New Delhi: Wonder what needs to be done to be asked out on a second date? Well, as per the scientists, you need to be genetically predisposed to have traits consistent with prevailing gender norms.
In men, that trait is social dominance while for women its submissiveness.
Researchers at University of California, Irvine conducted a test through speed-dating to see whether mate selection could be influenced by people's ability to quickly detect socially designated "good genes".
In such meet-ups, participants get only few minutes to decide whether they want to go out on a second date with their speed-dating partner by assessing their short and long term potential.
262 single Asian Americans were picked up and sent to three-minute dates with partners of opposite sex. After that, they were asked whether they wanted to go on a second date.
Researchers found that participants who were more likely to be asked on a second date had genotypes consistent with personal traits that people often desire in a romantic partner - social dominance/leadership in men, social sensitivity/submissiveness in women.
When examining the DNA samples, the researchers focused on two polymorphisms (on two different genes) that were previously linked to social dynamics. The -1438 A/G polymorphism is part of the genetic make-up of the serotonin system and has been linked to social dominance and leadership. The A118G polymorphism, which has been linked to social sensitivity, is part of the opioid receptor gene that contributes to people's capacity to experience social pleasure and pain, and their need to have social contact.
Researchers found that men and women with genotypes consistent with prevailing gender norms were more likely to receive second date offers. They were also seen as more desirable short- and long-term romantic partners.
When it came to -1438 A/G, men who carried its G-allele variation were rated as more desirable potential mates and were more likely to receive second date offers. In contrast, women who carried this G-allele were more likely to be given the cold shoulder by men.
With A118G, women with the G-allele enjoyed greater speed-dating success. However, their male counterparts were not as lucky. Men with this G-allele were less desirable to their speed-dating partners.
This genetic effect could extend beyond romantic attraction to other social situations, such as job interviews, the researchers said.
The study was published in the journal Human Nature.
