Answer:
The statement suggests that people's perceptions of how much they have in common with others are more influential in determining attraction than their actual similarities. This idea is supported by research in the field of social psychology, which has found that people are more likely to be attracted to those who they perceive to be similar to themselves, regardless of their actual level of similarity.
One explanation for this phenomenon is the concept of "reciprocity of liking," which suggests that people tend to like others who they believe like them. When individuals perceive that they have similarities with someone else, they may believe that the other person also sees these similarities and is more likely to like them in return. This perception can then lead to an increased attraction towards the other person.
Another possible explanation is the role of self-verification in attraction. Self-verification refers to the desire for individuals to seek out and maintain relationships with others who confirm their self-concept and beliefs about themselves. When individuals perceive that they have similarities with someone else, this can provide confirmation of their self-concept and lead to an increased attraction towards the other person.
Overall, while actual similarity may play a role in attraction, people's perceptions of how much they have in common with others can be more influential in determining their level of attraction.