Let's Get Serious: Communicating Commitment In Romantic Relationships

Publication Type

Conference Paper

Publication Date

6-2010

Abstract

Are men or women more likely to confess love first in romantic relationships? Who is more likely to respond happily? An evolutionary-economics perspective contends that women and men incur different potential costs and benefits from confessing love and from reacting positively to such confessions. Across four studies, we find that although people believe that women are the first to confess love and feel happier upon receiving confessions, it is actually men who confess love first and feel happier. Reactions also differ drastically depending on whether the couple has or has not engaged in sexual activity, as well as the mating strategy a person is pursuing. Thus, saying and hearing ―I love you‖ has different meanings depending on who is doing the confessing and when those confessions are made. An evolutionary-economics perspective further suggests that displays of non-romantic commitment, and reactions to these displays, will be influenced by specific, functional biases.

Discipline

Gender and Sexuality

Research Areas

Psychology

Publication

Human Behavior and Evolution Society 22nd Annual Conference, 16-20 June 2010

City or Country

Eugene, OR

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