According to the song by Paul Simon, there are 50 ways to leave your
lover. Having achieved that, helpful scientists say, there are six ways to
find another one.
They suggest that, for a first date to be a success, you should forget
the old-fashioned romantic dinner and head instead for the funfair.
The excitement of going on a roller coaster - or watching a thriller
movie - will apparently boost each other's sex appeal.
So will playing rock music, sharing a joke and even going for a jog
together.
The six rules are set out in New Scientist magazine, based on research
from a variety of sources.
Here they are:
1. Choose a dramatic setting for your first date, such as a roller
coaster, or go to see a nerve-jangling movie such as Fatal Attraction.
2. Mirror the other person's gestures, for example by taking a sip of
your drink at the same time. Research shows that copying the other person
helps create a feeling of affinity .
3. Share a joke or engineer a comic situation, such as learning new
dance steps while one of you is blindfolded. Scientists found an
experience that makes you laugh creates a feeling of closeness.
4. Get the soundtrack right. It has long
been said that music is the food of love and many people will turn to
romantic tunes such as those by Marvin Gaye or Barry White to create the
right mood. Rock music has also been proved to work.
5. Take exercise together, possibly by playing sport or jogging. This
boosts dopamine levels in the brain.
6. Gaze into the other person's eyes. It might be a cliche, but it
works.
(Agencies)