Physical attractiveness is a visible quality that may bring people together, but seems to be less important in maintaining an attraction. Sprecher (1998) also found that proximity plays a key role in initial attraction. Proximity is important for initiating and developing a relationship, but is may not be needed in order to maintain it. .

             In Vogel"s (1999) study of dating relationships, he found that a male will withdraw from discussing important topics while a female will typically demand more. This may be explained by the stereotype that men don"t disclose themselves as easily as females. This results in a male withdrawal/female demand type of relationship which can lead to the relationship having problems. Overall, Vogel (1999) also found that an equal demand by both participants in a dating relationship results in the relationship lasting longer. These results pertain to attraction maintenance. Obviously, if two people contribute equally to a relationship, it is most likely the relationship will continue for a longer period than a relationship where one participant controls/demands much more than the other. The previous statement can be proved incorrect depending on what type of a relationship each person is looking for. If one individual is withdrawn and does not need to speak their opinion, that person may be completely content. Another relationship between Vogel"s research and this research is that equal demand by each member in a relationship is probably also related to personality similarity. .

             Research Question and Design.

             The focus of this research will be specifically on what factors are most important to each sex in an initial attraction and what factors are most important in maintaining a relationship. Gender similarities and differences will be examined. Each research participant will be surveyed to rank a series of characteristics from important to least important when pertaining to an initial attraction.