‘So Bridget, why are you still single?”
If you’re always the odd one out at dinner parties and all your friends are coupled up, you can blame your DNA. According to recent scientific research, 20 per cent of the population have a ‘singleton gene’, which predisposes them to be on their own.
It is thought that by lowering levels of the brain chemical serotonin, that makes us feel happy and contented, the gene is responsible for them feeling less comfortable in close relationships. As well as finding bonds hard to make in the first instance, people with this gene often break up with their partners more easily than others.
Researchers from Peking University in Beijing tested hair samples from 600 Chinese university students to analyse a specific gene, called 5-HTAI, which comes in two different versions. The ones who were identified as having the ‘G; version were more likely to be single (with 60 per cent not in a relationship), compared to those students with the ‘C’ version (where 50 per cent were single).
Nothing could explain their difference in status such as appearance or wealth, and it was found that the 5-HTA1 gene, with the ‘G’ version made less serotonin, which is a key hormone in relationship building.
Writing in the journal Scientific Reports, the scientists in charge of the study said: “As pessimism and neuroticism are detrimental to the formation, quality and stability of relationships, this connection between the G allele and psychological disorders might decrease carriers’ dating opportunities or lead to romantic relationship failure.”
However, if you are single and starting to freak out, they also added that while genes will inevitably influence relationships, their role in most cases will be small.
Dr Pam Spurr, a relationship expert, said that we don’t have to let our genes rule. She said: “I know that our genetic heritage determines some of our behaviour but we always have choice. If someone’s difficulties with dating are flagged up to them, I believe they can learn to interact in a way that will make them more successful in meeting somebody. I feel quite optimistic about that.”
What do you make of this study? Do you think genes are to blame?
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