We usually like people who are similar to us, that’s why it happens. You need to understand the selective mating hypothesis, who attracts us and why.
Walster’s selective mating hypothesis posited that people prefer and tend to form relationships with partners who are similar in level of attractiveness to themselves. In short, the image is relevant to us, so it is normal for everyone to choose more attractive subjects when they have to form a couple. However, this doesn’t always happen. A 1966 study tried to substantiate Walster’s thesis, more than 700 randomly paired young people participated in it.
The results of the study did not confirm Walster’s hypothesis. More attractive people scored higher. Six months later, however, the couples who were most similar were the ones who were most likely to continue dating. This would support selective mating.
The selective mating hypothesis has been tested on a few different occasions, showing that people tend to choose partners on their own level. This appears to be due to fear of rejection. It happens when they try to get close to much more socially desirable people who intimidate the other, non-equal person. It’s unclear whether fear of rejection is really the cause. However, low self-esteem and fear do not allow us to demonstrate our full and perhaps even fascinating potential.
- Selective Mating Hypothesis: Do we choose people who are on our level? (lamenteemeravigliosa.it)