The topic of love has been discussed at lengths by sociologists and biologists over the years. Though the discussions vary significantly, there is agreement that people are naturally drawn to each other in a romantic bond, which is usually between members of the opposite sex. This research shows th...
The topic of love has been discussed at lengths by sociologists and biologists over the years.
Though the discussions vary significantly, there is agreement that people are naturally drawn to
each other in a romantic bond, which is usually between members of the opposite sex. This
research shows that there are a variety of factors that determine who we fall in love with. These
factors can be broadly categorized into social, environmental and biological influences. From a
social point of view, people fall in love when they discover similarities or shared appreciation for
certain values, or when are feel that they are in close proximity, or when they find mutually
beneficial interests also known as reciprocity. Biologically, people fall in love based on sexual
hormones and physical attraction as discussed in this essay.
Similarities
In their routine interactions, people usually discover certain similarities that make them
fall in love. According to a survey conducted in New York University, some of the common
similarities that draw two individuals together include shared values and beliefs sociologists
explain (Giles 347). For instance, while studying together in college or participating in social
platforms, a person who values spirituality and religion may encounter a likeminded colleague
, with a deep appreciation for meditation and prayer from which a mutual bond begins to develop.
Similarly, sociologists explain that when people find they have a common understanding of
language, culture, or identity, they tend to become close friends. Then, given this understanding,
they begin to discover other things that they like, which strengthens the bond. Speaking the same
language and sharing cultural identity means that a man and a woman find some kind of comfort
around each other more than they do with others. They may attend the same festivities and social
gatherings as well. Eventually, they find that they have fallen in love based on these similarities
At first, the idea of shared values will bring the couple together where both may agree to
spend more time with the curiosity of what is likely to transpire. This curiosity marks the initial
stage of exploration (Giles 347). After spending time together, they may discover deeper
connections in their quest probably based on the foundation of their beliefs or a shared
appreciation for the presence of a higher power. Usually, people begin to engage more and there
develops a feeling of fondness and they become intimate either instantly or over a period of time.
Therefore, people are capable of falling in love with those who are more like them since they feel
somehow connected.
Proximity
Sociologists now believe that proximity has a significant influence in drawing people
together in a romantic bond. Some people live in close physical vicinity with each other in that
they attend the same school, belong to the same neighborhood, or attend the same social circles.
As a result, their proximity develops a relationship in which they are constantly bumping into
each other in a way that they become close friends at the beginning. Take an example of two
teenagers – a boy and a girl - growing up next door to each other. Circumstances demand that
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