The second definition you put up, Becky, sounds more appropriate for the word “hedonistic.” lol

These understandings of sensual make sense if we’re still using words like ‘hysteria’.

But for my own defniation I’d have to go with – sensitivity and taking pleasure from the senses.

They also list this definition:
1. The quality or state of being sensual or lascivious.
2. Excessive devotion to sensual pleasure.

“Excessive devotion?” — I don’t understand. I guess I have a very different appreciation for sensuality and see it as something positive and affirming.

My personal assessment of the word is that sensuality describes how your body physically and emotionally reacts to inputs from the various senses associated with your body (the five basic senses + your inner sixth sense or intuition).

In and of itself, it makes no distinction between sexually-derived sensations vs. those that aren’t sexually derived (though people tend to apply a sexual connotation to it, obviously).

When I associate the term sensual with someone, I am usually referring to (or thinking of) someone who takes in everything they experience and uses it for their enjoyment and betterment.

I’d agree. I think the key to your comment is the idea that “sexual” = “bad.” I don’t subscribe to that idea, but I can think of many who do.

“Sensual” can = “sexual” but I don’t believe it has to. But to think that “sensual” = “sexual” = “bad” or simply “sensual” = “bad” then we’re heading in the wrong direction.

A lot of women feel shame about being sensual, so I was upset to see that the definition sort of implied that sensuality was a bad thing. Why does “sensual” = “sexual” = “bad”?

I think our senses are amazing and powerful tools to connect with ourselves, others, and the world.
Avoiding sensuality leads to sexual problems. People have a hard time fully entering into the sexual experience if they aren’t tuned in to what their body is “sensing”?

1. sensual nature
2. indulging in or a desire for sensual pleasure (not necessarily unrestrained)

don’t the original #3 fits anymore.

Sensuality is defined as “gratification of the senses.” And goes on to say, “especially touch,” which nullifies all the definitions that you found.

I think that people who are sensual are people who use all their senses to understand the world around them. I think it’s a compliment.