diff --git a/src/distance_explainer.py b/src/distance_explainer.py
index ff0b43f..bd8d918 100644
--- a/src/distance_explainer.py
+++ b/src/distance_explainer.py
@@ -127,6 +127,14 @@ def describe(x, name):
         input_distance = DistanceExplainer.calculate_distances(input_prediction, embedded_reference)
         neutral_value = np.exp(-input_distance)
 
+        # for one-sided experiments, use "meaningful" neutral value (the unperturbed distance), otherwise center on 0
+        if len(lowest_mask_weights) > 0 and len(highest_mask_weights) == 0:
+            neutral_value = neutral_value
+        if len(highest_mask_weights) > 0 and len(lowest_mask_weights) == 0:
+            neutral_value = -neutral_value
+        if len(highest_mask_weights) > 0 and len(lowest_mask_weights) > 0:
+            neutral_value = 0
+
         return saliency, neutral_value
 
     @staticmethod