Another aspect of emotional attraction is reciprocity, which by definition has to do with some sort of mutuality. As far as attraction goes, it's mutual interest. Human beings tend to like those who like them and dislike those who don't like them. The perfect example of this effect is the dramatic middle school scene. Many of us have probably heard or even said a joke like: "I don't like it because they talked badly about me." In contrast, when another individual expresses interest in you, you likely feel a sense of accomplishment or adulation that drives you to show interest in them as well (Sternberg, 2013). As much as we would like to think we abandoned this attitude in middle school, it stays with us throughout our lives. Becoming aware of another person's interest in oneself can trigger a similar interest in the other from the time we are in middle school until the day we die. The phrase “Opposites attract” is often applied to relationships, but it is only true to an extent. As a general rule, people tend to be more attracted to those with whom they perceive they share interests and experiences. “Similarity generates satisfaction” (Sternberg, 2013) and provides a foundation on which to build relationships. We as humans want to be validated in our position; another person who shares things in common with us will probably provide this guarantee. The real question lies in what these similarities should be. Is it similarities in appearance, values, opinions, interests, or any other factor that really matters? In her book titled The Psychology of Love 101, Karen Sternberg states: “What matters most is similarity in those areas that are important to a person” (2013). If religion is central to a for...... middle of paper ......ign/1998/03/building-a-successful-marriage?lang=eng.DeLamater, J. & Hyde, J. ( 1998). Essentialism vs. social constructionism in the study of human sexuality. Journal Of Sex Research, 35(1), 10-18.Edwards, T (writer). (1985). The Science of Sexual Attraction [QED]. T. Edwards (producer). UK: BBC.Gangestad, S. (2006). Human sexual selection, good genes and special design. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, (907)1, 50-61.Hafen, B. & Hafen, M. (1994). Harness all your passions. Ensign (February). Retrieved from https://www.lds.org/ensign/1994/02/bridle-all-your-passions?lang=eng.Schlessinger, L. (2007). Proper marriage care and nutrition. New York, NY: Harper Collins Publishers.Smoller, J. (2012). The other side of normality. New York, NY: Harper Collins Publishers.Sternberg, K. (2013). Psychology of Love 101. New York, NY: Springer Publishing Company.