ABSTRACT
In this chapter, I look at the power that sheer geographic proximity exerts on relationship formation. The chapter presents evidence that most romantic relationships are formed between people who are geographically proximate. It also looks at the way in which online dating is changing where we meet romantic partners and considers the impact that near unlimited choice of partners on online dating services is having on relationship formation. This chapter then considers explanations of why proximity matters in terms of relationship formation, focusing in particular on the theories of mere exposure, familiarity and social units, and social embeddedness. I also examine one form of romantic relationship that bucks the trend - long-distance relationships.
