The 20 Percent Dip: A College Senior's Conflicted Attraction

A college senior's three-month relationship with a woman has hit a snag: he's unsure about his attraction to her. His feelings ebb and flow, decreasing by 20 percent at times , leaving him wondering if there's a way to build attraction to someone.

His friends and a Slate advice columnist offer insights, suggesting that attraction can be influenced by internal factors such as tiredness or distraction, as well as external factors like styling and mannerisms.

Love in the Time of Familiarity

The conversation touches on the idea that attraction can be complex and influenced by various factors, including familiarity, security, and safety. the writer's experience is likened to Homer's love for a lobster in The Simpsons, where love can put a filter over someone, making them appear more beautiful.

The writer's friends and the columnist agree that attraction builds over time and can be influenced by various factors beyond physical appearance.

The Paradox of Attraction:A Relationship Conundrum

The writer's dilemma raises questions about the nature of attraction and its role in relationships. Is it possble to build attraction to someone, or is it a product of circumstance and external factors?

The conversation highlights the complexity of human emotions and the need for a deeper understanding of attraction and its many facets.