Most people have their own idea of the perfect first date, even if some ideas are much better than others.

Good or bad, ideas remain theories until tested and tested again, so what does science have to say about that make-or-break meet-up?

Love, relationships, and yes, that often-dreaded first date, have fascinated people since time immemorial – even though first dates are a relatively modern thing.

Furthermore, the subjects still inspire many hours of research by students, doctors, psychologists, scientists, and countless others. Compiled here are just a few science-backed tips for first dates and beyond.

Honest From The Start

Whether you meet someone via online dating or through a friend keen to introduce you to someone, you should keep it honest from the start.

Research shows that more than 80% of people did not tell the truth about their height, weight, age, and other characteristics. If you are honest from the beginning, you won’t have any awkward explaining to do later.

Dress For Success

There are two ways to dress for a first date. Wear what you think the person you are meeting would want you to wear, or dress in a way that makes you feel like the best version of yourself. If that means dressing like your bets paid out generously at Bet365 NZ, so be it.

If those items are black or red, even better. A survey by a British clothing retailer found that 64% of men and 48% of women felt that wearing something black made them feel more confident. 45% of respondents said they associated the colour with intelligence. 54% of women said that wearing something red boosted their confidence.

The Nose Knows

Smell is an important factor in whether we find someone attractive or not. The Smell and Taste Treatment Research Foundation’s Dr Alan Hirsch made a point of trying to discover which scents are the most attractive.

The majority of men who participated in Dr Hirsch’s research were most attracted to the scent of lily of the valley. Many men also were attracted to the fragrance of vanilla because it is not overpoweringly sweet.

A large percentage of men and women are attracted by the scent of vetiver. The majority of women were attracted by the scent of musk.

Put That Phone Down

As tempted as you may be to whip out your phone and check your notifications during a first date, do not do it.

A survey revealed that 45% of respondents said they were turned on by someone who switches their phone off and puts it away for the duration of the date.

More than 50% of respondents said they preferred not seeing the person’s phone on the table. 75% of respondents said that they were turned off by someone answering their phone during a first date.

Dare To Be Different

According to research, sharing an adrenalin rush with some can stimulate attraction and arousal.

Dinner and a movie may be commonplace, and they are not likely to get the adrenalin pumping. Consider doing something different; something that is likely to get hearts racing.