The Laws of Human Attraction: Fact or Fiction?
"Opposites attract" is a law of attraction, at least in electromagnetism.
But are there laws governing the attraction of two people? "In a world full of strangers," as a lyric from a popular 1980s song goes, "is there a clear set of laws that permits two people to fall in love with each other?"
These compounds were sought after.
Is attraction a chemical reaction?
Maybe.
Scientists believe that the attraction between animals of opposing sexes is caused by molecules known as pheromones.
The influence of pheromones on insect behaviour has received the greatest attention to date.
At least in some trials, pheromones are responsible for any communication within the same species and colony.
The repulsive stench emitted by skunks to ward off predators is thought to be a type of pheromone.
To attract possible mates, certain ape species smear pheromone-containing urine on their feet.
Some scientists believe that animals (typically females) such as insects and mammals emit these chemical signals to inform males of their species that their genes vary from theirs.
This gene diversity is critical for developing children with a higher likelihood of survival.
Pheromones have been used by the perfume business to boost one's sexual attraction to the opposite sex.
These compounds were sought after by hunting whales and musk deer.
Scientists are now investigating the presence of human pheromones and their significance in mate selection.
There are several competing theories in biology, chemistry, genetics, and psychology.
Most scientists believe that they do not exist, or that if they do, they do not play a role in male-female sexual attraction.
However, recent research, such as that undertaken by Swiss academics from the University of Bern led by Klaus Wedekind, is gradually forcing these experts to reconsider their stance.
During their ovulation phase, they had women sniff the cotton shirts of several males.
It was discovered that women liked the fragrance of men's clothes that were genetically distinct yet shared similarities with the women's DNA.
This, like in the case of insects and other animals, was done to ensure stronger and healthier traits for their offspring.
However, experts noted that a woman's ovulation time, the food males eat, perfumes and other scented body items, and the usage of contraceptive pills all influence their preference for a masculine odour.
Is there a role for personality in sexual attraction?
Yes, but so is your assessment of the personality of a possible spouse.
According to a 2003 study on interpersonal attraction and personality done by Klohnen, E.C., and S.
Luo, a person's sense of self-security and, at the very least, the person's assessment of his/her partner were found to be substantial predictors of attraction in hypothetical settings.
What does this mean? We favour a specific personality type that draws you to someone.
So, how does attraction play a role in romantic relationships?
You've probably heard that attraction is a precursor to, or a component in, a relationship.
Most likely, at least at first; nonetheless, attraction alone cannot make a relationship succeed.
It is an attraction that causes you to notice a person of the opposite sex, but after you get to know the person better, attraction is only one factor to consider.
Long-term partnerships emphasize shared beliefs, aspirations, and passions.
So, should I give up on striving to be attractive?
Rather than focusing just on your physical appearance, focus on all elements of your health: physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual.
Physical attraction is still used as a starting point.
Remember that biology predisposes us to pick the spouse with the most healthy genes.
In terms of your feelings, simply ask yourself, "Would you want to spend time with someone uneasy about himself/herself?" Most likely not! Understanding oneself brings wisdom: knowing who you are, your views, values, and dreams.
And don't act like someone you're not.
Making another individual believe that you share the same values and ideas would only lead to disappointment for both of you.
When you are healthy in all respects, beauty becomes a byproduct rather than an objective in itself.
As indicated in Klohnen and Luo's study, a person's sense of self-security is important, possibly even more than attraction.
But keep in mind that you are doing these things for yourself, not for others.
Only then will you be able to properly utilize your personal appeal?