There is nothing better than to love one another, as love is the elixir that makes the World go around. Initial attraction and the likelihood that a relationship will be formed will depend upon both individuals’ estimates concerning the value of the outcomes to be expected from the relationship, and concern the probabilities that such outcomes will be realized. Family background, values, physical attractiveness, and communication styles are just some of the factors that influence the selection of romantic relationships. These estimates, in turn, will be influenced by a number of tendencies characteristic of person perception and self-presentation, by elements in the situation that influence both, and by a number of interactional processes. People tend, where possible, to notice and distort the characteristics of others in the direction of their current motivational states. Research on perception and attention shows that we see more of what we look for; so if you are looking for signs of kindness, that is more likely to stand out to you. How one thinks about and interprets one’s partner’s actions, intentions, and words also affects how we feel and understand a situation with them, which in turn affects how we behave towards them. #RandolphHarris 1 of 5

Various pieces of information that a person receives about another do not enter equally into determining the total impression of that person. Instead, some kinds of information exert strong effects on how other information is interpreted. Placement of persons in certain social categories or statuses powerfully constrains the characteristics attributed to them by others. Early information and impression have greater effects on the perception of others than does later information. Thus, first impressions have considerable impact and, where favorable, provide a certain momentum to the development of a relationship. People respond more enthusiastically to an individual who comes across as trustworthy rather than confident. We are judging how warm and trustworthy the person is, and what their intentions towards us are. We are also looking to figure out how strong and competent this person is. Not only do persons in interaction attempt to control the kinds of information available to others, but they, as well as others in the situation, may influence the attributions that are finally arrived at.  #RandolphHarris 2 of 5

Everyone understand that you do not get a second chance to make that first impression count! And that first impression sticks with your love target—it is the basis for their psychological assessment of you are a potential romantic partner. Attributions, particularly unfavorable ones, frequently are challenged by the target person, and people initially attracted to another are motivated to impress the other with his or her rewarding qualities. If people are so motivated, they tend to adopt a number of self-presentation strategies or tactics of ingratiation that include, in addition to flattery, conformity in opinion, judgement, and behavior to that of the other and attributing attractive characteristics to themselves directly or indirectly. Two basic processes underlie such tactics: self-presentation and altercasting, and both of these are involved in the more general process of identity bargaining. People take notice of general levels of social sophistication and their mannerisms. Identity bargaining means in the first encounters, people attempt to present themselves as a certain kind of person and at the same time attempt to cast the other person into an identity that will fit these preferred lines of action. #RandolphHarris 3 of 5

These identities presented and cast, in first encounters at least, tend to be favorable because beneficially valued identities are most acceptable and facilitative at this stage. In addition, norms of politeness and consideration that influence behavior of newly acquainted persons favor this course. People may be involved daily in round of segmental interaction without developing a personal relationship until something untoward occurs to jolt them out of their role-constrained behavior. When people are confronted with routine role behavior, they tend not to attribute underlying dispositions to others or to form impressions of what others are really like, nor does routine role behavior allow for or require the kind of interactional leeway that permits the joint creation of a personal relationship composed of two distinct identities. Relationship initiation is always to some degree a compromise made against a background of competing alternatives of varying desirability. On our first date, we met for a Mediterranean-inspired brunch, at Café Medina, which is the best date idea for someone you already kind of know. We have the best Belgian waffles, they were golden and crispy on the exterior and fully and soft on the inside.  #RandolphHarris 4 of 5

 I was not sure if we were in a date until he offered to pay for the meal. I agreed only if I could buy us ice creams for dessert. Our brunch date turned into a day-long excursion around Vancouver, just talking and enjoying each other’s company. I was pretty enamored. The trip to Van Dusen Botanical Garden was so beautiful. Once we passed through the entrance, we were transported into a serene oasis with cool, polished marble, intricate stone pavilions, and pathways shaded by chinar, and cypress trees and flowers. It was a perfect spot for a romantic picnic. There were also vineyards, semi-desert gardens with cacti, and a water lily pond sprinkled with lotus flowers. Mountain peaks surrounded the entire site. I really enjoyed the high brick walls, which enclosed the terraced gardens, inked by a series of fountains and pools. Dear God, loving essence of all there is. Please fill us with your sacred presence. Love and Guide us to the blessings that life has to offer. Our heart is pure; our intentions are clear. Bring us love, joy, peace and prosperity to our lives. May we be embraced in a circle of love, uplifted by your grace. #RandolphHarris 5 of 5