Mate Selection

Social Exchange Theory

everyone is looking for someone different

Individuals preferences determine how they see a potential mate

Romance

Relationships in canada result out of romantic love, sexual attraction and the free choice mate theory

Interesting facts

Men tend to marry younger women

In canada generally the men are 2 years older

older men have more resources and are more attractive to younger women

what is love?

love is passion, intimacy, and commitment

Attributes of love

physcial and emotional merger

idealization of ones love object

emotional dependency

exclusivity

reordering motivational priorities

intrusive thinking

concern for ones love object

Evolutionary psychology and attraction

sexual attraction can be traced back to prehistoric times

sexual desire is an unconscious choice

ensured that children would be born

Ideal Mate Theory

attraction is based on our perception of the ideal mate

supports the idea of love at first sight

unconscious standards that affect peoples view of potentional mates

Social Homogamy

people are attracted to people with similar social status background (ethnicity, race, education, financial standing)

top 10 characteristics of a partner

1.honesty

2.kindness

3. respect

4. compatability

5. humour

6. dependability

7. love

8. values

9. religious commonality

communication

science of love

high levels of amphetamines

rapid heart beat

flushed face

rapid breathing

After being together for a long time the amphetamine levels drop leaving a sense of calm with couples who have been together for a long time