What Science Taught Us About Sex, Dating And Relationships In 2018

Love is one of life’s most inscrutable experiences, but that hasn’t stopped scientists from trying to solve its mysteries. With each study that’s conducted, we get closer to understanding love, sex, dating, relationships and breakups - and knowledge, as they say, is power. Here are some of the insightful and interesting findings scientists shared about these topics in 2018.

People Aspire To Date Partners Who Are Out Of Their League

One of the year’s most viral studies revealed that the majority of singles who use online dating services tend to message people exactly 25 percent more desirable than they are. The study also found that singles switch up their messaging strategies based on their target’s desirability and that, though the odds of winning over a match who is out of your league may seem slim, it’s not a hopeless cause if you’re willing to make an effort.

Working After Office Hours Can Strain Your Relationship

Research from Virginia Tech found that being expected to monitor work emails outside of regular office hours takes a toll on the mental health and overall well-being of both employees and their significant others. The competing demands of professional and personal lives can lead to lower relationship satisfaction.

Women Know What They Want In A Partner; Men Get Pickier With Age

According to a study from Queensland University of Technology, women under 40 seeking a partner online are more particular about what they’re looking for in a match, especially when it comes to education. Men, on the other hand, become pickier about their mate preferences after the age of 40.

Discussing Sex With Friends Increases Sexual Satisfaction For Women

Open communication about sex with friends is associated with greater overall sexual well-being for women. A study published in the International Journal of Sexual Health found that frank discussions between female pals can boost sexual self-efficacy as well as sexual self-esteem.

Relationships Weight Gain Is Real

Do singles or couples live healthier lifestyles? A study conducted at the University of Queensland in Australia found that people in happy relationships weighed an average of 13 pounds more than single people, and experienced an average weight gain of four pounds per year.

Sex With An Ex Isn’t So Bad After All

Jumping into bed with an ex-partner sounds like a recipe for heartache, but according to research published in Archives of Sexual Behavior, hooking up with an ex doesn't seem to hinder moving on after the breakup - even if you’re still pining for your former flame.

Certain Kinds Of Facebook Use Can Cause Relationship Anxiety

A number of negative psychological outcomes have been linked to social media use in recent years. A study published in BMC Psychology discovered that certain problematic patterns of engagement with Facebook can result in increased anxiety and insecurities about one’s romantic relationship.

Amazing Food > Sex

Everyday Health’s Women's Wellness Survey revealed that, of the over 3,000 women surveyed, 73 percent would take an amazing meal over sex when given a choice between the two. Another survey conducted by Max Borges Agency found that almost half of Millennials (44 percent) would give up sex for an entire year before giving up shopping on Amazon.com.