by Mayv 'SpearBourne' Amaia

Created on: May 20, 2010   Last Updated: September 05, 2011

Unresolved Sexual Tension, commonly abbreviated as UST or URST in fan fiction circles, is exactly what it sounds like: sexual tension between two characters which goes unresolved or even unspoken and unacknowledged.

UST refers to two, or sometimes more, characters who have a perceived chemistry together, but do not act on it.

There are various reasons a potential pairing might remain apart, including a career that could preclude time enough to establish a relationship, familial obligations that leave one emotionally drained and/or physically exhausted, or it could be that it would be somewhat taboo to pursue that person romantically.

It could also be as simple as neither party being willing to admit to harbouring such feelings, even to themselves.

UST has appeared in many media, and has been the focus of, or a subplot in, movies, books, and television series.

The term began to be used mainly for Mulder and Scully of The X-Files and has spread across multiple fandoms over the years.

When Unresolved Sexual Tension is seen in a television series, it more often than not leads to a drawn out story arc which eventually culminates with the characters winding up together.

But in fan fiction, a writer can keep the characters apart for several chapters, or even indefinitely.

The question of "Will they or won't they (get together)" can keep audiences spell bound for many episodes or chapters.

It is the lack of resolution or the holding back of their true emotions that enraptures both the writer and the audience alike.

Knowing that this would-be couple belongs together while being aware that they will not or cannot express their innermost desires can be quite tantalising.

Such unfulfilled feelings can be frustrating but also provide an interesting and in-depth character study as well as insights into that (fictional) person's psyche.

UST can also refer to Unrequited Sexual Tension, which is a one-sided version of the preceding term. One character pines for another, but the object of affection does not return the sentiments.

Where Unresolved Sexual Tension is of a more adult nature, Unresolved Romantic Tension is of a more "innocent" nature. URT can refer to characters of any age, but more frequently occurs with potential pairings who are only just entering puberty or have yet to experience sexual maturity.

There is also "curiurst," which refers to curiosity about uncharted sexual territory, an anticipation and wondering about what certain sexual experiences might be like.

Unresolved Sexual Tension has become so pervasive a term within online fan fiction communities that its usage has spilled over into real life. One might observe a similar situation and comment on it, remarking that Person A has some unresolved sexual tension with (absent) Person B. Person A might deny it, or it could provoke introspection.

References:

http://fanlore.org/wiki/UST

http://web.archive.org/web/20080822041856/http://www .subreality.com/glossary/terms.htm#U

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=unres olved+sexual+tension

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