The science of seduction: How a touch on the arm can increase a man's chances of finding love

By Fiona Macrae

Some men rely on corny chat-up lines, others hope good looks will do the trick.

But when it comes to catching a woman's eye, little beats a winning smile and a touch on the arm.

Research shows something as simple as a gentle brush of a woman's arm can boost a man's chances in love.

A study found that two-thirds of women agreed to dance with a man who touched her on the arm for a second or two while making the request.

When the same man kept his hands by his side while asking women to dance, his success rate fell by half.


The art of seduction: Research shows that touching makes a man appear more dominant - and so more attractive and likely to find love

A light touch on the arm also made a woman more likely to give out her phone number when approached in the street.

It is thought that touching makes a man appear dominant  -  and so more attractive.

Those who can't pluck up the courage to reach out and touch the object of their desire could try smiling instead, Focus magazine reports.

Aberdeen University research found that a well-directed gaze coupled with a genuine smile makes a person up to eight times more attractive to the opposite sex.

Researcher Dr Ben Jones said: 'Smiling can make you more attractive but it is worth bearing in mind that faking a smile is quite tricky.'

Those unable to smile on cue could try making simple changes to their appearance.

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'Healthy skin has an enormous impact perhaps because it is an indicator of health in general,' said Dr Jones.

'Recent years have seen an awful lot of evidence that lifestyle choices can improve your skin  -  eating healthily, being hydrated, getting enough sleep and not smoking.'

A man can also make himself seem attractive by surrounding himself with women.

Neil Strauss, whose book The Rules Of The Game instructs men on the art of seduction, said men could learn from a study of guppies, which found the female fish is more attracted to a male surrounded by other females.

'Even after those females have left, she's more attracted to that fish than one that's alone,' said Mr Strauss.

'So being around women who find you attractive gives other women a shortcut to finding you attractive.'

He added: 'Women are attracted to the tribal leader, someone who exhibits those characteristics of status.'

However, any man wanting to make an impression would do well to work out his seduction strategy in advance  -  research shows many women take only a few seconds to make up their minds about a potential suitor.

Forty-five per cent of women taking part in a speed dating experiment in Edinburgh took less than 30 seconds to make a decision about the men sitting across from them.