The Importance of Familiarity in Attraction: Why We Choose What We Know
When it comes to attraction, there are many factors at play. From physical appearance to personality traits, it can be difficult to pinpoint exactly what draws us to another person. However, research has shown that there is one factor that consistently plays a significant role in attraction: familiarity.
What is familiarity?
Put simply, familiarity refers to the state of being familiar with something or someone. This can be due to repeated exposure, shared experiences, or even cultural or societal influences. When we are familiar with something or someone, we tend to feel more comfortable and at ease. This can lead to increased liking and attraction.
The role of familiarity in attraction
Studies have shown that familiarity plays a significant role in attraction. One study found that people were more likely to develop romantic feelings for someone they had been exposed to repeatedly, even if they had no previous interaction with that person. This is often referred to as the “mere exposure effect.”
Another study found that people were more likely to be attracted to faces that had been morphed to look similar to their own. This suggests that we may be naturally attracted to familiarity, even when we are not consciously aware of it.
Why do we prefer the familiar?
There are a few reasons why we may be naturally drawn to the familiar. For one, familiarity can signal safety and security. When we are familiar with something or someone, we can predict how they are likely to behave and can feel more comfortable in their presence.
Additionally, familiarity can provide a sense of belonging and connection. When we share experiences or values with others, we feel more connected to them. This can lead to increased liking and attraction.
The downside of familiarity
While familiarity can be a positive factor in attraction, there can also be downsides. For example, we may be more likely to overlook negative qualities in people who are familiar to us. Additionally, familiarity can lead to a sense of complacency or boredom in relationships over time.
How to balance familiarity and novelty
While familiarity can be a powerful factor in attraction, it’s important to balance it with novelty. In order to maintain a healthy and fulfilling relationship, we need to continue to explore new experiences and grow together.
This can include trying new hobbies or activities, traveling to new places, or simply having new conversations and experiences together. By balancing familiarity with novelty, we can continue to maintain and strengthen our relationships over time.
Conclusion
Overall, familiarity plays a crucial role in attraction. Whether it’s due to repeated exposure or shared experiences, we tend to feel more comfortable and at ease with things or people we are familiar with. While familiarity can be a positive factor in attraction, it’s also important to balance it with novelty and continue to explore new experiences and grow together in our relationships.
