Do youknow that your brain can also affect your love life? Dr. Jason Shepherd, aneurophysicist in the Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences at M.I.T.,provides some helpful dating tips in a scientific perspective. Note that hisviews do not necessarily reflect those of the institute.

Be aware that you are clueless – According to Dr. Shepherd,many of our most important decisions are made unconsciously. We receive so manysensory inputs, but our conscious experience captures only a small percentageof this information. It is natural for chemistry and attraction occur withoutus really knowing, which is why we often end up wondering why we are drawn tocertain people.

Be appealing to women by being intelligent – The brains ofmen and women are wired differently. While men are generally attracted to whatthey see, women choose their partners in a “cerebral” manner. This makes menwho are not so lucky in the looks department end up dating the most beautifulgirl in the crowd by being funny and smart.

Learn from “feedback loops” – Everything you do is noted bythe brain with the help of its “feedback loops,” which can be locatedeverywhere in this vital organ. Doing something that activates a reward system,such as going on a good date, provides molecular changes in the reward systemthat reinforces that good experience. In a neurophysiologist’s perspective,“love” is the end result of positive reinforcement of these reward circuits.However, just because you know what goes on in your brain that causes you tofall in love, does not mean you are not falling in love.

Know your dealbreakers – Before going on a date, be sureyou know what turns you off. Clearly state on your dating profile your likesand what you cannot tolerate. It may turn off many potential daters, but yousurely get quality responses.

Respect is key – Although chemistry and attraction isneeded among couples, the relationship will not work without respecting eachother’s intellect, drive, etc. Even if the sparks do not fly and there is noprospect for a second date, how you respect your date can be remembered.

Source: HowAboutWe.com, via Sun Herald People Relationships – GuideTo.Com