Okay, so this topic about feeling “turned on” popped into my head last weekend. You know how it is, you hear the phrase thrown around, in songs, movies, maybe friends joking, but actually pinning down what it really feels like for just a regular person? That seemed fuzzy.
I figured the best way to get it was to just… pay attention. To my own self. Sounds kinda simple, maybe obvious, but how often do we actually stop and just notice what’s happening inside?
Here’s exactly how I went about it:
- Made it a thing: Told myself, “Alright, for the next few days, if I get that buzzy feeling, that little spark somewhere, I’m gonna actually pause and pay attention to it.” Didn’t try to force it, just set the intention to notice.
- Started noting the triggers: First hit was… unexpected? Sitting on the couch Sunday morning, sun streaming in warm through the window, just perfect temperature on my skin. Felt this sudden little rush of warmth inside, a slight fizzy feeling in my belly. Like yeah, the sun just felt really good right then. Made a mental note: “Okay, physical comfort, cozy warmth.”
- Experimented a little: Later, I put on an old song I used to love years ago. One that kinda makes your heart beat a tiny bit faster. Listened really closely. Boom. There it was again. That little flutter in the chest, a bit of energy building. This time it wasn’t just physical; it was tangled up with memories, feelings. So add: “Familiar music hitting those nostalgia/mood chords.”
- Noticed the physical shifts: The next one happened when… okay, this is kinda personal but hey, it’s my journal. Just a really nice, slow hug from my partner. Not necessarily about sex yet, just that deep, warm connection. Felt my breathing slow down but get deeper, felt this pleasant tension building in my muscles, like a gentle pull towards that closeness. Skin felt a bit more sensitive too. Key point: Physical touch + emotional connection = clear physical response.
- Played with anticipation: This was interesting. Had a flirty text exchange. Nothing super explicit, just playful. Reading it later, just waiting to meet up, actually made me feel more awake, more alive. Heart rate definitely picked up, a sense of eagerness. So the idea of something fun coming up, the good kind of waiting, counts as a trigger! “Mental excitement, anticipation.”
What really clicked for me:
- It’s a physical AND mental shift: It’s not just thoughts, and it’s not just body stuff. It’s both happening at once. That warmth, that energy buzz, that focus – it’s your whole system saying “Whoa, something good/interesting/exciting is here!”
- Everyone’s triggers are different: For my buddy, it’s probably fast cars or something loud. For me? Sunny windows and slow hugs! Makes total sense now why people get turned on by such wildly different things.
- It doesn’t have to be about sex! That surprised me a bit. Feeling super engaged in a conversation where you’re clicking intellectually? That spark of excitement cracking a tough problem? It feels similar! It’s like your whole system kicking into a higher gear, becoming intensely interested and energized.
- It’s energy: Plain and simple. That’s the core feeling I kept noticing. A buildup of energy inside. Like plugging a phone into a charger and feeling the little vibration of power flowing in. That’s being “turned on” – your internal battery starting to buzz.
The big takeaway: I guess feeling “turned on” isn’t some super complicated, mysterious state reserved for movies. It’s that tangible shift you get when something – physical, mental, emotional, or a mix – sparks your interest, warms you up, and gives you a little jolt of alive energy. Paying attention to my own experiences this week was way more helpful than any textbook definition.
