9 Nonsexual Turn-ons We All Secretly Love

Picture this: your S/O is holding a baby, driving with one hand or running a hand through their hair. Do these nonsexual turn-on examples have you swooning? You’re not alone.

Tradition has us believe we’re turned on by ripped bodies, perfect hair, and breasts that defy gravity. But the brain is a complex organ, and what turns one person on will give another person the ick.

If you’ve ever been drawn to someone talking passionately about their favourite album or playing with a cute dog, you’ll know that nonsexual turn-on can have a major impact on arousal.

What are nonsexual turn-ons?

Nonsexual turn-ons are actions or stimuli that aren’t necessarily connected to sex but arouse or attract you anyway.

Traditionally sexual turn-ons are things like neck kissing, sexy lingerie, or a woman’s intimate panty scent.

Nonsexual turn-on examples can be anything that gets your heart racing that isn’t typically sexual.

Every person is unique, and so are their turn-ons.

This list can never be complete because there are just as many nonsexual turn-ons out there as there are people.

But these 9 nonsexual turn-on examples are the most common among people of all genders and sexualities. You have been warned: they might leave you a little rosy-cheeked.

9 Surprisingly Hot Nonsexual Turn-on Examples

Sense of humour

Know someone silly, cheeky, witty, or sarcastic, but not obnoxious or belittling? Charming!

Someone who doesn’t take themselves too seriously and clowns around can probably laugh most people into bed, making this nonsexual turn-on one of the most attractive qualities, hands down.

Passion!

Want a great partner? Date a geek. Or at least someone who loves to geek out.

Few things are more attractive than someone with a passion—music, comics, cooking, horror movies—and wants to share it with you.

Finding someone with hobbies and interests that are weird, authentic, and charming is a total nonsexual turn-on because it shows they know who they are, and what they want, and they’re not afraid to be real.

And what takes this irresistible trait to the next level? Developing talent or intellect from that passion.

You don’t have to be sapiosexual to find it hard to resist a woman with a PHD or a man who knows how to dance.

Reading a book

Yes, this nonsexual turn-on example is linked to passion and intellect, but it’s so hot it deserves a category of its own.

There’s a reason the Hot dudes reading Instagram account has over one million followers.

Does reading a book mean they’ll take you seriously? No. But it’s sexy anyway.

Confidence (not cockiness)

Someone who knows their boundaries and how to maintain them. Who clearly knows what they want out of life and how to get there.

They maintain eye contact. And if something’s not okay with them? They say it with assertiveness, not aggression.

Confidence and self-respect is a strong and sexy nonsexual turn-on example. Arrogance is not.

Genuine (not performative) kindness

A nonsexual turn-on for girls, boys, and every other gender? Real kindness.

Instead of someone with rock-hard abs, we all want someone with a moral compass and sense of justice, someone who is charitable and honest, who listens, empathises, and does thoughtful acts for the people they love.

Good with children

Why are people who are good with kids and animals so damn attractive?

Extra nonsexual turn-on points go to people who genuinely care about their family and friendships, too.

Hands

Hands come up time and again as a major nonsexual turn-on for girls and women.

Big and strong or small and delicate… why are hands so hot?

Hands are a vehicle for the imagination, letting you imagine romantically holding their hands and their potential to touch, stroke, and play…

Voice

A morning voice, a husky voice, a deep voice, or an accent. You don’t need to have a voice kink to have someone’s voice stop you in your tracks.

If you’re turned on by a popular accent like Australian, Irish, French, or Italian, you’re not alone.

Being a cute mess

That accidental laugh snort? Adorable. Scruffy hair in the morning? Irresistible.

Being a mess and not being self-conscious about it… that’s what we call the opposite of ick.

In conclusion? There’s nothing more attractive than being yourself.

Whether these nonsexual turn-ons surprised or inspired you, you shouldn’t change your personality or make new habits to win someone over.

The biggest lesson to learn from nonsexual turn-on examples is to be your kind, nerdy, confident self - and not take that self too seriously.