Does Love at First Sight Really Exist?

It’s Saturday night, and the bar is packed. A beautiful

brunette is sitting at the bar, sipping a vodka soda and

chatting with a friend. Then, out of the corner of her eye,

she catches the glimpse of a man. Their eyes lock.

And they lived happily ever after. But is it really that

easy?

Legend of Love — Why It Matters

Don’t get too sloppy on that first date — researchers who

study human attraction say people form opinions quickly

when it comes to romance . In fact, some researchers

think it takes just three minutes to decide whether

someone’s a potential mate (and that’s before the drinks

come out). And findings about friends who click

immediately might also apply to romantic partnerships.

In one study on friendships, people who enjoyed the first

few minutes together were likely to develop a close

relationship after nine weeks .

But instant attraction isn’t just in our heads: There may

be a biological basis to love at first sight . Studies

have found animals are more likely to mate with partners

they’re genetically compatible with . It’s unclear

whether this research applies to humans, but some

scientists think we might be pre-programmed to spot “the

one.” Romantic attraction could serve an evolutionary

function — we seek out specific people that will be

suitable mates, and give everyone else the boot . But

meeting that special someone’s gaze and falling in love

may be a bit more complicated.

Instalove? — The Answer/Debate

Although about half the American population believes in

love at first sight, not everyone falls head over heels right

away. Perhaps surprisingly, women aren’t always the

romantics in this love equation: One study found men

experience love at first sight more often than women .

Researchers think that’s because men respond to

physical cues more readily than women, and women tend

to develop trust more gradually than men. And people

might be more inclined to believe in love at first sight

when they’re younger. Folks over 50 are six percent less

likely than people under 50 to think people can fall in

love immediately (possibly because they’ve had more

romantic relationships with different partners).

But it’s unclear how often love at first sight turns into a

successful partnership. One survey in Israel found only

about 10 percent of people say their long-term

relationships began that way. While people can be

instantly attracted to each other, some scientists say

being in love means really getting to know someone

over time .

So don’t throw in the towel if that first date didn’t go so

hot. Psychologists believe more interactions with

someone can make them look more attractive and

intelligent. (Wanna’ hang out tomorrow, and the next day,

and the next…?) It may be worth giving love at second or

third sight a chance, too.

The Takeaway

Sometimes one look is all it takes to fall in love. But

some experts think real affection develops gradually over

time.