Sexual tension is a situation that happens when two people interact and feel attracted to each other, but they do not have sex or delay having sex for some reason.

This often happens when two people are close, like coworkers or friends, but choose not to have sex to avoid discomfort or for other reasons. Sexual tension may also occur when people are close and playful with each other but hide their feelings. Others around them, like friends or coworkers, might notice the tension even if the people involved do not. If people with sexual tension decide to have sex, it can create confusion or awkwardness if they do not clearly define their new relationship, because the previous relationship may no longer fit.

Sexual tension can also happen when two people who have had sex before still feel attracted to each other but avoid having sex again to protect their current relationships, such as staying connected with someone else. It can also occur in relationships where people are close but 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 close moments between characters, such as when two people are alone and near each other (or touching), but they do not directly say they want to be close. Another common idea is characters slowly becoming more interested in each other over time. When done well, readers or viewers can notice the growing connection between them.

Sexual tension helps make the audience more engaged with the characters. However, some TV shows have found that when characters finally act on their feelings, the tension disappears. This is different from violence, which helps show a villain’s strength and makes future dangers more exciting. Instead, when characters have sexual satisfaction, it ends the tension in the same way that a victim’s death ends a dangerous situation.