Sexual tension is a situation that happens when two people interact and feel attracted to each other, but they do not have sex. This can happen for many reasons, such as avoiding embarrassment or because they are not ready.

This often occurs between people who are close, like coworkers or friends, and may tease or show interest in each other. However, they might hide their feelings or avoid acting on them. Sometimes, others around them may notice the tension even if the people involved do not. If they later decide to have sex, it can create problems if they do not agree on how their relationship should change, since their previous connection may no longer fit.

Sexual tension can also happen between people who have had sex before but still feel attraction. They may choose not to have sex again to avoid problems, such as hurting another relationship. It can also occur in relationships where people are far apart and do not have physical contact, like in a long-distance relationship.

In fiction

Sexual tension is a common element in stories. This feeling is often shown through moments of closeness, such as when two characters are alone and near each other (or touching), but their desires are not clearly stated. Another common idea is that characters may grow interested in each other over time. When this is done well, the audience can notice the increasing attraction between them.

Sexual tension helps the audience stay engaged with the characters. However, some TV shows have learned that this tension can fade when characters share a romantic moment. Unlike violence, which makes a villain seem more dangerous and increases the risk for other characters, sexual fulfillment reduces tension in a similar way that a victim's death reduces the danger in a story.