Proof of Love at First Sight [article]

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-18-2003
Proof of Love at First Sight [article]
5
Wed, 03-09-2005 - 11:10am
Proof of Love at First Sight: Ten minutes is all it takes

It turns out there's scientific merit to that whole "Love at First Sight" thing.


By Lisa Daily



There's good news for all of us hopeless romantics, romance novel addicts and chick flick junkies. It turns out there's scientific merit to that whole "Love at First Sight" thing. In fact, a recent study published in Journal of Social and Personal Relationships showed that the first few minutes of meeting someone has a huge influence on the course the relationship will ultimately take. (Which explains why you know before the drinks come that your "just perfect for you" blind date is a no-go, or that hunky online hottie has definite possibilities.)


Communications researchers Artemio Ramirez and Mike Sunnafrank randomly paired 164 college freshmen and let them talk for periods of three, six or ten minutes. Then, the students filled out a questionnaire which asked them to predict what kind of relationship they would have, ranging from being casual acquaintances to close friends, as well as how much the two had in common and how much they liked the person they'd just met.


At the end of the nine-week course, the students were asked to judge how their initial predictions had held up. Students who reported a positive impression after the first meeting were more likely to have developed a friendly relationship after the nine-week period. This was true regardless of whether the initial chat was three, six or ten minutes, meaning the snap judgments we make based on first impressions are actually fairly accurate.



In a recent London Daily Mail article, Professor Artemio Ramirez, co-author of the study said: "Earlier research had assumed there was a cumulative effect that happens in the first few days of meeting that helps determine how a relationship will develop. But we're finding that it all happens much sooner than that - it's literally within minutes. Romantic relationships begin with people making judgments very quickly."



Ramirez says, "It's almost a self-fulfilling prophecy. We make a prediction about what kind of relationship we could have with a person and that helps determine how much effort we are willing to put into developing a relationship. If I think we could become friends, I'll communicate more, tell you more about myself and do things that will help ensure a friendship does develop."



What's most interesting was that the students' predictions were actually better indicators of how close they would become than either how much they had in common or even how much they liked each other. Which means, when it comes to first impressions, you'd better get on your game.



Below are three tips to help you rev up your "first site" vibe, and add a little vaa-vaa voom to that crucial first three minutes:



Wear red. Or blue.
For women who want to create an on-the-spot thrill, wearing red is the way to go. According to color experts, red is the most stimulating color you can wear. In fact, wearing or seeing red actually increases blood flow, and mimics attraction.
If you're a guy, your best bet is to go true blue. Leatrice Eiseman, Director of the Pantone Color Institute says women are attracted to men wearing the color blue. Eiseman says, guys who frequently wear blue are "stable, faithful and always there." The blue guy is perfect for a serious relationship -- he's reliable, faithful and can match his own clothes.



Smile.
Psychology and body language experts agree that smiling is one of the fastest and best ways to make yourself more attractive and approachable. It's not necessary to look like you're trying out for "Used Car Salesman of the Year" - just your usual "I'm happy to be here and I'm having a fantastic time" face will do the trick.



Instant Chemistry.
A study at the University of Chicago has shown that men associate the scents of cinnamon and vanilla with love. To kick start your allure, women can wear a cinnamon-vanilla scented lotion or perfume. (There's a great one called "Man-Magnet" at herbanavenues.com)



According to Laura Davimes, aromatherapy expert, and owner of Herban Avenues, "Wearing cinnamon/vanilla blends increases the presence of pheromone-like substances and dramatically increases attraction."



The food-love connection continues: Women, according to the study, are drawn to a black licorice scent. So, keep some licorice or Good 'n Plenty in your shirt pocket. And, if you're at a nightclub and just happen to spill some Jaggermeister on your shirt, hey, don't worry about looking like a slob --just consider it your lucky night.


Lisa Daily is the author of Stop Getting Dumped!


 

 

 

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Wed, 03-09-2005 - 11:23am
Very interesting article. Even though I don't think I look good in red, it makes me want to go buy something in that color!!!!
As the saying goes "you never get a second chance to make a first impression".
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-10-2004
Wed, 03-09-2005 - 12:17pm

Interesting article. I just bought the book "Blink", which is all about how humans make those snap judgements and how some can somehow filter through information to make an excellent snap- or quick-decision.

I've found that the article is true when it comes to relationships as well, to the point of being able to tell even occasionally when I might wind up with some great/hot physical chemistry but still not really be a good couple. (I had one of those last year.)

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-07-2005
Wed, 03-09-2005 - 3:11pm

Good article. I agree about the color things and the scents. I have a vanilla scent that I wear and everytime I do guys always tell me how good I smell. But I'm sure there are some guys who do not like the smell of cinnamon and/or vanilla. Funny though, the guy I am seeing now and I were out to the mall this past weekend and he wanted to buy some candles - guess what scent he really liked and bought - vanilla! Hmmmm....

Yet I AM NOT attracted to the black licorice smell at all - so I don't think that applies to everyone.

Also, my original main profile pic I had on a black top, and even though I liked the pic, when I changed it to a red blouse I had on in a Christmas pic, did the winks and emails roll in! Many commented on how great I looked in red - so I think there must be some truth to wearing the red color, like the article said. Yet I know red is not a color for everyone and I can only wear it when I'm in a really good mood, otherwise I know it is a color that stands out and when I'm not feeling great I don't want to stand out.

Thanks for posting the article.

Sunshine

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-07-2003
Thu, 03-10-2005 - 10:10am

I'm reading that book too!

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-01-2004
Sat, 03-12-2005 - 12:57pm

Just catching up on old posts here.

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