There are a variety of theories dealing with the issue of partner choice. Each of them offers its own unique perspective on the factors influencing the formation of a couple. Let's look at some of them, the most famous: 1. Sigmund Freud's theory suggests that boys fight with their father for recognition and attention from their mother, which is expressed in the form of the Oedipus complex. Girls, accordingly, enter into competition with their mother for the attention and recognition of their father, reflected in the Electra complex. Most often (though, of course, not always!), parents treat this behavior with a degree of irony, embarrassed and smiling, explaining to their children that in the future they will have both love and their own family, similar to the one in which they grow. And then adult children choose a partner who has similar traits to the parent of the opposite sex. 2. Anton Nay and F. Bernardo adhered to the theory that each of us prefers to connect our lives with a person who has traits and characteristics similar to ours. Factors influencing this choice are social status, financial status, location within the same city, and level of education. “Partners have the same economic, capable paramount importance in terms of marriage choice: race, social class, level of education, age, territorial proximity of residence, etc.” Therefore, when meeting with a potential candidate for building a relationship, our choice is first and foremost will depend on these criteria. 3. An interesting theory is that of Winch, who adhered to the idea that the process of forming a couple is based on the principle of mutual complementarity of emotional needs. According to this theory, people choose partners whose needs are opposite and complementary to their needs. For example, if a person needs attention, care, he will be attracted to people who strive to share this in relationships. 4. One of the most relevant theories in modern society is most likely the concept, the essence of which is to minimize the influence of subconscious factors when choosing a partner. According to B. Murstein's theory, the selection process can be divided into three key phases: In the first, a stimulus arises in the form of mutual sympathy and attractiveness. In the second, the couple discusses their views and values, identifying common ones. The third includes a discussion of how each partner sees their role in the relationship. If expectations coincide at each stage of this process, the partners decide in favor of further building the relationship. Numerous studies have been conducted to test these theories. What is the result? There is no evidence that mate selection is based on only one of these concepts. In real life, this process turns out to be much more complex and multifaceted. Sincerely, your psychotherapist, coach, interpersonal relationship specialist, Natalya Akhmedova