New Delhi: Looking at someone repeatedly may be enough to turn an unfamiliar face into a romantic interest, according to a new survey of around 1,000 Indian singles by dating app happn.
The findings point to the “familiarity effect” in dating—the idea that repeated exposure to someone can increase attraction. More than half (52 per cent) of respondents said repeatedly seeing someone can significantly impact how attractive they seem.
For some, familiarity can lead to deliberate attempts to cross paths. Nearly three in 10 respondents said they had changed their routine to “accidentally” run into someone they had developed a crush on.
The people involved are often part of everyday routines. Daily commutes were the most common setting for familiar crushes, accounting for 23 per cent of responses, followed by neighbourhoods at 19 per cent. Gyms and nightlife spots each accounted for 16 per cent, while offices and coworking spaces made up 15 per cent.
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Familiar faces to imagined relationships
To find someone attractive, you don’t always have to talk to them. In fact, fewer conversations the better. Nearly 31 per cent said they had imagined going on a date with someone they regularly saw but had never spoken to. One in five said they had gone further and imagined an entire relationship with such a person.
Repeated encounters can also translate into real-life relationships. Over 31 per cent said their most notable familiar crush eventually led to a date or romantic relationship. Another 24 per cent said the connection developed into a friendship.
Small interactions appear to play a role in building attraction. Seven in 10 respondents (69 per cent) said eye contact and body language can strengthen attraction. More than half (53 per cent) pointed to a person’s style or overall vibe, while 49 per cent said consistently seeing someone at the same time or place made the crush stronger.
When it came to signals of mutual interest, 30 per cent identified a different kind of smile as a notable sign, while 29 per cent pointed to holding eye contact for longer than usual.
But familiarity does not necessarily make approaching someone easier. Almost half of the people surveyed said respecting the other person’s personal space held them back. Another 42 per cent were unsure whether the person was single or available. Fear of rejection was cited by 39 per cent, while 38 per cent said they sometimes preferred the fantasy of the crush to reality.
The findings suggest that attraction can develop through repeated encounters and recognition, rather than only through an immediate first impression. For some Indian singles, the person they become interested in may already be a familiar face in their everyday lives.