Actors Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes are having a hard time convincing people of their sudden hot and heavy romance. In a poll taken in New York City's Times Square, over 2/3 of the respondents believed that the Cruise and Holmes romance is a publicity stunt due to their upcoming movie releases (Cruise's War of the Worlds and Holmes' Batman Begins.)

Actors/actresses notoriously fall in and out of love in Hollywood, so why is there so much speculation about this romance. Why is this romance such a hard pill to swallow? Doesn't anyone believe in love at first sight anymore?

Well, one theory may be that as star gazers, fans, and the media have followed Tom Cruise's career, certain assumptions have been made about his character, personality, and likes & dislikes. People connect with him from a distance for various reasons.

1. Cruise is likable. Tom Cruise is one of the most likable stars in Hollywood today. He always has a smile. Treats the media and his fans well and with respect. He just seems to ooze that much desired likeability factor as described in author Tim Sanders, The Likeability Factor : How to Boost Your L-Factor and Achieve Your Life's Dreams

2. Cruise is successful. People have a fascination with success. And there's no denying that Tom Cruise is a successful actor. Another piece about his success, is that people also love to hear about adversity stories. Tom was dyslexic, (a learning disability). His future didn't look that bright. He fell in love with acting, worked hard and here he is today.

3. Cruise is private. Part of the key of staying alluring to the public, is by keeping your distance. If we know everything - we're over you:)

4. Cruise is attractive. Studies show that attractive people get better jobs and are more successful in life. Not fair - because who is judging whether you are attractive or not. Regardless, Cruise is considered in mainstream society - a very attractive man.

Fans know that Cruise is notoriously private celebrity and feel his behavior is not indicative of his true personality. But the reality of this celebrity story is that most of us do not know Tom Cruise or Katie Holmes personally - and that there are no absolutes about what anyone is going to do.

It's very possible that both Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes have truly fallen in love or in very strong like and simply aren't afraid to show their feelings. Much of a celebrity's hesitation of sharing their personal lives is based in fear.

-Fear of losing control of their lives -Fear of how too much information will affect their careers -Fear of how too much exposure can affect the quality of their lives & their loved ones

End result... don't be so cynical everyone. Tom Cruise & Katie Holmes's relationship may be very real for them, and who are we to call it a stunt?

More reading... Unhealthy Celebrity Obsessions

Lisa Angelettie, M.S.W., is a psychotherapist, writer, and speaker. She has been helping clients with all types of life issues since 1998. She is the Founder and Director of http://www.GirlShrink.com, a site that offers expert online advice, counseling and coaching for women on a variety of issues such as relationships, mental health and more. Get information about our free advice & other services by Clicking Here.

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