MATE SELECTION

Mate selection is the process of choosing a partner

with whom to form a marriage bond or long‐term
marriage‐like relationship. While personal preference is
a key component in the selection process, structural
influences also exist. Among the explanations for mate
choice are filter theories, social exchange, sociobiology,
needs and values, and matching hypotheses. Studies in
the sociological literature emphasize life course factors
and variations by gender, race, class, culture, and
specific personal traits.
 WHY WE FALL IN LOVE WITH
PARTICULAR PEOPLE

It is tempting to describe our instinctive attractions to

particular people as simply mysterious. It feels, as we put it
tellingly, ‘Romantic’ not to analyse our feelings, and merely to
follow their dictates with awe and abandon.

Why, then, do we fall in love with particular people (and not

others)? Why do we have the types we have? What guides
our attractions? We can identify three components:
•AN INSTINCT FOR
COMPLETION
• THE INSTINCT FOR
ENDORSEMENT
• THE INSTINCT FOR
FAMILIARITY
 OBSTACLES TO FINDING LOVE

•Obstacles to Finding Love

•The Fear of Happiness
•Fixation
• The Inability to Leave Someone
•A Lack of Confidence in Seduction
•Impatience