ATTRACTION

Researchers at University College London found that feelings of love lead to a suppression of activity in the areas of the brain controlling critical thinking. LOVE IS BLIND

{REALTIONSHIPS}

{growth of a relationship}  STAGE 1- Getting Acquainted  Conversations during classes or in the hall, glances, smiles.

STAGE 2-Friendship  Sharing common activities or friends, writing notes, friendly “shoves” or pushes, common work places or community groups

STAGE 3-Phone calls/texting  calls/texts or calls for information about a school project or another friend, occasional “prank” calls

STAGE 4-Socializing with groups  Sharing gossip, hugging, working on school activities or projects, going to the movies, malls, or to another person’s house to watch movies or eat

STAGE 5-Group Dating  Groups of 3 or more girls and 3 or more guys meeting for specific activities-movies, dinner, sports, etc.-Pairing off does not occur; group members are simply friends

STAGE 6-Double Dating  2 girls and 2 guys who have paired off go together for an activity of any kind. A romantic attraction is usually involved.

STAGE 7- Pairing/single dating  1 girl and 1 guy who have paired off go together for an activity of any kind. The couple know each other well and want to spend time alone.

I love it when/I hate it when  Write down things you love or find attractive in the opposite gender. Then write down things you hate or don’t find attractive in the opposite gender.  Keep it appropriate and no descriptions of body parts are allowed.  Start thinking beyond the “physical” and start to become aware of other attractive qualities

 Select 10 characteristics of a “dateable” person. (Ex: Has a plan, on time, attractive, sense of humor, etc.)  Then, put these characteristics in order from 1-10, 1 being MOST important and 10 being LEAST important.  After ordering your list, circle the characteristics you possess YOURSELF.

Do you agree or disagree?? “You attract what you are, not what you want.”

Why do we date?  Attractions leads toDATING Why is attraction important?  Part of growing up-time to look forward to and enjoy the experience  Helps meet people and begin selection process  Introduces new social settings  New experiences that you otherwise may not have taken advantage of  Give you companionship

WHEN SHOULD WE DATE?  Personal answer…But consider the following options:  When you feel socially ready  Parent’s permission  The younger you start, the more likely you are to move to early paring and single dating. These have concerns. Western Washington University did a study and found that the greater number of sexual partners you have while dating, the fewer your chances of staying faithful when married.  When YOU are ready, not your friends. Everyone has a different dating time clock.  Girls are usually ready before boys therefore girls are more likely to date older boys.

WHO SHOULD YOU DATE?  Someone you’re attracted to!  Physically and personality  Close to age  The older the date is, the more they may expect from you in terms of involvement, personal commitment, or physical intimacy. Beware of older person looking for a young, innocent date. Try not to increase more than 2-3 years age gap.

 Someone your parents approve of  Parents can be protective. Make sure you talk things over and try to resolve any issues. Go to dinner with them-let them get to know each other  Someone with similar values and standards  You both will be more comfortable and may avoid embarrassing or dangerous situations