It was love at first sight, at last sight, at ever and ever sight.
-Vladimir Nabokov, Lolita

Do you believe in love at first sight?

Many Americans do. In a survey of over 5000 singles on Match.com, Dr. Helen Fisher (2011) found that 54% of men and 44% of women reported they have experienced love at first sight.

In fact, according to research by Dr. Stephanie Ortigue, the rush of brain stimulation can lead to feelings of “love” as quickly as .2 seconds of visual contact with a love interest! Feelings of euphoria, elation, excitement, curiosity with a hyper focus on the person seem to quickly occupy a person’s body and experience.

Philosophically, the question remains: Is love at first sight really love for the other person or something else? Brain-based research in the last decade has helped us understand the mechanics of love and

© Psychology Today