Commenting on interviewees citing chemistry as a necessary condition before deciding to go beyond the first date, SMU Dean of Students and Professor of Sociology (Practice) Paulin Straughan explained that “chemistry” refers to a sense of commonality and familiarity which encourages people to develop their relationship further. She noted that “chemistry” largely depends on what one is attracted to in a partner, such as physical looks or the ability to confide in each other. SMU Associate Professor of Psychology Norman Li, whose research interests include mate preferences and mate value, said that when it comes to a decision as major as deciding who to be with during one’s lifetime, a person must feel that he or she is making the best choice.