Cathy’s Theme: Pair-Bonding

A pair formation stage, usually referred to as courtship, is remarkably prolonged by animal standards. Frequently lasting for weeks or even months. As with many other species, it is characterized by tentative and bivalent behavior, involving conflicts between fear, aggression, and sexual attraction. The nervousness and hesitancy are slowly reduced if the mutual sexual signals are strong enough. These involve complex facial expressions, body postures and vocalizations [moaning]. A courting couple is oftеn referred to as "murmuring sweet nothings", and this phrasе clearly sums up the significance of the tone of voice, as opposed to what is being spoken. After the initial stages of visual and vocal display, simple body contacts are made. These usually accompany look emotion, which is considerably increased when the pair are together...