Admiration is one of the most powerful emotions that humans can experience. It has been shown to have positive effects on both physical and mental health, and it can even lead to increased happiness and life satisfaction. When someone feels admired, they often feel more confident, secure, and loved. This sense of worthiness can be especially important for those who are struggling with self-esteem issues. Admiring others also has some surprising benefits when it comes to attraction and desire.
When people feel attracted to another person, their body produces hormones such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and oxytocin. These chemicals make them feel excited, aroused, and motivated to pursue the object of their attention.
If the person being admired does something kind, these same hormones can be released even stronger. In other words, admiration for kindness increases desire because it creates a sense of excitement and anticipation.
There are several reasons why this might happen. First, kindness can be seen as an indicator of a person's overall character. If someone is consistently kind, generous, and thoughtful towards others, it shows that they have good values and will likely treat you well in return. Second, kindness can trigger feelings of gratitude and appreciation. When someone goes out of their way to help or support us, we may want to reciprocate by returning the favor.
Kindness can create a feeling of safety and security. Knowing that someone cares about our wellbeing makes us feel comfortable and accepted, which can increase our attraction and desire for them.
In addition to increasing sexual attraction, admiration for kindness can also lead to increased intimacy. When two people share mutual respect and admiration, they are more likely to open up to each other emotionally. They may discuss personal thoughts and experiences, reveal vulnerabilities, and build trust. This closeness can strengthen bonds between partners and deepen relationships over time.
Admiration of kindness is not just important for romantic relationships. It can also be crucial for friendships and professional interactions. When colleagues show compassion and consideration for one another, it fosters collaboration, creativity, and productivity. Similarly, when friends show respect and care for each other, they form strong connections that last through thick and thin.
Admiring kindness has many benefits for individuals and society at large. It promotes positivity, cooperation, and connection. And when combined with physical attraction, it can lead to deeper levels of intimacy and fulfillment. So next time you see someone being kind, take a moment to appreciate them - your body might thank you later!
How does admiration of kindness increase desire?
Despite being a broad concept that encompasses many different forms of behavior and motivations, human beings are generally attracted to positive characteristics such as kindness and generosity. As such, admiring these qualities can lead to an increased desire for someone due to their association with them, known as the "halo effect" (Festinger & Carlsmith, 1959).