Jamaicans not convinced about love at first sight

In an era shaped by shifting dating habits, a surprisingly old-fashioned belief continues to divide opinion - love at first sight.

While some people swear by instant chemistry, others argue that love can only grow with time. For Monair Wallace of Portmore, St Catherine, love is not something that can be formed in a single moment.

"You can't feel that on inception. Over time, I feel like love is a consideration, when my actions are performed in such a way that I consider the other person." But he admitted that there are initial traits that draw his attention.

"Some initial things are physical, but I want a girl who is smart as well, because mi believe mi have sense. She has to be ambitious, and personality matters. I like to laugh, and if she stuck up and can't give a joke, mi ago feel like mi alone a lift the couch," he said.

Although Wallace will not be celebrating Valentine's Day this year, he encourages the tradition, noting that the culture of gift giving was instilled in him from a young age by his mother.

"She used to give me money when I was going to school to buy a rose or a prize," he said.

Outside Emancipation Park in New Kingston, vendor George Tucker shared a more skeptical view.

"You can see someone and like them, but not love them. It can't be love at first sight. A lot of times we behave sarcastic, like people are playthings. We play with each other's hearts, despise each other, and end up abusing each other," Tucker said. On the other hand, Analeice Dixon believes connection can be felt early on.

"The personality shines through when you look at them, or you have that first chat and it clicks. The energy never lies," Dixon said with a smile, noting that she has never experienced love at first sight but hopes it happens some day.

Similar views were shared by Chris Clarke, who was chilling with Rachel Neequaye, his son's mother who said she flew in to celebrate Valentine's Day. Clarke told THE STAR that he believes in love at first sight, describing it as an undeniable force driven by chemistry.

"Once you have that chemistry, it's something you can't avoid. Even if you don't believe in it, you have to accept it because it's something that draws you," he said. He added that while he has experienced love at first sight before, the relationship did not ultimately work out.

Neequaye, however, said her views have changed over the years due to personal growth and experiences in past relationships, leading her to believe that love develops gradually rather than instantly.

"Throughout this era, everybody is different, life experiences are different," she said. "[But] I believe in love, so I don't discourage anyone from trying."

At The University of the West Indies, Mona, friends Timeka Allen and Tashae Fagan did not hesitate to say they do not believe in love at first sight.

"You can't just look at somebody and love them like that. You don't know anything about them," Fagan said.

Allen agreed, describing the feeling as initial attraction rather than love.

"You can't just get up and say you love someone. That's not possible," she opined. Both women also highlighted the challenges of exploring love in a digitally driven society.

"Sometimes it's like seeing someone on social media and saying, 'Oh, I like this person', and wanting to date them. But you still don't know anything about them. Social media gives you a little wiggle room because you see what they're posting," Fagan said.

Another university student, Chambria Johnson, laughed when asked about love at first sight.

"Love is a serious thing, enuh. You can't just see somebody and love them. You might find them attractive and want to get to know them, but you can't just see somebody and love them."