A new study conducted at the University of Pennsylvania shows that people are very quick to determine if they love somebody or not. In fact, singles can tell within three minutes or less if they might be able to fall in love with a potential suitor.

'Some people say they're looking for one kind of person, then choose another. Others say they don't even know what they're looking for,' said Robert Kurzban of the University of Pennsylvania.
'But our data suggests that, however it happens, people know it quickly when they see it.'

The study examined the behavior of 10,500 newly introduced couples at a speed dating forum. The couples had only three minutes to talk to each other before moving on to talk to another person.

'The speed dating offered us, as psychologists, something that we rarely get in conducting research: A systematic look at the genuine behavior of people selecting mates,' Kurzban said.

'Although they had three minutes, most participants made their decision based on the information that they probably got in the first three seconds,' Kurzban said.

According to Kurzban, people are basically aware of their 'worth' as potential dates so they can judge whether or not they are compatible with somebody within a few moments of meeting them. Much of it is visual, Kurzban added.

The study did not follow-up with subjects to determine how long their initial attraction lasted and whether or not it resulted in a long term relationship or even marriage.

So, apparently Buddy Holly had it right all along. It really is so easy to fall in love.