Stress, pimples, overweight. So many problems that bad dates could cause, according to a new survey carried out by the American dating site eHarmony.co.uk. About 6% of those questioned by the survey testified that they suffered more from dermatological problems such as pimples or eczema after an unsuccessful first date. In addition, one in ten users have seen their appetite increase because of a date gone wrong.
The survey also found that one in three adults felt “depressed” after a bad date. A quarter of participants said they were more apprehensive about meetings after a bad experience.
The stress of a bad date leads to an increase in the levels of cortisol and testosterone in the body, explains psychologist Linda Papadopoulos, to the Daily Mail website. A high level of cortisol would increase appetite and cravings. Previous studies have already shown the link between cortisol and calorie intake. Worse, too much testosterone in the body would stimulate the sebaceous glands causing them to secrete more sebum, which would promote acne.
In contrast, a successful date could have just as much of an impact on health, but in a positive way. After meeting an interesting person, the levels of endorphins and serotonin in the body are high. About half of the participants said they were more optimistic after a good date. As a result, they often adopted healthier habits, such as exercise and a balanced diet.
Finding someone you are compatible with also boosts libido in a third of the participants, due to the high levels of hormones such as testosterone and estrogen in the body which play an important role in sexual receptivity.
“The key to dealing with a bad experience is accepting what you can learn from the situation and forgetting the rest,” advises Dr Linda Papadopoulous. Dating is as much an opportunity to meet new people as it is an opportunity to get to know yourself, she concludes.
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