SENSUAL VS EROTIC SEX

There are different ways people engage in sex, and sometimes it does not involve penetration. Herein is what to know about sensual vs. erotic sex, including; the difference between sensuality and eroticism, what sensual and erotic sex are, and defining sensuality and eroticism.

You have the freedom to make sex into anything you want it to be, provided it feels comfortable to you and your partner. You and your partner must sail on one boat for sex to be amazing; if you feel rough is better than slow sex, ensure your partner shares the same views. Some people use eroticism and sensuality interchangeably, but they bear different meanings and characteristics. Below are the differences between the two.

Difference between Sensuality and Eroticism

Sensuality and eroticism have varying definitions. You can picture yourself taking a quick bath before heading to work and a relaxing one after a strenuous day. Quick showers have a goal, but they do not feel satisfying. However, evening showers are soothing, and they help calm your nerves after a long day. It is easy to put a definitive meaning to sensual sex and erotic sex when in your imagination. Sensual sex consumes every being of your existence, while erotic sex is a culmination of sexual desires and fantasies harbored for a long time.

What Is Sensual Sex?

Sensual sex is considered one involving the five senses; touch, smell, taste, sight, and sound. Involving the five senses is more like embodying the moment. You have to ensure your surroundings are perfect for sensuality to thrive. Below are some ways you can make sensual sex an amazing experience;

• Use soft lighting like candles or a dimly lit room
• Put on a sexy lingerie
• Play soft music; it could be a calm classic, jazz, or their favorite playlist.
• Invest in a fruit-scented perfume like vanilla or strawberry
• You can give them a sensual massage using scented massage oils or candles
• Try to study their body through gentle touch and light kisses

Jackson & Scott (2007) noted that sensual sex is about putting off distracting thoughts bringing about anxiety and allowing your body to be immersed in the moment. Sensuality opens the door to an unlimited level of sexual connection that awakens the body. Both partners need to be in harmony with each other and allow their souls to entwine while also communicating physically and verbally to determine what stimulation the other craves.

What Is Erotic Sex?

Erotic sex involves exploring a wide range of sexual fantasies and desires. People often do not know what they find appealing in bed, but through erotic sex, they can put a name on their preferred sex method and style without limits to connection. Erotic films like the Fifty Shades of Grey portray erotic sex as kinky and wild, while some porn videos have titles like "erotic films."  These subconsciously set our minds to think that eroticism has to involve sex, which is not the case at all. Erotic is the feeling that brings about the desire to have sex. According to Regan & Atkins (2006), erotic sex focuses on experimenting with things that stimulate your sexual urges with this understanding. People who feel they are never in the mood for sex participate in it due to moral obligation. There is a lot you can do to boost eroticism in your relationship;

Focus on Your Health

Get a gym membership, start a morning routine and eat healthily. These help you to put your health status in check. Healthy diets also boost your body's overall appearance, thus cultivating confidence and self-esteem.

Boost Emotional Intimacy

Due to emotional barriers destabilizing the connection, your relationship may be on the rocks. You can look for ways to mend this barrier; communicate, practice healthy conflict habits, and most importantly, go on dates to bring back the spark.

Align Your Mind And Body

What the mind feels, the body will bear and vice versa. Therefore, the body and mind must be on the same ship. Get enough rest and watch how your mind rejuvenates if you feel your body is too tired to engage in sex.

Defining Sensuality

Some people have different notions about sensuality, but the one that surpasses them is the gratification of one's desires. These desires may or may not be sexually oriented. Bryant & Veroff (2017) stated that sensuality allows you to be present, savoring every minute of each moment. Wearing beautiful lingerie that appreciates your contours can bring about feelings of sensuality, especially when you admire yourself in a mirror. Also, receiving a sensual massage from your partner is sensual, their hands gently caressing your body as the scent from the oils seeps into your nose. Eating is also sensual, especially when it's a meal you enjoy.

Defining Eroticism

Bradford & Meston (2006) defined eroticism as a state of sexual impulse or arousal. However, it is easy to confuse it with sensuality. Animals, like humans, have sex, but they do not experience eroticism. This analogy makes people believe that sexual desire is fueled by eroticism; it is eroticism that fuels our sexual needs. Eroticism does not have to be experienced through sex; looking at a beautiful painting, for example, can bring out erotic feelings. To fully embrace eroticism, one needs to be willing to explore and satisfy your needs. For instance, masturbating increases sexual arousal and lets you know what works best for you.

The Bottom Line

Everyone has varying perceptions of sensual sex and erotic sex, making it hard to define the two terms accurately. However, slight differences might help people edge closer to the appropriate definition. Sensuality is the gratification of the five senses, while eroticism is how people’s minds react to things they find arousing. Also, one does not have to engage in sexual activities to savor the emotions of these two acts; you can engage your dog in a cuddling session and still feel sensuous after that or do it solo to experience a pleasurable and mind-blowing orgasm. Erotic sex can quickly escalate to sensual sex only if you engage in the steps outlined under erotic sex.

Reference:

Bradford, A., & Meston, C. M. (2006). The Impact Of Anxiety On Sexual Arousal In 

Women. Behaviour Research And Therapy, 44(8), 1067-1077.

Bryant, F. B., & Veroff, J. (2017). Savoring: A New Model Of Positive Experience. 

Psychology Press.

Jackson, S., & Scott, S. (2007). Faking Like A Woman? Towards An Interpretive 

Theorization Of Sexual Pleasure. Body & Society, 13(2), 95-116.

Regan, P. C., & Atkins, L. (2006). Sex Differences And Similarities In Frequency And 

Intensity Of Sexual Desire. Social Behavior And Personality: An International Journal, 34(1), 95-102.