The simple fact of physical proximity—being in one another’s presence frequently—exerts far more impact on romantic attraction than many people think. In general, you’ll feel more attracted to those with whom you have frequent contact and less attracted to those with whom you interact rarely, a phenomenon known as the mere exposure effect (Bornstein, 1989).

Proximity’s pronounced effect on attraction is one reason that mixed-race romantic relationships are much rarer than same-race pairings in the United States. Despite this nation’s enormous ethnic diversity, most Americans cluster into ethnically homogeneous groups, communities, and neighborhoods. This clustering reduces the likelihood that individuals will meet, regularly interact with, and eventually become attracted to those outside their own cultural group (Gaines, Chalfin, Kim, & Taing, 1998). Those who do form interethnic romances typically have living arrangements, work situations, or educational interests that place them in close proximity with diverse others, fostering attraction (Gaines et al., 1998).