Josh likes Morgan because he thinks that Morgan likes him. Which principle of attraction does this example best illustrate?

• A. Complementarity
• B. Reciprocity
• C. Halo effect
• D. Similarity

Answer: (B)

Reciprocity in attraction explains this situation: we tend to like someone more when we believe they like us. Josh’s liking Morgan is driven by the perception that Morgan has positive regard for him; that sense of being liked makes Morgan seem more desirable, creating a feedback loop where perceived mutual interest boosts attraction. This isn’t about shared traits (similarity), nor about traits enhancing each other (complementarity), nor about a general positive impression from one trait (halo effect). It’s the basic idea that liking begets liking, so the anticipation that Morgan likes him increases Josh’s attraction.