Speaking of Psychology What relationship science says about finding love, with Paul Eastwick, PhD
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Feb 11, 2026 
Paul Eastwick, PhD, a UC Davis psychology professor who studies attraction and relationships, discusses what relationship science actually shows. He tackles myths from evolutionary narratives. He explores compatibility versus popularity, how dating apps reshape matching, why men and women are more similar in desires, and how small early interactions shape long-term bonding.
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You Can't Predict Compatibility From Profiles
- Pre-meeting questionnaires and personality data failed to predict who will be compatible in face-to-face speed-dating.
- Compatibility signals emerge from interaction dynamics, not static self-reports.
Relationship Dynamics Predict Their Future
- Once a relationship exists, current interaction patterns reveal likely trajectories.
- Observing how a couple handles conflict and support predicts future stability better than pre-match metrics.
Love At First Sight Isn't Superior
- Love-at-first-sight and slow-growing attraction both lead to similarly strong relationships.
- Initial lightning doesn't reliably indicate a superior long-term outcome.
