The Science of Attraction: The Research Behind About Who We Fall For and Why w/ Paul Eastwick

Why are we drawn to certain people—and why do some connections deepen while others fade? In this episode, Julie and Yue sit down with UC Davis professor and director of the Attraction and Relationships Research Lab, Dr. Paul Eastwick, to explore the science behind attraction and long-term compatibility. Drawing from decades of research, Paul Eastwick explains why our “ideal partner” checklist often doesn’t match who we actually connect with, how attraction can grow over time, and what psychological mechanisms—like attachment, motivated reasoning, and predictive modeling—shape the way we evaluate potential partners.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why Initial Attraction Isn’t Always a Perfect Predictor of Long-Term Compatibility

• How Our Stated Preferences Differ from Who We Actually Connect With

• How Repeated Interactions and Familiarity Deepen Attraction (Mere Exposure Effect)

• How Attachment and Past Experiences Shape How We Form Romantic Bonds

• How Predictive Models and Motivated Reasoning Influence Partner Selection

• Why Emotional Intimacy and Shared Experiences Strengthen Connection Over Time

• How Attraction Evolves—Sometimes in Surprising Ways—as Relationships Develop

To learn more about Paul Eastwick: follow @pauleastwick and visithttps://pauleastwick.com

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