Relationships

This week we talked about dating and courtship. We talked about four different characteristics or things that lead to attraction.

1 - Physical attraction: There are two theories under physical attraction. The first is the social theory of physical attraction. It stats taht if people are powerful and beautiful and you are perceived as being a part of that group, you are also perceived as powerful and beautiful. The second theory is the biological theory which states that men look at women for youth and fertility and women look at men for strength and stature. Men want women who can bear healthy children and women want men who can provide for and protect their children. We talked about the waist-to-hip ratio which is about .8. This means that men prefer women whose hips are a little bit larger than their waist, or curvy women. Statistics show that women who fall within this ratio are typically women who live healthy lives.

2 - Proximity: The closer you live to someone, the more likely romantic relationships occur or are available. We talked, however, about the advances that technology has made in long distance relationships, and this is changing the concept of proximity a little bit.

3 - Similarities: You are generally attracted to people who are similar or like you. This is where the phrase "Birds of a feather flock together" comes in. Although there may always be differences between people within a relationship, there are usually more things in common than not between those who are in intimate relationships. Having similarities puts both partners on equal ground and understanding with each other.

4 - Familiarity: You are more likely to talk to, interact with, and ultimately date those who you previously know, or meet through someone you know. Within familiarity is also the concept that if you hear positive things about someone before you meet them, they are more attractive to you when you actually do meet them.