Attractive vs. Pretty/beautiful/sexy?

[rubyrose83]

I was wondering mostly about a man's perspective on using the word 'attractive' to describe a woman he's involved with as opposed to more common descriptors such as pretty, beautiful, sexy, etc. A man that I'm seeing called me 'attractive' the other day. I don't think I've heard this one from a guy before. I think I prefer the other words. Attractive seems detached, like an 'attractive place setting'or something. He's called me sexy before too, which I liked much better. Thoughts?

[DivaMonae]

I personally think you're over thinking it. Out of all the words you named attractive represents all of them. Although you're not exactly sure which way he finds you appealing attractive applies represents each one of those.

Where as the other words are all still compliments but they have their own idividual meaning like cute/pretty when that word is said I think more so towards younger people (like kids) and if not that then I would say it kinda means like if the word "pretty or somewhat" was before it. Like she's pretty cute or pretty attractive but... She's not my type, too young, etc.

Attractive can work for sexy or seductive as well and although who wouldn't want to get their ego boosted and feel sexy and empowered when guys use that term I personally think they're thinking with their penis instead of their mind.

And then like you said beautiful I personally think that it's the best one of all and really meaningful because it doesn't just have to apply to physically but it could also be emotionally. Being a beautiful person regardless of what way just personally tugs on my heart strings vs the other terms.

Anyways yeah attractive isn't necessarily detached but you will have to dig a little deeper to realize what form of attractive or just how much a guy is into you when he uses that term. You can sometimes read their body language and see how they said it to decipher which form of attractive that they meant.

[DivaMonae]

Thanks for MH :)

[Anonymous]

There are many types of attractive. Cute, sexy, and sleazy can be types of attractive. I havev found women I would call attractive that are not really very pretty. I still found them sexually attractive in some way or another. A woman can have an attractive personality with an ugly face and bad body. Meaning I would still desire her in a way. Attractive is a good thing. It just isn't very descriptive of how, especially without the context of the situation. Beautiful for example, is a more specific type of attractive.

[Dubhlann]

JMHO:

Attractive is me wanting her. Pretty/beautiful/sexy is how she is. She can be pretty/beautiful/sexy and still not be attractive because of some other factor... Maybe she's a bitch... maybe she's racist... maybe she smokes... All those things I find unattractive and thus even if she's pretty/beautiful/sexy I won't think she's attractive.

[BritishMarshmallow]

This basically. If you're pretty, beautiful, hot or Smexy : Cool ^^
But if you're dumb, mean, bitchy, things like that... Unattractive so: Nooooooooooooooo

[TadCurious]

I think sometimes we can over analyze things and wonder if there are clear distinctions between words when there really isn't any meaningful difference. I'm sure your boyfriend thinks you're pretty, sexy and beautiful. He just happened to use the word "attractive." I can see how that might seem more detached, but I bet he thinks you're hot.

[ConsultantIsBack]

It's basically synonymous for me but I do tend to say attractive because it's classier than "OMG UR BODY SO HOT" and sometimes I use it to refer to her holistically, her personality as well as her physical appearance.

[Anonymous]

i usually use "attractive" when i'm trying to acknowledge a woman beauty without expressing real interest. my cousin tried to set me up with his neighbor but I wasn't interested. I said "I mean she's attractive, but just not really my type."

[frederikwinter]

Attractive is a much more individual emotion. Beauty should be measured against a defined scale. Sexy can be with or without beauty. Attractive can lead to sex, but it can also be without any erotic emotion.

[TheHooptyMiata]

Attractive to me means someone I want to fuck. Thinking about it, so do the others. Yeah, these words are synonyms.

[MarkTwain]

Attractive is something that that is on the surface.
(Hello, what is your name?)
Sexiness is something that echos from the inside.
(That fire in your eyes, can I play with it?)

[Anonymous]

Well attractive means more like you look good to most and pretty is more personal just like beautiful is said with more emotion and personal if you kind of get what I mean and sexy is said more when your looks are a turn on I would think

[clampfan101]

It is rather vague... 😕 Do you think you should ask him what he means by it?

[Anonymous]

attarcttive is a umbrella term