Love at first sight is real, new study claims – as couples sync ‘within minutes’

The study was conducted by academics from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem

Scientists analysed each person’s phyical movements, such as smiling or gestures (iStock/Getty Images)

Finding true love at first sight could be real after all a new study has claimed, with the time taken for infatuation to spark occurring after two minutes.

Researchers in Israel ran forty-six dates speed dates over three runs where men and women met for a brief five minute rendevouz.

Scientists analysed each person’s phyical movements, such as smiling or gestures, and also how much they sweated.

They found that couples who were interested in each other romantically had similar rates of skin sweat, which was a key indicator of a couple were “in-sync”. This process can occur within two minutes, the study found.

However, the study showed that women are sexually more attracted to men who are better synchronizers, but the same cannot be said for men with women.

The study was published in the journal Scientific Reports and conducted by academics from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

Study author Dr Shir Atzil at the Department of Psychology at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem said: “Connecting with a partner depends on how well we can synchronize our bodies.

“The study showed that within two minutes into the date, physiological synchrony is predictive of the romantic interest.”

The process of picking a partner is referred to as “mate selection” and has been a deep source of scientific research for many years.

The study authors say: “Classic evolutionary theories suggest that females select a male partner based on strength and resources to increase the survival of the offspring, while males are drawn to physical traits that are correlated with fertility.

“More recent theories of mate choice focus on perceived genetic compatibility.

“These explanations focus on static physical features of sexual selection, however, they do not explain the role of social interaction and cooperation in the dynamic process of mate selection.”

Previously research on speed dating has focused on verbal and nonverbal cues, the study authors say.

But they say this study is the first that analyses naturally occuring behaving and physiology in humans while speed dating.