Michael Sylvester wrote:
> while on this subject of healthy marriages and relationships,is there
> strong supportive evidence that as couples age they tend to physically
> resemble each other?
That's just in your area of the US, Michael.
And they frequently start that way there, too!
> Something to do with the synchronicity of muscle groups in an
> interactive facial communicative mode.
Nope.
Limited genetic pool. ;-)
> Also it has been noted that couples with pets may begin looking like
> their pets.
If you have a bulldog, do NOT post your anniversary photos to the list!
Seriously, there are a bit "simpler" (and more realistic) ways of
explaining both of these topics.
Couples: Couples tend to resemble each other (in appearance, not
mannerisms or tastes--which can be learned, of course) for a number of
reasons, including:
1. Similar backgrounds (which includes similar racial/genetic types,
ethnic similarities in appearance, etc.).
2. Similar eating habits & athletic levels (which leads to similar body
types).
3. Similar tastes in clothing, grooming, etc. (which leads to visual
association in the observer).
4. Self-attraction (a _strong_ influence in many parts of the gay
culture) in which people are attracted to those who physically resemble
themselves in some manner (i.e., the "Castro Clone" in the glbt culture).
Pets: Here, also, more reasonable ways of explaining the issue exist,
including:
1. Association of a pet with a self-perceived "disposition." In other
words, the individual who perceives him/her-self to be "sophisticated"
will be attracted to both "sophisticated looking" pets and personal
grooming behaviors which reflect that attitude. But since animals do _not_
actually display such traits (as animals), the attraction will be to the
anthropmorized form of the attitude (appearance as symbol) and the person
will be attracted to the pet that resembles the image s/he would like to
display.
2. Same as #4 above.
3. Essentially the opposite of #1--the person may tend to cultivate an
image in him/her-self that reflects the "disposition" of the
animal-companion s/he has selected.
In other words, if you prefer pet tarantulas to pet kittens, you probably
don't cultivate a "cute" image for yourself! :-)
Rick <---Who has five cats; go figure.
--
Rick Adams
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Department of Social Sciences
Jackson Community College, Jackson, MI
"... and the only measure of your worth and your deeds
will be the love you leave behind when you're gone."
Fred Small, J.D., "Everything Possible"
