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Love. “I can’t really describe her.” -Manti Te’o. Do opposites attract?. Generally, no The two exceptions: Extrovert-introvert Immune systems -The T-shirt tests ( Thornhill )
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Love “I can’t really describe her.” -Manti Te’o
Do opposites attract? • Generally, no • The two exceptions: • Extrovert-introvert • Immune systems -The T-shirt tests (Thornhill) Women were asked to smell t-shirts previously worn by men, and state which shirts they were most attracted to. The findings showed: • Women most attracted to those shirts worn by men with slightly different immune systems; • Women most attracted to symmetrical men; and • Supported the existence of pheromones (chemicals that indicate sexual receptivity) in humans
Physical Attractiveness • Numerous studies demonstrate that people are attracted to those who remind them of their opposite-sex parents • In addition, a recent study (Perrett, University of St. Andrew’s) suggests that you are most attracted to people who look like ….
Falling in love • When a person falls in love, the brain raises the production level of two neurotransmitters • dopamine: feeling of bliss • Norepinephrine (aka adrenaline): racing heart & excitement Together they produce: -elation - craving -intense energy - loss of appetite -sleeplessness - loss of focus
Falling in love • Falling in love also causes a drop in serotonin, and suppresses neural circuits responsible for assessing people critically • Result: obsession • The process of falling in love is known as passionate love( aka limerence ) (Hatfield, Rutgers University)
Can it last? • Almost certainly not • Studies indicate that the chemicals responsible for the feeling of passionate love can only last a maximum of 2-3 years. • Problem: A large number of people marry during the passionate love period • Then they realize that their partner has flaws
Then what? • Whether your passionate love can transition into companionate love (aka true love) appears to depend on: • Idealization of partner. The ability to put a positive spin on your partner’s behavior (Berscheid, University of Minnesota) • Length of Courtship. The longer the courtship, the longer the relationship will last (Huston, University of Texas, Austin)
K-I-S-S-I-N-G • Kissing as part of romance is believed to be older than recorded history. One theory states that kissing started as a way for mothers to pass on nourishment to their infant children. • Women use kissing as a method to measure partner’s health (Hughes, Harrison, Gallup, 2007) • Kissing also appears to activate neurons that promote empathy and reduce inhibitions (Ramachandran)