Sexual arousal creates “tunnel vision” that makes ambiguous dating cues look like interest

Summary: Have you ever thought someone was playing hard to get, only to realize they just weren't that into you? A new study explains why our brains trick us. When people feel sexually aroused or highly attracted to someone, their brain gets "tunnel vision." This makes them focus only on the good parts of a mixed signal.

If a crush says, "You're really great, but I'm just so busy right now," an attracted person usually only hears, "You're really great." Researchers did four different studies and found that people easily mistake mixed signals for real romantic interest because they desperately want it to be true. The arousal actually makes the other person seem even more desirable, fueling the fantasy.

The only thing that stops this hopeful thinking is a very clear, blunt rejection. Once the "no" is unmistakable, the tunnel vision stops, the attraction drops, and the truth finally sets in.

For more details, see psypost at psypost.org/sexual-arousal-creates-tunnel-vision-that-makes-ambiguous-dating-cues-look-like-interest/ (opens in new tab)