Interpersonal Attraction

Interpersonal Attraction

Psychologists, especially social psychologists, have long pondered the question of attraction and relationships. Sure, there have been theories on attachment and trust (Mary Ainsworth and Erik Eriksson, respectively), beauty standards (WHR – waist to hip ratio, complexion, gender differences), but what is it that attracts human beings to one another?

Is this picture not of the most beautiful woman in the world? Angelina Jolie, Aishwarya Rai and Megan Fox have all been designated as the most gorgeous women in the world at some point. Coincidentally, all three actresses have dark hair and light eyes. Regardless, ladies with dissimilar looks, such as Claudia Schiffer, Monica Belucci, Kim Tae-hee, Halle Berry and Lindsay Lohan (who often changed hairdos and appeared to wear contact lenses) have similarly been named as world’s beauty queens. One saying comes to mind: Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Despite this, physical attraction has been cited as a factor in choosing partners, friends and, ironically enough, even in determining an expert’s credibility. Image: Copyright © Megan Jorgensen (Elena)

To answer the question, researchers have as usual turned to scientific methodology. Thus, conducting several studies, they have found that at least in the realm of friendship bond formation, liking depended on proximity. The result was documented in a study were students became friends with those living closest to them in dormitories (college dorms). Also, the literature is full of examples suggesting that friendships are more likely to spring from similarity in interests, background, values and intelligence. Who knows, maybe opposites fail to attract after all…

But, what about romantic bonds? Does the association stand? According to research, it seems so. Marriages are said to often bring together individuals of, likewise, the same backgrounds, the same education and the same age.

So similar, yet so different. Image: Copyright © Megan Jorgensen (Elena)

Still, psychology may not apply to every single romance or friend group or pair out there, but there seems to be a consensus that people tend to like those who like them. A further question is raised by such a statement, why then do so many believe that it is wise to play hard to get?