Forget hidden cameras and elaborate ruses. Scientists have devised a straightforward 'boyfriend exam' to determine if a man is a true catch, linking a specific type of intelligence to romantic success.
The Science Behind the Steady Partner
Research from Oakland University in Michigan, published in the journal Personality and Individual Differences, challenges the classic pop culture trope of the romantically inept nerd. The study suggests that smarter men are more likely to have successful, committed relationships.
This contradicts familiar characters like Legally Blonde's bookish Emmet or the perpetually single Sherlock Holmes, whose intellect seemingly sidelines romance. The academics found that a particular cognitive skill—spotting patterns and completing sequences, known as 'letter number series items'—is a key indicator.
What Makes an Intelligent Boyfriend?
Men who performed well on these pattern tests demonstrated more positive relationship behaviours. They showed greater commitment and faithfulness, and were less likely to insult their partners or desire power over them.
Furthermore, this intelligence was associated with a lower propensity for coercive sexual behaviour and manipulative 'mate-retention' tactics, such as guilt-tripping or gaslighting. Notably, the research also linked higher scores to a reduced likelihood of erectile dysfunction and psychopathic traits.
Lead researcher Gavin Vance advises taking the findings with a grain of salt, however. The study involved only 202 heterosexual men in relationships of six months or longer, relying on self-reported conduct.
The Family Planning Catch
While a smart partner might promise a stable relationship, separate research from Oslo's Ragnar Frisch Centre for Economic Research highlights a potential complication for some. It indicates that brainier men tend to have children later in life.
In the study, men in the top 20% for cognitive ability had their first child at age 30 on average, compared to 27 for those in the bottom 20%. This trend aligns with a broader shift, evidenced by a 14.2% increase in births to fathers over 60 in the UK since 2023.
Take the Test: Are You a Catch?
Curious about where you or your partner might stand? The research hinges on pattern recognition. Try these three sequence questions, inspired by the study's concepts, to test your skills.
What comes next?
- D4, F6, H8, ?
- 6F, 12I, 24L, ?
- 2W, 4T, 7Q, 11N, ?
The answers are: 1. J10, 2. 48O, 3. 16K.
So, while romance may not be a simple equation, this research suggests that when it comes to being a good boyfriend, brains and pattern-spotting ability might just be the ultimate test.
