The difference between physical attraction and sexual attraction can be hazy at times. When I see a boy I'm attracted to, I don't immediately think of having sex with him. I think of how nice it would be to get to know him and how fulfilling it would be to be around to help him grow up, being there for him thru all the highs and lows every boy goes thru while maturing. If there is any physical thoughts at all, it's generally my desire to hug him. But for me, I know I would eventually desire to express my love for him thru sexual means. That's what makes me a pedophile. That's why I try to keep the two attractions separate as best I can. They're never totally separate because, as Chris said, the two are very closely connected.

If you have no sexual feelings at all for boys, there's no reason you can't have the relationship you describe. You can be a big brother, or volunteer at some youth organization. (BTW, I'm not saying those WITH sexual feelings towards boys can't do this too. They would just have to be more careful and set proper boundaries.) Most pedophiles' attractions go well beyond the sexual ones, but the sexual attractions are still there. If you really have no sexual attractions to boys, you may not be a pedophile, which I think is a good thing. It would be one less burden you would have to carry.

Dakota