Does Love at First Sight Exist?

By MC Kelby HERWriter

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Approximately 60 percent of Americans believe in love at first sight. And over 50 percent say they have experienced it.

Do you believe in love at first sight?

Remember the guy in high school that you couldn’t take your eyes off? The one whose last name you practiced writing in your notebook. And, you may have even daydreamed about your upcoming nuptials and your future children.

Almost immediately you're struck by the feeling that you may have just found Mr. Right. But that's crazy, isn't it? Or is it?

Some psychologists say that love at first sight depends on your psychological state at the moment. We are programmed to instantly size up a potential partner. (This intuitive skill was likely developed millions of years ago as our forebears struggled to sort friends from enemies.)

Experts say that it takes about three minutes to fall in love or to estimate whether the person is worth to fall in love with. Also, psychologists claim that men fall in love first.

Now, it takes less than one second to decide whether you find someone physically attractive. If, however, he fits your general concept of Mr. Right, your mind races toward the next checkpoint - voice.

Once again, you respond in seconds. Women typically regard rapid talkers as more educated and men with full, deep voices as better-looking than they are. Next: his words. We like people who use the same kinds of words we use. We are also drawn to those who have a similar degree of intelligence, share our religious and social values and come from the same economic background. Women quickly determine these attributes from a man's words (not to mention how he dresses and wears his hair, whether he's carrying a briefcase or a soccer ball and if he's sporting a gold watch or a tattoo).

But can this handsome, deep-voiced, well-dressed stranger give you what you need? Women form an opinion within the first three minutes if the conversation turns to, say, politics or kids.

Now, love at first sight doesn't happen to everyone. In one survey by Ayala Malach-Pines, PhD, of Ben-Gurion University in Israel, only 11 percent of the 493 respondents said their long-term relationships started that way.

Another psychologist says that the more you interact with a person you like, the more you come to regard him as good-looking, smart, and similar to you. So it's wise to hang in for a second meeting. It can take years sometimes for two people to fully appreciate each other. But whether it's love at first sight or love in hindsight, those first three minutes are essential for romance.

By the way some, some theories say that we fall in love not from the first sight but from the first smell. Scientists claim that we pay attention to what our eyes and ears tell us. But, on the subconscious level, the way the person smells plays a big part on their expression on us.

Sources:
Askmen.com
Msnbc.com
psychologytoday.com
Oprah.com

MC Ortega is the former publicist for the late Walter Payton, Coca-Cola and Dunkin’ Donuts. Ortega is a senior communications and messaging executive specializing in media relations, social media, program development and crisis communications. Also, Ortega is an avid traveler and international shopper. Ortega resides with her partner, Craig, dog, Fionne and extensive shoe collection. Ortega also enjoys jewelry design/production and flamenco dancing.

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We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.