What does science say about attraction? What are the results of research carried out by psychologists regarding this phenomenon?
In this article you will find the 12 keys to the psychology of attraction and the mysteries that surround the relationship between our brain and our behavior related to the act of attracting.
Psychology of attraction and research
Psychologists have been trying to learn more about attraction for years, for example, why and how this process occurs, why we are attracted to some people and not others. Nowadays it is thought that cultural and biological variables intervene in attraction, but attraction is an abstract concept and there has not always been consensus regarding this issue. In fact, some research has provided certainly curious data. You can learn about them in this article: “Love and falling in love: 7 surprising investigations.”
On the other hand, it is known that The dynamics of emotional-sexual attraction move through different logics, above all, taking into account two criteria The first is the biological sex of the person, whether it is a man or a woman: what some find attractive does not have to be attractive to others, and vice versa, while within each of these groups we can detect common patterns. On the other hand, the level of attraction you feel for someone with the idea of looking for a sexual partner in mind is not the same as having the idea of finding a romantic partner with whom you can live indefinitely. Both situations pose different needs and objectives.
Keys to the psychology of attraction
Virtually all human beings can feel attracted to someone, with the exception of asexuals (or rather, part of them). When someone attracts us and makes us feel that special feeling, our world changes. That person becomes our goal and no matter what happens we want to merge into his body. Society may have evolved, but our innate instincts such as those of attraction have not.
And… what does psychology say about it? What are the keys to the psychology of attraction? To find out you just have to keep reading.
1. Handsome or ugly?
One of the big questions that many of us ask ourselves is whether physical appearance, that is, being handsome, is so important when it comes to flirting. In fact, I’m sure you will all agree that there are not very attractive people who are successful in love and attraction
According to an investigation published in the British newspaper “The Telegraph”, the key to this is the attitude that some people show. There are many individuals who, despite not being attractive, show great security and self-confidence. Maybe beauty isn’t so important after all.
2. Best fun and intriguing
A person may be attractive and successful, and if they also have great self-confidence, they are certainly captivating. But what if it’s boring?
Maybe we don’t like it that much anymore. This is what John Medina states, a biologist who concludes that the brain has a very short attention span. So we are attracted to people and things that are fun, interesting, intriguing, and that catch our attention. After all, attraction is not just a pretty face. But It is the moments we share with that person that accentuate those intimate moments
3. 30 seconds are enough
You may have heard the phrase many times that the first impression is what counts, and this could be true when it comes to attraction. Has it ever happened to you that you have felt a crush as soon as you saw that special person.
Research shows that it only takes 30 seconds to feel attracted to a person Maybe appearance matters then.
4. Red: color of attraction
Colors provoke emotions in people, and red is associated with love, passion and fertility for many reasons. Now, it seems that red could be the color of attraction, according to a study.
These researchers conclude that Red is the color with which both men and women should dress, because it makes us feel better and makes other people want us more. In other words, it increases our seductive power.
5. Symmetry
A study from the University of Mexico led by a biologist found that both men and women People of the opposite sex who have a more symmetrical face and body are found more attractive
This is because the brain associates symmetry with good genetics. Likewise, the study concluded that people with more symmetrical features enjoy a more pleasant intimate life.
6. Question of curves
Although the world of fashion or magazines insist on making us fans of thin people, the reality is that curves are still successful among men. This is what a study by Devendra Singh, a psychologist and researcher at the University of Texas, found.
According to their conclusions, the figure of the woman that resembles an hourglass is the most attractive In the case of women, they prefer men with broader shoulders.
7. Body language
Body language has been one of the most studied topics, and it has been concluded that open body language is attractive to both men and women This type of body language shows a willingness to court, which helps start conversations. Exposing your torso, raised shoulders, or showing your neck makes you more attractive.
8. Facial structure
There seems to be a relationship between facial structure and what happens in our body. Estrogen contributes to the growth of bones in women’s faces, specifically the lower face or chin.
In men, testosterone is involved in the development of the lower face, jaw, or prominent forehead. These facial structures are attractive to the opposite sex
9. The smell
A recent study has shown that Women smell better and are more attractive to men at certain times of the month which has to do with the menstrual cycle.
For them, the men who smell the best are those with symmetrical features. Other research found that women during menstruation have a finer sense of smell and are more attracted to men with symmetrical features.
10. Particularities of the voice
The voice we emit can also be an aphrodisiac Science has shown that men prefer women with a higher voice. While women prefer men with deep voices. This has to do with hormones and the reproductive development of the species.
11. Dilated pupils give away
The look is, without a doubt, one of the keys to attraction. A deep look can reach our hearts. Science says that dilated pupils reveal our attraction to another person
When these become larger, it may indicate that the other person is attracted. This is what research from the University of Chicago led by Dr. Eckhard Hess says.
12. Signs of attraction
But also: What signs do men and women show when we feel attraction? Science has reached the following conclusions.
A man interested in a woman usually :
A woman, on the other hand, performs these behaviors :