Module 79 Attraction

LEARNING TARGETS

• 79-1 Explain why we befriend or fall in love with some people but not others.
• 79-2 Describe how romantic love typically changes as time passes.

As social animals—as people who need people—we often approach people not with closed fists, but with open arms. Social psychologists focus not only on the dark side of social relationships, but also on the bright side, by studying prosocial behavior—behavior that intends to help or benefit someone. Our positive behaviors toward others are evident from explorations of this module’s focus, attraction, and those of the next module, altruism and peacemaking.

Pause a moment and think about your relationships with two people—a close friend, and someone who has stirred your romantic feelings. What psychological chemistry binds us together in friendship or love? Social psychology suggests some answers.