Where does our preference for a significant other come from ?

Seems you're mostly referring to physical appearance..
Long ago, I read somewhere that people tend to be drawn to individuals who resemble individuals that they had positive experiences (not romantic, just in general) when they were very young.

As for personality types, what I think is most accurate is explained in a book I have here that says people tend to most like and appreciate personality characteristics that they themselves lack but wish they had.

I tend to agree with both. Speaking only for myself, of course, others' viewpoints may differ.
"Human beings love one another to complement their own want of perfection, for what is loved in others is often what is lacking in self."
(Fulton J. Sheen)
 
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Huh? who is he??
 

Woundmates...I don't think those ever last. One of you eventually heals, which means a fresh wound for the other.

As far as relationships go, they're useful, but doomed, I think.
A former friend-lover of mine who was a recent(at the time) grad with a psych degree characterized that relationship as a "transitional" relationship, meaning (I guess) somewhat like a stepping stone along the path away from a previous very toxic marriage. It was. I learned a lot from all the pain in that era.
 
Some ultra feminine women are not namby pamby. Just as my fiancé. Lol.😁
I haven't met one yet who was good at baseball, thoroughly enjoyed camping, going on challenging hikes, or mud-roading and other playing in the dirt stuff.

My top priorities are a quick wit, totally cool with foul language and sarcasm, self-assured, open to new experiences, cuddly but not clingy...in that order.
 
I haven't met one yet who was good at baseball, thoroughly enjoyed camping, going on challenging hikes, or mud-roading and other playing in the dirt stuff.

My top priorities are a quick wit, totally cool with foul language and sarcasm, self-assured, open to new experiences, cuddly but not clingy...in that order.
Sounds good to me. šŸ˜‚
 
That's because of the old stereotypes, i.e. The World of Suzi Wong.
Maybe so, but there is nothing wrong with a fantasy.
However, any man who went after Suzi, would soon discover that she was carrying "baggage".. It might be one thing to date Suzi for a BRIEF while, living with her would be extremely troublesome.
 
My husband, as a boy, very cute, as a man, very handsome.
When he was ill, we were going back thru pictures. He said, wow I was pretty good looking, who knew? I said, I knew, that is what counts. That is what made him really handsome, he had no idea about his physical appearance.

Okay, here is the strange stuff. It was his pheromones. I don't know if I spelled that right. It was just the scent of him. It made me feel safe, comforted, like nothing bad could happen, he was there to take care of me. After he died I had trouble with cleaning out is things. Some of his things still carried his scent. It was very strong in his truck. I would go out there and just sit for hours soaking it in because I knew it would not last forever. Did anyone else have this or am I just crazy?


S
 

Where does our preference for a significant other come from ? Why does anyone prefer one thing over another? DNA, perhaps, environmental/social pressure & influence, expectations and so on. No doubt, people are attracted and rejected based on favorable & unfavorable chemical reaction.
I have a wonderful wife and would not do anything to jeopardize our relationship but I wonder what it would be like dating other women?
No one is more kind or loving to me than my wife, however, the thrill of a new relationship excites me.​

 
You best be careful or you are going to find out that an exciting adventure could cost you everything you hold dear.

Get a hold of yourself, I have never heard a more selfish statement. You say you have a wonderful wife but can't help but thinking about excitment. I wonder what you will think when you are alone, no one to love or take care of you. I think the thrill of thinking about it would be long gone then, just like your wife.
 

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