Speed Dating

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As with every new phenomenon that involves human behaviour, psychologists are studying speed dating. In the world of dating, women are much choosier than men and that has been verified in the world of speed dating as well.

Two psychologists from Northwestern University, Eli Finkel and Paul Eastwick wondered how to explain that. The usual explanation is that in an evolutionary sense it was far more dangerous for women to get involved with strange men than it was for men with new women. Historically women had the risk of pregnancy, violence and captivity.

Finkel and Eastwick wondered if there could be another explanation for the women’s selectivity. In a normal speed dating situation women are seated and men approach them. Finkel and Eastwood decided to reverse that in half of the 15 speed dating sessions that they tested involving 350 people. Each person had about 12 dates. The participants rated their own self confidence, the romantic appeal of each date and romantic chemistry. When woman made the rounds and men sat both sexes were equally choosy. It also turned out that those who made the rounds, going from one date to the other rather than sitting felt more self confidence than those who sat.

I am not quite sure how to interpret what that might mean for anyone reading but just knowing it might help you if you are planning to go speed dating.