Love at first sight is a romantic notion that became popular during the first half of 20th century since many swore they felt instant love for each other.

However, as the rates of divorce and separations rose, many romantic pairs who swore by it later realized that love was actually not in the air when they started living as couples. That is why around the 1960s, the legitimacy of the love-at-first-sight experience became questionable.

Experts Say Love-at-First-Sight is a Myth

Sociologists like Judson T. Landis PhD, researcher, and author of “Building a Successful Marriage,” said

”Love at first sight is a relationship myth because true love takes some time to develop.” ”Yet it is possible for two people to experience infatuation or an instant physical attraction on their very first meeting”

As the matter continued to be a subject of debate up to the 70s, professor of psychology, Bernard I. Murstein at the Connecticut College also dismissed the “love at first sight” notion as a legit experience. Professor Murstein agreed with earlier research findings that for romantic love to be a genuine emotion, it must have been developed between individuals through a continuing relationship over a period of time.

 

Scientific researchers presented evidence that the experience is merely a result of a rush of phenylethylamine, an organic stimulant released by the central nervous system when feeling intense physical attraction to another person. It is likely that people started mistaking the strong reaction as love at the very first sight. Researchers said it became a popular notion since, at one point or another, many go through the same experience to a certain degree

 

However, the notion is being revived in the 21 century, in which the marrying generation is no longer as keen to getting married and settling down as the boomers.

Not unless, they are into a relationship with someone willing to stay true to the traits that generally characterize a good marriage: sense of fairness, empathy and appreciation, as well as willingness to show not only affection but also gratitude. Engaging in open and honest communication is also important, especially in matters regarding sex.

21st Century Researchers Note that the LAFS Syndrome is Re-Emerging

A recent study found out that the love-at-first-sight idea has been re-emerging in the 21st Century. Now called LAFS, many Americans claim it happened to them. Some are even calling the emotion as love-at -first-byte (LFAB), since they fell in love from the first moment they met through exchanges or text or chat messages.

Relationship experts are once again cautioning people about putting much faith in mistaking sexual desire or physical attraction for love. Dr. Howard Markman, a psychologist at the University of Denver’s Center for Marital and Family Studies, and co-editor of “Why Do Fools Fall in Love?” says

”Love at first sight is magical and sacred for those who were fortunate enough to have had the experience, but should not be seen as an ideal reason for getting married.”