Parent-Arranged Marriage A marriage based on the principle that the elders in a community have the wisdom to select the appropriate spouse

Love-Match A marriage based on love and the freedom to choose your own spouse

Dating Individual choice courtship

Permissiveness The extent to which couples are physically intimate before marriage

Double Standard When there are different standards of dating and social behavior for men than for women

Physical Attraction The interest and excitement generated by various physical qualities of a person

Long Term Relationship A relationship which is intended to last for an extended period of time, usually into marriage

Complementary Needs Theory People are attracted to someone whose personality complements (balances) their own personality

Family of Origin An individual’s parents and other family members

Filter Theory This theory suggests that people go through a complex filtering process that gradually narrows down the pool of possible dates to find a possible mate.

Propinquity Filter Nearness in time and space

Social Background Filter The ethnic group, socioeconomic stage, and age of an individual

Physical Attractiveness Filter A subjective measure of an individual based on various physical qualities

Compatibility Filter How well people relate in terms of personality, interests and values

Balance Sheet Filter Evaluation of what we are giving and what we are getting in the relationship

The Filter Theory All Eligible Dating Partners Propinquity Filter Eligible People You Know Social Background Filter People Similar in Background Attractiveness Filter Couple Attracted to Each Other Compatibility Filter Compatible Personality Balance Sheet Filter Mutually Committed to Each other