Desire (libido)
Also known as libidosex drivewanting
Desire, or libido, is the wish for sexual connection — a natural drive that fluctuates over time and differs widely between healthy people.
The gist
Desire is how much someone wants intimacy, and it's normal for it to vary — across a lifetime, a relationship, or a single week. Stress, sleep, hormones, health, and connection all influence it. Differences in desire between partners are common and workable with communication rather than a problem to be ashamed of.
Related
Arousal
Arousal is the body and mind's response to sexual stimulation or desire — a build-up of excitement that varies naturally from person to person and day to day.
Responsive desire
Responsive desire is arousal that grows in response to intimacy or connection rather than appearing beforehand — a common and completely healthy pattern.
Spontaneous desire
Spontaneous desire is wanting intimacy seemingly out of nowhere, before any stimulation — one of two normal, equally healthy ways desire shows up.