Strange Facts About Love and Sex

Scientists have discovered that humility can help increase your “romantic appeal,” that lovers often share similar DNA, and that hunger can lead to increased conflict and arguments.

1. Humility Can Improve Romantic Relationships

This finding comes from a study published in the American Journal of Positive Psychology. Volunteers rated “humility” higher than other qualities such as “humor, friendliness, and joy.” Another study also showed that when a partner is humble, they are more likely to be forgiven for mistakes.

This indicates that humility in a relationship can not only increase the success rate of dating but also help mend emotional bonds. No one wants to love someone who is boastful or arrogant, regardless of their good qualities.

2. Watching Romantic Movies Strengthens Relationships

Watching movies can be the key to a happy marriage, according to research from the Marriage and Family Research Institute at Binghamton University (New York, USA). Couples who watch romantic movies and discuss them together have a divorce rate that is halved after three years.

The key is that both partners discuss their relationship in the context of the film, rather than forcing the other to watch the movie and apply it to real life. Many women watch movies and expect their boyfriends to act like the leading man while they do nothing, which can harm the relationship.

3. Sex is Like a Drug

Sex makes us feel good. This sensation is largely due to the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that activates the reward center in the brain.

Studies have shown that while the feelings produced by cocaine and sex are not entirely the same, they both stimulate similar areas of the brain. Similarly, caffeine, nicotine, and chocolate also activate the brain’s reward center.

Sex is like a drug, as it affects similar areas of the brain. (Photo: Times of India)

4. Sexual Needs Vary from Person to Person

According to a study from the University of California, USA, the wiring in the brain can influence the number of partners one has.

Researchers scanned the brains of volunteers while they viewed pornographic images and found that those whose brains were most active while viewing these images tended to have more partners and greater desire.

Everyone has different needs. Some people only require a steady relationship, while others constantly seek stimulation to satisfy their desires.

5. Cuddling After Sex Increases Relationship Satisfaction

This is the result of a 2014 study from the University of Toronto. The reason may be related to the release of oxytocin—a hormone released during sex and also during skin-to-skin contact.

Whether before or after sex, cuddles, kisses, or other behaviors that enhance sexual satisfaction can strengthen the emotional bond between partners.

6. Low Blood Sugar Can Lead to Arguments

Researchers at Ohio State University conducted a study showing that arguments between couples can sometimes result from low blood sugar levels.

The 2014 study required over 100 couples to check their blood sugar levels each morning and evening for 21 days. It was found that couples argued and conflicted more when their blood sugar levels were low.

“Before arguing, make sure you’re not hungry,” advised Dr. Brad Bushman, the lead researcher.

7. Partners Often Share Similar DNA

Scientists have determined that people tend to choose partners with similar characteristics, such as age, race, appearance, income, and education level.

A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences in 2014 showed that people also tend to marry those with similar DNA. With over 800 white couples participating, researchers found that married couples had less DNA difference than randomly selected couples of the same race.

8. Traveling Helps Couples Bond

Whether you are dating or in a relationship and want to rekindle the romance, traveling is always a good option.

Sometimes, traveling together not only reflects how much you care for each other but also increases familiarity and understanding of each other’s personalities. During trips, unexpected situations often arise, requiring couples to think and solve problems together. This can lay the foundation for resolving conflicts in the future. If both partners can move forward together during the trip, their feelings will deepen.

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