10 Signs You Might be Sexually Curious

Curiousity in all forms is both normal and healthy. When it comes to sexuality, as we evolve throughout our adulthood, it only makes sense that our sexual identities would come into question, in one form or another. From bi-curiousity to already-gay-but-questioning, anyone can be sexually confused at different points during their lifetimes. We sat down with Alyson Jones, a relationship expert and psychologist, to gain some insight into common indicators that a person may be sexually curious. Read on to see if any of these 10 signs sound familiar, and know that, regardless of whether or not you can relate, curiosity, an open-mind and respectful dialogue is the cornerstone to a healthy sexual mindset — however you identify.

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You might be sexually curious if… you are open-minded and feel at ease with others’ sexual identities and orientations

Sexual curiousity is nothing new, but in our present society, there is a much higher level of recognition and open-dialogue when it comes to orientation and preference. “Many people are discovering they are curious about their sexual choices rather than solely defining their sexuality from a heteronormative view,” says Alyson Jones.

Your open-mind and comfort with others’ sexual identities could also be an indicator of your own sexual curiousity: “If you are a person who loves to live outside the box, sexual curiosity may be part of your mindset.” Adds Alyson, “You may enjoy hearing and talking about other people’s experiences and find yourself intrigued by the myriad of possibilities that exist for yourself and others.”

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You might be sexually curious if… you are aware of a fluidity in your own sexuality

Do you find it difficult to categorize your sexual identity? Do you find your preferences continue to change over time? “Most people are not entirely gay or entirely straight,” says Alyson, “But rather they fall somewhere along a continuum. For some, their sexual preferences may lean heavily towards one end of the spectrum, but for many, these preferences can move up and down the spectrum.” Much of this, explains Alyson, can vary and depend on a person’s life circumstances and timing.

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You might be sexually curious if… you find yourself drawn to explore different options and choices around sexuality on the Internet

“The online world has made it much easier to explore and get information about sexuality,” says Alyson. She explains the “safe space” and anonymity of the Internet, where, Alyson notes, “one can begin to explore without the fear of judgment.”

SEE ALSO: Why millennials are having less sex than any other generation in human history.

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You might be sexually curious if… you do have an open mind toward sexual exploration

“You might be sexually curious if you do not judge differences and believe that anything that two consenting adults do sexually is fine, as long as nobody is exploited or harmed,” says Alyson. Being open-minded to this kind of exploration, without feeling threatened or intimidated, adds Alyson, may indicate that you are more open to experimenting yourself, broadening the scope of what you enjoy or are curious about.

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You might be sexually curious if… you wonder how others would react if you adopted a different lifestyle

It’s only natural to wonder about the reaction of those around you when considering a shift in your sexual identity. “You might find yourself thinking about how others would act if your releveled your desires or lived a different kind of lifestyle,” says Alyson.

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You might be sexually curious if… you find yourself desiring both men and women

Do you find yourself checking out both attractive men and women when they walk past? “We can all appreciate attractiveness in others,” says Alyson, “But if you are finding both genders to be sexually desirable, then you might be a little more curious and fluid in your sexuality.”

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You might be sexually curious if… you find yourself fantasizing about sexual encounters that are outside your current sexual identity

This indicator, explains Alyson, is based on the idea of fantasy versus dreams, which she explains, is very different: “It is natural for sexuality to come up in our dreams, but dreaming about a sexual experience does not mean that is your preference. Fantasizing is different than dreaming.” says Alyson. “A healthy sexual life is usually supported by a rich sexual fantasy life.”

Ultimately, it’s important to pay attention to what it is you’re fantasizing about. If a particular theme or scenario keeps coming up in your fantasies, it may be worth exploring it to some degree in your real life.

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You might be sexually curious if… you are a person who can feel desire for a variety of reasons and with a variety of stimuli

“Desire in itself is not static and stagnant,” explains Alyson, “But rather it can shift and change. The things that excited you may be wide and varied rather than associated with a specific gender.” Alyson also makes a point to note that our desires “occupy a high portion of our energy and our lives and is often the impetus to exploration”. Ultimately, while much of our desires are a result of the “emotional and physiological elements hard-wired into us” — these desires are not necessarily things we must act on, but rather tools toward gaining some insight into ourselves.

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You might be sexually curious if… others notice and bring this up to you

While you may not realize that your curiousity has been picked up on by others, you might be surprised to discover you’ve been subconsciously sending out signals without even realizing it. “You may be sending out some vibes that are catching the attention of others,” says Alyson. “You do not have to accept unwanted sexual attention and it is good to draw your boundaries, but if you are enjoying this attention and feedback, it may be illuminating your own desire.”

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You might be sexually curious if… you feel it in your gut

Trust yourself. Often, beyond any specific signs or indicators, it’s that tug at your gut, that tickle at your core that signifies your subconscious is trying to get your attention. Listen to that little voice and bring those thoughts to the surface. This doesn’t necessarily mean you have to act on every curiousity, but why force these thoughts aside? Life is too short to live it according to any one blueprint — your life should be one by your own design, so get out there and live it.

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