Valentine’s Day is coming, and the standard dinner-and-movie routine is getting tired. Luckily, scientists have looked into it, and it turns out that adventure dates strengthen romantic bonds. Here’s what we know about adrenaline dates, backed by science.
The Scary Bridge Study: Why Adrenaline Creates Attraction
In 1974, researchers Dutton & Aron tested men on two different bridges in Capilano Canyon. The first was a swaying suspension bridge, about 450 feet long. The second was a much shorter, more stable bridge. On each bridge, an attractive female interviewer met the male subjects and gave them her phone number. The results were startling!
Of the men who met the interviewer on the stable bridge, about 20% of them called the interviewer. However, of the subjects who met the interviewer on the first bridge (the scary swaying bridge), a whopping 50% of them called the interviewer later. This study proved what Dutton & Aron had theorized from the beginning – adrenaline is a scientifically provable driver of romance.
This theory is called “misattribution of arousal.” In basic terms, physical symptoms of fear like a racing heart, rapid breathing, and sweaty palms, are similar to symptoms of attraction (we’ve all had that fluttery feeling around our crush!). Due to the similarity in physiology, our brain gets confused and attributes the adrenaline rush to the person you’re with. This means that first dates that spike adrenaline are twice as likely to lead to another date!
Any Physical Activity Boosts Romance
In 2011, researchers at McKendree University wondered if it was just fear that made this connection, or if any sort of physiological arousal would lead to similar results, like exercising. In this study, participants did 15 minutes of physical activity, then were asked to rate attractiveness of a few individuals.
The researchers found that increased adrenaline from exercise resulted in higher attraction levels in both men and women. This study goes to show that any source of adrenaline can lead to amorous returns!
Why Adventure Dates Build Stronger Relationships
Adventure dates are the whole package when it comes to relationship building. They break routines that can dull relationships over time. They create positive shared memories that you can look back on fondly. The adrenaline of outdoor exercise and exciting ziplines is scientifically proven to strengthen romantic bonds. As a bonus, shared challenges build teamwork within the relationship.
An adventure date may just be the spark to ignite your Valentine’s Day magic, and Go Ape has the perfect package. Get 2 Treetop Adventure tickets and 2 phone holders (to capture those romantic memories) for $50 off! Snag our Valentine’s Day package for Valentine’s Day weekend to show how much you love that special someone. Who knows, your first date may just lead to a whole lot more – backed by science!
About Go Ape
Go Ape believes in creating spaces where people of all ages and abilities can escape the ordinary, rediscover their courage, and embrace the thrill of discovery. Here, in the treetops or along scenic paths, lifelong bonds are forged, confidence is renewed, and laughter echoes through the canopy. Go Ape isn’t just an activity; it’s a movement to reconnect with what truly matters: people, place, and purpose.
Go Ape isn’t just an activity. It’s a movement to reconnect with what truly matters: people, place, and purpose. Let’s rise above together. Visit goape.com.
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