Difference Between Attraction and Lust

Main Difference – Attraction vs. Lust

Attraction and Lust are two words that are often used to describe sexual desire. However, it should be noted that these two words do not only refer to sexual desire; they can also refer to strong feelings about something. Lust can take many forms such as lust for power, lust for knowledge while attraction can describe a feature that evokes interest or liking. The main difference between attraction and lust is, lust is a craving or an intense desire while attraction is a strong liking or interest.

What is Lust 

Lust can be described as an intense feeling or emotion. It is a kind of craving or a great desire. Though lust is often used in terms of sexual feelings, lust can take many forms such as lust for power, and  lust for knowledge. Many religions, especially Christianity, classify lust as an inappropriate desire that ultimately leads to sin. Therefore, lust is considered to be morally wrong. In Christianity, lust is considered to be one of the seven deadly sins. However, lust should not be confused with passion or sexual attraction, which is considered to be important aspects of a relationship. The word uncontrollable is often connoted by lust. It is this uncontrollability that sets this apart from feelings like passion and sexual attraction.

Though the definition of lust does not indicate any negative feelings, as lust seeps into the mind, it tends to evoke negative emotions that can lead to harmful actions. Lust can lead to certain actions without regarding results or consequences. Lust is usually associated with negative feelings as it is overshadowed by selfishness. We lust for things that lead to our own personal enjoyment and a person overcome by lust hardly thinks about the consequences of his actions.

What is Attraction

Attraction is an intense like or interest in something or someone. It can be described as the action or power of evoking interest in or liking for someone or something. Sexual attraction is a normal human feeling and a need. Here, an individual is attracted by the physical attributes of another person. Attraction does not only describe the sexual attraction between two people. Other than the physical appearance other characteristics like intelligence, qualities and character traits can attract a person. Sexual attraction is different from lust in the sense that lust is sometimes associated sin. In contrast, sexual attraction is regarded as something natural and essential to the continuation of the human race.

Attraction not only describes an interest or a liking towards other people but also towards non-living things. A person can be attracted to an object or a place as well. A place that has an interesting history, architecture or another significant features and draws visitors is known as a tourist attraction. Attraction can also refer to a quality or a feature that evokes interest or liking. For example, consider the sentence; the main attraction of the phone is its metallic design. This implies that the design is the feature that attracts the customers most.

Colosseum is one of the major tourist attractions in Rome.

Difference Between Attraction and Lust

Meaning 

Attraction is a strong interest or liking for someone or something.

Lust is a great, uncontrollable desire or craving.

Rightness

Attraction (sexual) is a natural feeling and essential in a successful romantic relationship.

Lust is considered to be morally wrong.

Connotations

Attraction is viewed in a positive light.

Lust in associated with negative feelings.

Image Courtesy:

“Colosseum in Rome, Italy – April 2007” by Diliff – Own work. (CC BY-SA 2.5) via Commons

“Lujuria Lust Pecado Original (3969921829)” by Gabriel S. Delgado C. from Puerto Ordaz, Venezuela – Lujuria / Lust: Pecado OriginalUploaded by Fæ.(CC BY 2.0) via Wikimedia Commons

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