- the force by which one object attracts another
- an entertainment that is offered to the public
- the quality of arousing interest; being attractive or something that attracts
- a characteristic that provides pleasure and attracts
- drawing card: an entertainer who attracts large audience
Obviously, that doesn't answer the title. After all, the context of which the title was formulated is quite specific but does raise a valid query when speaking of interpersonal interactions, relations and what-have-you.
There can never be true significance to a relationship without attraction. Notice that the word true was added to that statement. After all, there are still people out there who are capable of deception and manipulation. The question really is whether or not attraction is immediate or gradual, if not both. Should one abandon all hope of progress simply because there was no initial attraction taking place? Of course, this raises the immediate objection that there are external factors influencing that decision. Bad experiences, personal biases, peer pressure and ability to read people are among the chief elements why such notions are made. However, there are times when individuals just get it right the first time, first impressions may last or gut feel can immediately tell one that this isn't worth pursuing.
On the flip side, and if you're familiar with the Disney animated film Beauty and the Beast, particularly the song Something There, there might actually be something there that wasn't there before. The correct term would be "it grows on you", then again the possibility of self-delusion i.e. wanting it so badly that you start rejecting reality is highly probable. Still, the wisdom in looking beyond the facade or under the tip of the proverbial iceberg is quite difficult to challenge.
While our mileage may vary, the conundrum of attraction befalls each and everyone of us. Even misanthropes, since well, they are still human and sentient enough to realize the need for human contact. The problem of determining it's presence is but the first step. Then one moves on to a more dreadful phase.... what to do with it.
There can never be true significance to a relationship without attraction. Notice that the word true was added to that statement. After all, there are still people out there who are capable of deception and manipulation. The question really is whether or not attraction is immediate or gradual, if not both. Should one abandon all hope of progress simply because there was no initial attraction taking place? Of course, this raises the immediate objection that there are external factors influencing that decision. Bad experiences, personal biases, peer pressure and ability to read people are among the chief elements why such notions are made. However, there are times when individuals just get it right the first time, first impressions may last or gut feel can immediately tell one that this isn't worth pursuing.
On the flip side, and if you're familiar with the Disney animated film Beauty and the Beast, particularly the song Something There, there might actually be something there that wasn't there before. The correct term would be "it grows on you", then again the possibility of self-delusion i.e. wanting it so badly that you start rejecting reality is highly probable. Still, the wisdom in looking beyond the facade or under the tip of the proverbial iceberg is quite difficult to challenge.
While our mileage may vary, the conundrum of attraction befalls each and everyone of us. Even misanthropes, since well, they are still human and sentient enough to realize the need for human contact. The problem of determining it's presence is but the first step. Then one moves on to a more dreadful phase.... what to do with it.
1 comment:
Loved this dialogue and am curious about how we as a society define attraction. Attraction between two people is one form. There is also another great site www.defineattraction.com that is on this point. Check it out.
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