Why Him? Why Her? Finding Real Love by Understanding Your Personality Type by Helen Fisher

“Chemistry” really is the best way to explain love’s predilections, says evolutionary biologist, and author, Helen Fisher.

(Holt, 289 pages, $25)

“Chemistry” really is the best way to explain love’s predilections, says evolutionary biologist Helen Fisher. Physical beauty helps spark the fire, but growing evidence shows that temperament is a critical element of sexual attraction, and that temperament is largely the product of innate brain chemistry. In Fisher’s view, each of us falls into one of four temperament types. If your dopamine levels run high, you’re an “Explorer”—adventurous and highly creative. Elevated serotonin levels create ­conscientious “Builders,” estrogen produces idealistic “Negotiators,” and testosterone yields hard-charging “Directors.” Surveys that Fisher has distributed to millions of people show an unmistakable pattern in each type’s romantic preference. Explorers click with other Explorers. Builders bond with other Builders. Negotiators, meanwhile, fancy Directors, and vice versa.

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