Romeo and
Juliet fell in love at first sight. But then again, should you be getting your
love advice from a 450-year old dead guy? No!
Listen to
enough pop songs and watch enough romantic movies, and you're bound to start
believing that love at first sight happens all the time. But does it exist in
the real world, between real people?
Like so much
about love, the question of love at first sight can't be answered objectively.
But I'll do my best to answer it here in the most helpful way.
Is Your Mind Playing Tricks on
You?
Have you
ever seen someone and instantly felt attracted to every part of them, including
their personality (even though you haven't even talked to them yet)? You might
be quick to call it love at first sight, but it's probably what psychologists
call the attractiveness halo effect. When you see someone who looks great, your
brain sometimes jumps to the conclusion that their personality must be great,
too.
We all know
that not everyone's looks and personalities match up. Some attractive people
are total jerks, and some of the best people in the world aren't what you'd
necessarily think of as hot. So the halo effect is really just an illusion.
Your sudden feelings of love might go away as soon as you get to know the
person better.
