<P> In evolutionary psychology and behavioral ecology, human mating strategies are a set of behaviors used by individuals to attract, select, and retain mates . Mating strategies overlap with reproductive strategies, which encompass a broader set of behaviors involving the timing of reproduction and the trade - off between quantity and quality of offspring (see life history theory). </P> <P> Relative to other animals, human mating strategies are unique in their relationship with cultural variables such as the institution of marriage . Humans may seek out individuals with the intention of forming a long - term intimate relationship, marriage, casual relationship, or friendship . The human desire for companionship is one of the strongest human drives . It is an innate feature of human nature, and may be related to the sex drive . The human mating process encompasses the social and cultural processes whereby one person may meet another to assess suitability, the courtship process and the process of forming an interpersonal relationship . Commonalities, however, can be found between humans and nonhuman animals in mating behavior (see animal sexual behavior). </P> <P> Social gatherings are frequently arranged to enable people looking for a partner to meet . Such occasions may be parties of all types and social dances . Sometimes attendance at churches or similar venues would also act as occasions for people to meet . Schools and colleges are also common places for people to meet and form long - term relationships . It is not unknown for couples to form over alcohol or drugs . </P> <P> In order to bond or to express sexual interest, people flirt . According to Kate Fox, a social anthropologist, there are two main types of flirting: flirting for fun and flirting with intent . Flirting for fun can take place between friends, co-workers, or total strangers that wish to get to know each other . This type of flirting does not intend to lead to sexual intercourse or romantic relationship, but increases the bonds between two people . </P>

The willingness of humans to engage in mating behavior is