Time for Love?

Time for Love?

Are we naturally conditioned to look for love more often in the Fall? Find out, from behavioral anthropologist, Dr. Helen Fisher...Kicking leaves, carving pumpkins, pencils, books and work: We’re back in the fall routine. And as we resume our autumn rituals, most of us take stock. Perhaps there’s nothing we ponder more thoroughly than our bedroom habitat. Is someone there? If not, why not? If so, is this The One? Or should someone else reside in this inner sanctum?

We tend to think that spring and summer are the mating seasons — the key times that we engage in the pursuit of happiness. But as autumn gets under way, professionals, entrepreneurs, students, retirees... almost everyone returns to “the hood,” or to clubs, restaurants, gyms, sports and cultural events and parties — rekindling and expanding their social webs.

“Cats seem to go on the principle that it never does any harm to ask for what you want,” wrote critic Joseph Wood Krutch. Like cats, in the autumn, even the meek become emboldened to ask for what they want: romance. Some will join Chemistry.com, the Internet dating site I helped design for those looking for a serious relationship. Others will seek a mate at other Internet dating sites, or buy newspapers and magazines to peruse the personals. And as they gather, they will hope for love.

How autumn works its charm
What makes fall such a dynamic mating season? First, it’s important to acknowledge that anytime is a good time for love and sex. Deer court in the fall; female dogs court when they are “in heat;” most female monkeys have a sexual peak in the middle of their monthly menstrual cycle when they ovulate. Humans have no courting or birthing season.