The dating world can often be treacherous and anxiety-inducing, as everyone wants to make a great impression on their first date. However, the high-stakes nature of romantic encounters often forces people to mask their true selves or present an "ideal" image that may not fully align with reality. Despite this small deception, a new study has found that most people can discern what they need to know about a potential romantic partner during the first date, though the most important factor in leaving a first impression is fundamentally the location of the meeting.
Researchers at McGill University set out to verify whether first impressions on a first date are typically reliable. Overall, the researchers stated that the answer to this question is yes, as it is highly possible for individuals to get an accurate idea of someone's personality during that first meeting. However, the study's authors caution that it can be difficult to form a genuine opinion about someone in an intimate first date setting compared to more casual social environments like parties. They noted that the first impressions one may take during the first date can last only a few minutes.
In the study, researchers collected data from 372 participants who took part in a series of speed-dating events in Montreal between 2017 and 2018. Each participant filled out a questionnaire about their personality, and a close family member completed a similar questionnaire regarding the participant's personality. Participants then engaged in several three-minute romantic dates and were asked to evaluate the personality of their date and vice versa. The average participant was able to accurately gauge the personalities of the people they successfully dated, but some individuals were much easier to read than others.
Co-author of the study, Dr. Lauren Gazar, a PhD student in the Psychology Department at McGill University, stated, "Some people are open books whose distinctive personalities can be accurately understood after a short interaction, while others are indeed harder to read." Notably, individuals reporting higher levels of well-being, self-esteem, and life satisfaction tend to make it easier for others to read and understand their personalities.
Is being an "open book" related to well-being? The researchers believe that some individuals excel at showcasing their personalities more than others. Dr. Heumann, another co-author in the study, explained, "Perhaps individuals with greater well-being act in ways more consistent with their personalities, being more authentic and true to themselves. The opposite may also be true; those who are perceived more clearly may end up developing a healthier sense of well-being."
Looking ahead, the researchers wish to continue investigating the subtle effects of first impressions left by individuals on their first romantic dates, such as how these impressions ultimately dictate romantic interest or disinterest later on. Dr. Heumann remarked, "Understanding why some people's personalities can be more accurately understood may help us identify strategies that others can apply to improve the accuracy of their perceptions and understanding of romantic relationships."
