From "Perception", I find it interesting, have been wondering myself whether the series got a point here:

(If you don't like lengthy posts, take a hike , or get an Alka Seltzer)

Let's talk about love. How does love rewire the brain?
When we meet somebody new and exciting, they invade our synapses like a virus, triggering neurochemicals that feed into attraction, arousal, even obsession. We get distracted. We think about that special someone all the time. But we're not just thinking about them, we're building an internal model. A simulation that helps us predict what they'll think or how they'll feel. Relationships get into trouble when simulation meets reality.
Which raises the question: do we ever fall in love with another person or just with our idea of who they are?

I do believe we fall in love with OUR idea of who they are,
and if they love you,
they will fall in love with our idea also.

And this is not gender specific.

well said, we fall in love with, become attracted to the IDEAS we have established and defined, and how closely someone seems to match them,,,,

I'm doing that right now it's the idea of who they are the thought of them we haven't even met yet but he's really got me thinking

I met this guy in May and we went out and had a good time.I thought he liked me until he dumped me.I mean,he just stopped calling me and this was 3 weeks ago.I'm trying to forget about him but I can't.

When the prick's in the air....the brains in the ground. I think that's it!

so there may be a confusion many times anyways
in person,I would have to talk to then on the
phone a lot really gauge there personally then
I could see love forming.

I don't really know what to think of it. It's a mind boggling thesis.
Do we really fool ourselves? Is the human brain that simplistic? I don't want to believe that, the human body is the most intricate, complex and delicate 'machine' there is.
The thesis assumes the simulation and reality to be different. But is that always the case?

This is exactly why I told another woman "Be wary of too much charm". There's a reason why some pretend to be so charming. Anyway, if those people can't be themselves around you, you had a lucky escape.

A few times I thought I wanted to sleep with a guy, but then when we were infront of each other physically, that sexual feeling dissapeared. Though, I think that was me being nervous. I usually can gauge pretty well, whether I want to sleep with someone.

I don't think I make an idea of what someone is. Loving someone is as much a conscious decision as it is a feeling. As an artist I attempt to see things as they are. Always keep in mind actions will always speak louder than words especially when they betray each other.

Can you really call it love when you are infatuated with a self generated image of someone and not what they really are? I can't call that love. However when you see the person for who they really are with all their flaws and still care about them. To me that is what love really is.

I have probably fallen in love with the idea in the past..I seriously know the difference now.

I suppose, when theres a match! I love to believe will happen to me again. however,
balance and common interests would do.

I don't think it's real in the beginning. It can develop into something real.

Dont think about that hell and move forward in life

Well, this is pure folk psychology anyway.

If you want to believe in fictional entities like beliefs, then of course you are just deluding yourself.

jkl881,, a guy has to be connected emotionally......in the beginning its persona vs persona [that's what we tell the world who we are] unless there's what some call attraction [thats where our inner child connects with the other persons inner child,......first get to know the guy before your put your heart on the line... do not have sex to soon,,, men can separate love from sex much easier then most woman can.....never use it to get a guy...... [many woman make that mistake],,,,,,,a good guy knows anything good is worth waiting for...... your the prize [women flirt-men pursue].....do not rush it,,,,

Couldn't agree with you more Sparkyae! Well said!