London - The old adage ‘treat them mean, keep them keen’ doesn’t work in this day and age, new research has revealed.
Being stand-offish with a potential partner is no longer enticing to the opposite sex, a study by dating site eHarmony.co.uk found.
And just one in 14 singles (seven percent) now obey the ‘three day rule’ before making contact with a date.
The results also found only four percent of the 1,000 singletons asked thought you should wait before replying to a message from new partner.
Relationship expert Jenni Trent Hughes said: 'Acting aloof by not responding to a message until a few days after a date doesn’t work in today’s age of instant communication, with mobile phones and social media meaning there is no excuse for a delayed reply.
'This technique worked best in the movies, but was always seriously flawed in real life. People respond best to positive actions. Smiles and appreciation of who they are and what they have to offer is the best way to go.'
Despite the temptation, singles should resist ‘Facebook-stalking’ before a first date, although 38 percent of daters admit to doing it.
This is because it only results in a perceived notion of a person that is often false, experts say.
Another surprising revelation came with the admission that it’s okay to mention an ex on a first date - within a positive context at least.
Dr Hughes said: 'It’s not who you talk about, but how you talk about them that makes the difference.
'Positivity is key. If you stay positive then you can mention your ex -it’s ranting and raving about bad past experiences that can really ruin a date.
'People typically respond best to positive and open actions so closed behaviour is now only good for one thing - closing the door on a potentially successful relationship.'
And while many first dates take place in a bar and pub, too much alcohol and dating are far from a match made in heaven.
Boozing and texting can lead to trouble as well as typos, and drinking too much still rates among the top dating no-nos.
Dr. Steve Carter, eHarmony’s Vice President of Matching, said: 'Of course, the most important thing about a first date is who you’re with.
'As experts in relationship compatibility, we wanted to test the established ‘dating rules’ and see how they have changed over time.” - Daily Mail