Does a Law on Human Attraction Exist

"Opposites attract" is a law of attraction, at least where electromagnetism is concerned. But there are laws about attraction between two people? "In a world full of strangers" as a line in a famous song of the 1980s go, there is a clear set of rules that allows two people to fall for each other?

Attraction is a matter of chemistry?

Maybe. According to scientists, the attraction between animals of the opposite sex depending on chemical substances called pheromones. The effect of pheromones in behavior of insects is the most studied to date. It has been observed, at least in some experiments, that pheromones are responsible for communication among same species and colony of ants. The horrible odor released by skunks to ward off enemies is said to be a kind of pheromone. Some species of apes rub pheromone-containing urine on the feet of potential mates to attract them. Some scientists believe that animals (usually women), such as insects and mammals send these chemical signals to tell the male of their species that their genes are different from theirs. This gene diversity is important in producing offspring with better chances of survival. Perfume industry has capitalized the pheromones as a means to increase his sexual attraction to the opposite sex. Animals such as whales and musk deer were hunted down for these chemicals.

Finally, researchers are investigating the existence of human pheromones and its role in mate selection. There are many conflicting views in the rich biology, chemistry, genetics and psychology. Most researchers would argue that these do not exist, or if they do not play a role in sexual attraction between a man and a woman. But new studies as that conducted by Swiss researchers from the University of Bern led by Klaus Weekend are slowly making these scientists rethink their position. Their experiment involved women sniffing the cotton shirts of different men during their ovulation period. It was found that women prefer the smell of men's shirts that were genetically different, but also shares similarities with the women's genes. This, as in the case of insects and other mammals, was to ensure a better and healthier relationship with their future children. But researchers also note that preference for a male odor is affected by women's ovulation period, the food that men eat, perfumes and other scented body products, and use of contraceptive pills.

Does personality figure in sexual attraction?

Yes, but so does your perception of a potential mate's personality. According to a study by Kline, EC, & S. Lou in 2003 on interpersonal attraction and personality, a person's sense of self-security and at least the person's perception of his / her partner were found to be strong determinants of attraction in hypothetical situations. What does this tell us? We prefer a certain type of personality that attracts you to someone. But apart from the actual personality of person who can only be verified through close interaction through time, it is your perception of your potential partner that attracts you to him / her about the person of your affection truly has that kind of personality or not. This could probably account for a statement often heard from men and women on their failed relationships: "I thought he was the kind of person."

So how does attraction figure in comparison?

You've probably heard that attraction is a prelude, or a factor towards a relationship. Probably, at least in the beginning, but the attraction in itself does not make a relationship work. It is this attraction that makes you discover a person of the opposite sex, but when you get to know the person more, attraction is just one consideration. Shared values, dreams and passions become more important in long-term relationships.

So should I stop being attractive?

More than trying to become physically attractive, work on all aspects of your health: physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. Physical attraction is still a precursor. Remember, biology predisposes us to choose a partner with the healthiest genes. Where your emotions are concerned, just ask yourself: Would you want to spend time with a person who feels insecure about him / her? Probably not! There is wisdom in knowing yourself: who you are, your beliefs, values and dreams. And do not pretend to be someone you're not. Deceive another person by making him / her think that you share the same values and beliefs, which only will give you both disappointments. When you are healthy in all aspects, attractiveness becomes a consequence and not a goal. As mentioned in and Kline Lou’s research, a person's sense of self-security matters, perhaps even without the attraction. But remember: do these things for yourself and not for other people. Only then can you really use your attractiveness as a person.