Why does the example sentence use Indefinido

Question

I don't understand why Indefinido is used in the example; "Nos gustamos desde el primer momento." It has a definite starting point, but the sentence implies a continuing action. In this case could Imperfecto also be used correctly?

Answer

Hola BradIn this case we are referring to what happened then: "we liked each other" - saying this doesn't imply that at this moment in time we still like each other (it could be either way), but if we go back to when we met we did like each other. This bit is what is expressed with the indefinido, that sudden action of liking each other at that moment. I can see where your doubt comes from; it's necessary to see this action of liking each other as a feeling that started and had an end as if saying "we felt attraction for each other [at that moment]", so that you can see more clearly the end of it. SaludosInma

Answer

This is a new and interesting use of the preterito indefinido that I haven't seen before, a sense of something beginning suddenly from a moment, and wanting to focus on the moment of its beginning. It's a cool use, actually. Maybe it would be worth adding a note in the lesson about it.

But couldn't the use of the imperfect be correct as well, if the speaker wants to give the nuance of still liking one another?

Answer

Hola MarcosThe use of the imperfect wouldn't really highlight the fact that the action is still "active" in the present. The imperfect: "Nos gustábamos" would simply express what "was happening", it will be describing the situation, without considering or focusing on a beginning or an end. Saludos