We're animals after all.

Obviously food is necessary for survival. But could this be why it is so important in our relationships?

Our first food relationships are surely the ones formed at birth (or even before that) with our parents. We are dependent on them for food, and it is the first way we interact with them. Once this initial bond, based on food, is established, we can then go on to form the multidimensional relationships that are central to the rest of our lives.

So, when attracting "mates" could the involvement of food be a subconscious, animalistic message, signalling that they are able provide? Even to this day, men are more often thought of as the "breadwinners", and the ability of providing for your family is still important for the pride of many men. Acknowledging the practical properties of food (rather than the pleasure elements) reminds us of our animalistic nature, and that it must still play a part in our relationships.

I think it is most plain to see in our relationships with animals. I have a cat and a dog, and both are raaaather greedy creatures. My dog is not yet a year, so I can still remember clearly how our bond was formed,and food certainly played a large part. She depends on me for food and, therefore, survival. However, this is not where its importance ends. When training her we use food as treats. The training we do is nothing elaborate, but it establishes and cements the bond between us. We have essentially taught her to communicate with us, with the use of food.