The mirror image of love: Do we choose partners who look like our parents?

The psychological aspect of choosing a partner

The psychology of choosing a partner is complex and multifaceted. One theory that persists in popular and professional psychology is that individuals unconsciously choose partners who resemble their parents. This idea has its roots in Freud's transference theory, where individuals transfer emotions and patterns learned in childhood to their partner relationships.

David Perrett at the University of St. Andrews has conducted research that shows that people are often attracted to people with similar characteristics to their parents.

In his studies, participants were more likely to choose faces that had certain characteristics, similar to those of their parents, such as skin, eye and hair color. This suggests the possibility that our early attachment and interactions influence our perception of and attraction to potential partners.

Research also shows that the similarity is not limited to physical properties. Personality characteristics, values and even attitudes can play an important role in choosing a partner. People often look for partners who reflect similar psychological traits to their parents, which can create a sense of familiarity and security.

But not everything is so simple. While some studies support similarity search theory, others emphasize the importance additions. According to this theory, people look for partners who have qualities they themselves lack but admire or value.

The effect of long-term relationships on partner similarity

This phenomenon, known as convergence, means that partners become similar in behavior, opinions and even physical characteristics over time.

Research shows that long-term relationships really do affect how couples perceive and change each other. Over the years of living together, the partners they learn from each other, they adopt certain habits, gestures and expressions. This can lead to an increase in psychological and sometimes even physical similarity. For example, studies have found that partners who have been together for a long time can become similar in facial expressions and expression of emotions.

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In addition, shared experiences and lifestyles can affect their physical resemblance. For example, dietary habits, joint physical activities and even sharing stress and joy can affect their health, body shape and even facial expression.

The role of nutrition in choosing a partner

Nutrition plays a vital role in our lives, not only because of biological needs, but also as part of our social and cultural identities. It's interesting how dietary preferences can influence the choice of partner and how dietary habits can be intertwined in partner relationships.

Research in this field shows that dietary habits and preferences can have a strong influence on initial attraction and long-term compatibility in partner relationships. People often look for partners with similar nutritional values and practices, which makes sense, as shared food and eating habits make everyday life easier, from shopping to cooking and eating meals.

For example, it can be important for vegetarians or vegans to have a partner who shares their belief and way of eating. This affects not only the practical aspects of living together, but also the deeper values and ethical beliefs that an individual associates with their food choices.

Diet can also play a role in promoting social cohesion and creating shared experiences, which is the foundation for building strong relationships. Eating meals together is often a time for couples to bond, share experiences and strengthen their relationships.

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