problematic thing.  In fact, it can be a great tool for the purpose of bringing about relational closeness with a partner.

Since people have their own individual personalities, some people might naturally crave physical attraction, while others might scarcely care about it or not care about it at all.  It is unfortunate that some Christians are taught that any significant concern with physical attraction to a partner is itself a mark of spiritual or emotional shallowness.  Emphasis on physical attraction only becomes superficial if someone elevates it above more important factors, whether by caring more about it than things like a potential partner's intellect, spirituality, personality, and moral character or by dismissing other factors altogether.

People do not succumb to shallowness by realizing that it is subjectively important to them that they feel genuine physical attraction to their significant others or spouses.  In some cases, acceptance of this fact about themselves can actually be a clear sign of maturity, self-awareness, and depth.  It might feel superficial for a person to recognize how important physical attraction is to them, but this only means that their emotions are not oriented towards reality.  Thankfully, we are not always everything that we feel we are.