Editors Note: This article is the first part in a four-part series on attraction.

Boy meets girl, happily ever after and beyond have been the subjects of countless fairy tales. Sex appeal is the No. 1 seller in multimillion dollar ad campaigns. Romance novels continue to fly off the shelves. With Web sites such as Match.com marketing aid in the search for soul mates, America is fixated on finding true love.

“I think there are many opportunities to meet people [at Iowa State], but you might not find someone right for you,” said Sarah Berg, sophomore in psychology.

The subject of attraction, although still a mystery, has been unraveled through observation and scientific study. However certain questions remain unanswered, most sources agree on three main factors in romantic attraction.

Proximity

Although the phrase “absence makes the heart grow fonder” has been a comfort to countless people in long-distance relationships, proximity is the No. 1 determinant of attraction, according to William Wu’s article “Practical Psychology: Attraction.”

Naturally, if two people with perfectly compatible personalities and similar interests never meet, the opportunity for attraction disappears.

“I think [distance relationships] can work if both people are mature and committed to the relationship, but it’s a lot harder,” Berg said.

The more a person becomes familiar with another, the stronger emotions will become. Whether disgust or infatuation, familiarity amplifies emotion.

According to a study done in the Westgate apartment complex, 65 percent of the close friends listed by residents lived within the same building. Ultimately, if people meet and enjoy each other’s company, attraction ensues. Proximity alone, however, is not enough to make a relationship last.

Similarity

While on occasion “opposites attract,” this old adage doesn’t ring true in the vast majority of relationships. Most individuals are attracted to people who share the same economic status, intellect, values and religious beliefs, according to Wu’s article.

“There is a definite balance between similarities and differences, because people can be too alike, but need to share common [goals},” said Dana Halferty, sophomore in pre-journalism and mass communication.

According to Wu, one theory that supports attraction to similarity is that similarity validates our beliefs and values, boosting self-confidence. Similar experiences also create common bonds, helping people to relate better with one another.

“[When I met my previous girlfriend] our hands touched as we reached for the same CD and she was wearing this T-shirt from my favorite band, and I knew we would have something in common,” said Shawn Mobley, freshman in health and human performance.

In a 1996 study done by Burleston and Samter, it was shown that people with high communication skills relate best with people of the same level. The same is true of people who possess low communication skills. The study reported that “a mismatch leads to frustrating conversations and eventual breakup.”

Attractiveness

Despite close proximity and similar backgrounds, many people find themselves still searching for love. While proximity and similarity are easy to define, the third component of love is more elusive.

“You can’t control attraction; sometimes you’re attracted to someone and you just don’t know why,” Berg said.

The feeling of attraction has been described as “butterflies” or a “spark,” and many couples are certain they felt an instant connection when they first met.

Regardless whether there truly is love at first sight, many psychologists agree that proximity, similarity and attraction are the key components to a lasting relationship.