This is the fact that most of us want a loving and caring companion. Whenever we find out soulmate, our lifestyle changes drastically. Attraction factor may vary to people’s choice. Attraction is a complex biological and psychological process that engages multiple body systems, working together to create a strong pull toward specific individuals. Have you ever noticed that someone seems more attractive once they start dating someone else? This phenomenon, known as mate-choice copying, has been widely studied in psychology and evolutionary science. It suggests that people become more desirable when others have already chosen them as a partner. But why does this happen? Let’s break down the science behind it.
Social Proof: If Others Want Them, They Must Be Valuable
Humans rely on social cues to determine value. Just like how a restaurant with a long line seems more appealing, a person in a relationship appears more desirable. Research published in Evolution and Human Behavior shows that people rate individuals as more attractive when they are shown with a romantic partner. Seeing someone in a relationship signals that they have qualities worth appreciating—such as kindness, loyalty, and emotional intelligence.
In simple terms, if someone has already “approved” of them, others assume they must be worth considering. This concept, called social proof, plays a big role in attraction.
The Scarcity Effect: Wanting What You Can’t Have
Psychological studies show that people value things that are rare or hard to obtain. This is called the scarcity principle, which marketers often use to create urgency in sales. When someone becomes unavailable due to a relationship, their perceived value increases.
A study in Human Nature found that women were more attracted to men who were already in relationships compared to single men. The idea that someone is “off the market” makes them seem more desirable, possibly because it creates a sense of exclusivity.
Confidence Boost and Positive Energy
People in relationships often feel more confident, secure, and happy. Studies show that confidence is one of the most attractive traits in both men and women. When someone receives love and validation from their partner, they naturally radiate positivity.
According to a study in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, individuals who feel desired by their partners tend to exude self-assurance. This makes them more appealing to others. Confident people also engage more in social interactions, making them stand out in a crowd.
The Halo Effect: Association with Positive Traits
The halo effect is a cognitive bias where people assume that if someone is desirable to one person, they must have other great qualities. This explains why celebrities in high-profile relationships often become more popular.
If a person is in a happy relationship, others might assume they are loving, responsible, and fun—traits that naturally make them more attractive. This assumption can influence how people perceive their personality and physical appearance.
The Psychology of Competition: The Drive to “Win”
Humans have a natural instinct to compete, especially when it comes to social status and relationships. When someone is in a relationship, it triggers romantic competition, making them seem more valuable.
A study in Biology Letters found that when women saw other women expressing interest in a man, they rated him as more attractive than when he was alone. This suggests that people subconsciously compete for desirable partners, even if they weren’t initially interested in them.
Mystery and Curiosity: The Desire to Know More
When someone is single, they might not attract much attention. But once they enter a relationship, people start wondering: What makes them so special? This curiosity increases their appeal.
This effect is similar to how social media influencers gain popularity—once they start trending, more people become curious about them. The mere-exposure effect, a psychological concept, suggests that the more people see or hear about someone, the more attractive they become.
Attraction Is a Complex Psychological and Social Process
People don’t just become more desirable after entering a relationship by chance. Social proof, scarcity, confidence, competition, and curiosity all play a role. While these factors explain why this happens, they don’t mean someone should enter a relationship just to appear more attractive.
Understanding the psychology of attraction helps us see how human behavior is influenced by both subconscious and social factors. So, next time you wonder why someone seems more attractive after dating, remember—it’s science at work!
