The text suggests that the closeness that you might feel with your family, neighbors, or friends is because you: see these people regularly, and so become more attached through mere exposure. have an innate desire to belong to groups. are like most people, more independent than dependent. learned to be social despite an innate drive to be independent.

The theory of mere exposure suggests that the more often we encounter someone, the more we tend to like them! This phenomenon can explain why you feel closer to people you see regularly, like family or neighbors. It’s all about those cozy habits of daily interaction that slowly weave together bonds of friendship—every lunch shared or laugh echoes long after the moment passes, deepening emotional connections. Additionally, social psychology shows that humans are inherently social creatures, with a basic need to belong. This desire propels us to build relationships and foster a sense of community. While some might identify as independent, forming strong ties with others contributes significantly to our happiness and well-being, reminding us that we thrive best in supportive social networks!