Love at first sight is a greatly debated phenomenon, with many people saying they believe in or have felt love at first sight. Surveys taken by 1-800-Contacts have shown that out of a sample of 1,000 people, the belief in instantaneous love is pretty evenly split–about half of the participants claimed that they believed in it, while the rest claimed they didn’t. While some believe they are feeling true love, it can be better described as an initial attraction to another. Attraction is far different than that genuine connection that could be love.
Yes, attraction is a component of love, but it is greatly different and does not fully encapsulate what it means to love somebody. Love can be described as a deep emotional connection with another person, and lives on through struggles that both separately and together. Being attracted to someone upon seeing them for the first time cannot exactly be written off as that type of connection. Love happens after truly knowing and caring for another, which is not a feeling that can immediately be developed upon simply seeing somebody.
Respondents who were in more serious relationships were more likely to respond that they believed in it, some had claimed to have experienced it themselves, and some people who were not in relationships claiming to have felt the same about someone. Physical attraction can draw an individual towards another, and even establish a new beginning for a newfound relationship, whether it be platonic or romantic. Yes, It can cause intrigue for another person and make you want to learn more about them. However, the love you would feel for this person comes after knowing them.
Attraction to somebody upon first meeting them is not at all necessary for a loving or lasting relationship, but it is a phenomenon that could lead some people to a greater closeness, even love. Love stems from truly knowing somebody, despite flaws or hardships both people face. Loving somebody means standing with them through change and challenges, and supporting them throughout seeing every version of themselves. It takes time to know some of these versions, which is why it is so important to take the time to know your loved ones.
