Is there really such thing as chemistry????

I've noticed that when I read postings on dating sites that people often speak about chemistry - well, I guess I should say men talk about chemistry, since I haven't looked at any women ads... I digress...

Anyway, I am wondering what "chemistry" means.  I wonder if it really is referring to a sexual attraction, just couched in a way that won't send most women running.  Or is it more than that? 

I asked a friend about it.  She talked about it being the feeling that you just want to be with someone, you want to talk with him all the time, and she talked about feeling it almost instantly - or at least by the time the first date is over.  I must say, that I have never experienced this instantaneous draw to a man.  I've always looked at dating as a process whereby I can get to know a man and if something is there, my thought is that it will reveal itself over time. 

I expect the relationship to unfold like a trip to the theatre.

• You wait in line for what seems to be forever just for the doors to open ---Like waiting to receive a match from eHarmony or Match.
• Once you get in the theatre, you wait to be escorted to your seat --- Like when you are deciding if you should respond to the eHarmony introduction sent, or the Wink you received from Match.com
• 
  
  Then your seats are found, you relax --- Like having IM or email conversations with that new person, no pressure; after all you can choose your words so carefully in email.
  
• 
  
  Finally, the lights dim --- You meet in person, the first date.
  
• 
  
  The orchestra begins to play - Like when things are going well, the two of you are talking and laughing & you find the person 'nice' - nothing more, because you are still in the dark & the play has not started. 
  
• 
  
  And the play begins, and you watch, you listen, perhaps you tap your feet to the music & some parts you like, and other parts, not so much --- Like when you are dating and getting to know one another.
  
• 
  
  And then the play comes to an end.  There were good parts and bad parts.  The hope is that there were many more good parts then bad parts.  --- Like when your relationship is over - perhaps in a week, a month, a year, a lifetime or anything in between.
  
  

Currently I am watching my own performance.  Some parts I like, other parts - well, not so much.  But I'm giving it my all - trying to get accustomed to my 'single woman who is dating in her 40s" character.

Actress Lady Bug