Have you ever locked eyes with a stranger and felt an inexplicable connection? As if you've known them forever when you've only just met. The allure of love at first sight is intoxicating - like something out of a rom-com meet-cute. But is it actually real?

In this article, we'll explore the signs of genuine connection versus fleeting infatuation. You'll learn how to nurture promising first sparks and grow real love over time. We’ve also included a poll about the different personalities’ take on love at first glance. Read on to see the results and insights.

Poll Result: Who is Most Likely to Believe in Love at First Sight

We recently asked our Boo community, "Do You Believe in Love at First Sight?" The results show the percentage of each personality type who said "Yes" to this question.

• ENFJ - 60
• ENFP - 57
• INFP - 54
• ESFP - 49
• INFJ - 48
• ISFJ - 48
• ISFP - 48
• ESFJ - 47
• ESTJ - 35
• ENTP - 32
• ISTJ - 31
• ENTJ - 27
• ESTP - 27
• ISTP - 26
• INTJ - 25
• INTP - 24

The poll results reveal some interesting insights. The types most likely to believe in love at first sight are the NF idealists - ENFJ, ENFP, INFP, and INFJ. These intuitive feelers tend to be romantics who are open to magical connections. On the flip side, the thinking types like ESTJ, ISTJ, INTJ are much more skeptical of instant love.

There also seems to be a correlation between extroversion and believing in love at first sight. The extroverted types generally reported higher percentages of believing compared to their introverted counterparts. This may be because extroverts feel connections through external behaviors, while introverts process internally.

Overall, about half of respondents have experienced or believe in love at first sight on some level. So while not a universal experience, it's still seen as a real phenomenon by many. Love is complex and everyone experiences it differently.

If you’d like to partake in our next poll, follow our Instagram @bootheapp.

What is Love at First Sight?

Love at first sight is defined as feeling a deep emotional and physical attraction to someone you've only just met. Some describe it as feeling like you already know the person, even though you don't.

True love at first sight is more than just thinking someone is attractive. It's sensing an instant bond and understanding with their personality and spirit.

However, these immediate connections are often just infatuation or lust at first sight. Let's explore how to tell the difference.

Infatuation vs. real connection

Infatuation is a short-lived passion for someone based predominantly on physical attraction and fantasy, rather than substance. Signs of infatuation include:

• Idealizing someone and putting them on a pedestal
• Focusing on their positive traits and overlooking flaws
• Intense possessiveness and jealousy
• Thinking about them obsessively

In contrast, real love at first sight is:

• Feeling completely comfortable with someone new
• Having endless conversations with no awkwardness
• Sharing laughs, dreams, and meaningful life experiences
• Sensing their essence aligns with yours

True connection grows with emotional intimacy over time. Don't mistake a promising first spark for the whole bonfire. Fuel it slowly.

So what explains that immediate visceral reaction some people report feeling when meeting "the one"? Here are some psychological factors that can spark that first jolt of connection:

• Novelty: Our brains are wired to be intrigued by new people and experiences. The excitement and mystery of someone unfamiliar can ignite attraction.
• Idealization: When we project fantasized desires onto someone we're attracted to but don't know well yet. Can ignite intense infatuation.
• Actual compatibility: Sometimes, even with little interaction, our intuition recognizes someone we have natural chemistry with. We really do "click".

While causes vary, most experts agree that true love at first sight is rare. Growing real love takes time.

Signs it's Love at First Sight

Wondering if your love interest felt the spark too? Here are signs it may be mutual:

Meaningful eye contact

More than a casual glance, it's gazing into each other's eyes and communicating through soulful nonverbal connection. You both linger longer than usual.

Natural chemistry

The conversation flows effortlessly. You share the same offbeat humor and can be yourselves without judgment. No awkward silences or forced small talk.

Comfort and familiarity

You feel instantly at ease around them, as if you’ve known them for ages. You find yourself sharing private feelings or quirks you usually don't reveal to strangers.

"The knowing"

There's an unspoken feeling of understanding one another on a deeper level. You just click and can sense what the other is thinking or feeling. This goes beyond novelty or projecting desires. You recognize each other.

Tingles and chills

Love at first sight can create a thrilling rush of excitement that causes literal chills up your spine and tingles throughout your body when you see them.

Déjà vu

Ever meet someone and feel like you've seen them before or lived this moment already? That strange sensation could indicate soulmate-level connection.

Love at First Sight Quotes

Famous thinkers throughout history have tried to capture the bewildering power of love at first sight. Here are some of the most poetic musings:

• "We loved with a love that was more than love." - Edgar Allan Poe
• "I have loved you since the first moment I saw you. I will love you until the last moment of my life." - unknown
• "When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible." - Nora Ephron, When Harry Met Sally
• "One word frees us of all the weight and pain of life: That word is love." - Sophocles
• "Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same." - Emily Brontë

These timeless words capture the magical feeling of instant connection we call love at first sight. While rare, some are lucky enough to experience it.

Making it Last - Growing First Sparks into Love

While first sparks can ignite quickly, real love needs care and nurturing to grow into the lasting kind.

• Take it slow and really get to know each other before declaring eternal love. Infatuation fades.
• Focus on emotional intimacy - sharing innermost feelings, fears and dreams.
• Make quality time for thoughtful conversations, not just physical romance.
• Don't obsess or idealize them. Enjoy the newness but keep perspective.
• Manage expectations. Don't assume you're soulmates yet. Build a friendship first.

With patience and care, a promising connection can blossom into a deep and lasting love over time. Trust the spark, but don't stop fanning the flame.

Frequently Asked Questions

What percentage of people actually experience love at first sight?

According to some surveys, about 1 in 4 people report experiencing love or intense attraction at first sight. So while not common for everyone, it's also not incredibly rare.

Can you fall in love with someone online or is in-person meeting required?

It's possible to develop an emotional connection and compatibility with someone online. But that instant magnetic spark is more likely to happen during an in-person meeting.

How can you tell if your love interest also felt a spark when you met?

Signs include lingering eye contact, natural chemistry talking, quickly sharing personal details, feeling instantly comfortable together, and having an unspoken bond.

What should you do if the feelings fade after the initial meeting?

This may indicate it was just a fleeting infatuation. But it's also normal for intense new love feelings to mellow. Focus on deepening the emotional intimacy of the relationship. Don't panic at the first fading.

How long does the infatuation phase of new love usually last?

The intense infatuation phase of new relationships often lasts about 6 months to a year. Feelings evolve and mature over time. Don't assume infatuation fading means falling out of love.

In Summary

While love at first sight might not be as mythical as it seems, mistaking infatuation for real connection is common. Pay attention to signs of genuine bonding versus superficial attraction. Nurture those first sparks carefully to turn them into enduring love.

When you meet someone special, trust your intuition but also be patient. Let your love story unfold slowly, not just the first pages. The best romances aren't rushed. When you know, you know - but real love also takes time to flourish.