Daniel MacDougall
Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies.
- Aristotle
Psychological attraction is a big part of our lives. Ever wonder what pulls on those heartstrings or why you may find someone attractive and your friends do not? What transpires in the depths of our minds influencing these choices? Let's look at a few little quirks.
I.
Whether you realize it or not, genetics play a substantial role in mate selection for some of us. A study by psychologist J. Philippe Rushton at the University of Western Ontario revealed that genetics may contribute a 34% role in mate selection, spanning social and physical considerations. Some people may prefer to select a mate with similar genes so they don't break that particular gene makeup when having children. If you love your genes, you may be inclined to find mates with genes like yours, but of course, this one is not for everyone.
II.
Do you often find yourself drawn to unavailable individuals? Everyone else appears attracted to the same person, and slowly you find yourself being sucked into that orbit. This inclination may stem from your competitive nature. At times, you want the win and do not necessarily look deep into that person's soul for that perfect match, or you have trouble seeking the right partner. If everyone else likes someone, then why shouldn't I? Perplexity in mate selection can play a role in your choice of partner or who you date. It could be due to your tendency to select mates based on societal influences. Collective approval can cloud your judgments. Instead of looking from a perspective from within, you tend to watch what everyone else thinks. Do not let your competitive nature persuade your desires when seeking out that special someone because, in the end, they have to be special to you.
III.
Opposites attract. We've all heard this, but we often relate this to behaviors and personalities between couples. However, this common adage may not be the case and could refer to Major Histocompatibility Complexes. In other words, our brains can be unconsciously drawn into partners with contrasting MHCs, sliding away from the previous point, gene matching. Some people want to spread their genes around. Some studies indicate this with scents and attraction. Your partner's scent may be a strong attraction for you. Or, you may be inclined to look for mates from different cultures.
IIII.
Lastly, the Oedipus Syndrome, while not a topic you want to hear, suggests that some people select mates based on traits reminiscent of their parents. This doesn't imply you're attracted to your parents, but you could be inherently predisposed to your parents in partner selection. For instance, you may be more attracted to people who resemble physical features that are similar to your parents. Facial features, height, skin color, and even the age at which your parents had you can impact your choices.
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Author's note: none of the writing was generated or made by AI. Our mission is provide a human touch to our journeys together. Thankyou always, Daniel MacDougall…