Misattribution of Arousal
Have you ever been told to “just be yourself” on a first date? While well-meaning, it’s not always the most helpful advice. Instead, you can use the concept of “misattribution of arousal” to your advantage. This psychological phenomenon occurs when someone experiences heightened physiological excitement—like from a roller coaster or horror movie—and mistakenly attributes those feelings to the person they’re with.
So, by taking your date to a thrilling or adventurous location, like an amusement park or a haunted house, they may subconsciously associate their increased heart rate with their feelings for you. It’s a clever way to ensure that the excitement of the date translates into excitement about you.
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