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RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN MEN AND WOMEN: PICKING PARTNERS

Just as males and females may find different ways to express themselves, the process of partner selection also shows distinctly different patterns. For both males and females, more than just chemical and psychological processes influence the choice of partners. One of these factors is proximity, or being in the same place at the same time. The more you see a person in your hometown, at social gatherings, or at work, the more likely that an interaction will occur. Thus, if you live in New York, you'll probably end up with another New Yorker. If you live in northern Wisconsin, you'll probably end up with another Wisconsinite.
You also pick a partner based on similarities (attitudes, values, intellect, interests); the old adage that "opposites attract" usually isn't true.
If your potential partner expresses interest or liking, you may react with mutual regard known as reciprocity. The more you express interest, the safer it is for someone else to return the regard, and the cycle spirals onward.
Another factor that apparently plays a significant role in selecting a partner is physical attraction. Whether such attraction is caused by a chemical reaction or a socially learned behavior, males and females appear to have different attraction criteria. Men tend to select their mates primarily on the basis of youth and physical attractiveness. Although physical attractiveness is an important criterion for women in mate selection, they tend to place higher emphasis on partners who are somewhat older, have good financial prospects, and are dependable and industrious.

 
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