Why you should ask about Brexit on a first date, according to psychologists

It’s a topic that many people try to avoid at all costs, but it seems that discussing Brexit can actually be a good idea on a first date.

Psychologists have revealed that asking your date their thoughts on Brexit can help to determine romantic compatibility, as well as obvious red flags.

In a study commissioned by eharmony, Dr Eric Robinson and Dr Michelle Tornquist, behavioural psychologists at the University of Liverpool, have revealed the top questions to ask on a first date.

From Brexit to money, several of the suggested topics are often seen as taboo, but can actually be a great way to break the ice.

1. How did you vote on Brexit?

The B-word might seem like an awkward topic, but Dr Robinson suggests that this shouldn’t put you off.

He said: “Our political views communicate our wider social values and world view. Research also suggests that opposing political views can cause relationships to fail.

“The issue is most prominent amongst younger generations with reports showing 22% of millennial couples having broken up with someone over political differences. So, the sooner you know your partner’s outlook the better.”

2. If you lost your wallet do you think it would be returned?

This might sound like an odd question, but according to Dr Tornquist, it can help to establish your date’s levels of openness, trust and optimism.

She said: “We devised this question because there’s no factually ‘correct’ answer – it depends on how the individual asked perceives the world. But, if someone has good faith a lost wallet will be returned, they may be a more trusting and open-minded individual.”

3) What was your last holiday?

Your date’s last holiday can give you an insight into how they spend their time outside of work, as well as their levels of extroversion and adventure.

Dr Robinson said: “Studies show that not only do people prefer a partner who’s open to new experiences, but couples who are more adventurous also report higher levels of relationship satisfaction.

“The key here is to ask someone about their last holiday rather than their future plans, because it gives you an idea of what they actually like doing rather than what they’d like to suggest they like doing.”

4) What do you spend most of your money on?

Like Brexit, money is a topic that many people avoid on first dates.

However, asking your date about how they spend their money can give important clues about their levels of responsibility.

Dr Tornquist said: “Research indicates that people who feel that their partner spends money foolishly are 45% more likely to divorce.

“Plus, if someone responds to this question with lengthy story about sports cars and designer clothes it could be a red flag if your values about money are very different.”

5. How did you spend Christmas and New Year?

Finally, the experts suggest that you ask your date about how the spent their Christmas and New Year.

Dr Robinson added: “How people spent Christmas and New Year can reveal how close they are to their family and the likelihood that want to be in a committed relationship.”

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