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Being physically closer to someone doesn't only make conversation easier.
Research reviewed in Annual Review of Psychology found that potential romantic partners could be perceived as more desirable when they appeared physically closer rather than farther away.
One explanation involves psychological associations between proximity, accessibility, and social safety.
This doesn't mean sitting closer automatically makes someone attracted to you.
Personal boundaries and comfort obviously matter much more than trying to manipulate distance.
But our perception of a potential partner can apparently be influenced by something as basic as where they are in physical space.
© Annual Review of Psychology