A Whole New World Of Information

First impressions are more important than ever now that research has proven that it only takes a few minutes to predict whether a relationship is in the cards with those we meet for the first time.

There's good news for all of us hopeless romantics, romance-novel addicts and chick flick junkies. It turns out there's scientific merit to that whole "Love at First Sight" thing.

In fact, a recent study published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships showed that the first few minutes of meeting someone has a huge influence on the course the relationship will ultimately take. (Which explains why you know before the drinks come that your "just perfect for you" blind date is a no-go, or that hunky online hottie has definite possibilities.)

Below are three tips to help you rev up your "first site" vibe, and add a little vaa-vaa voom to that crucial first three minutes:

Wear red. Or blue.
For women who want to create an on-the-spot thrill, wearing red is the way to go. According to colour experts, red is the most stimulating colour you can wear. In fact, wearing or seeing red actually increases blood flow, and mimics attraction.
If you're a guy, your best bet is to go true blue. Leatrice Eiseman, Director of the Pantone Colour Institute says women are attracted to men wearing the colour blue. Eiseman says, guys who frequently wear blue are "stable, faithful and always there." The blue guy is perfect for a serious relationship: he's reliable, faithful and can match his own clothes.

Smile.
Psychology and body language experts agree that smiling is one of the fastest and best ways to make yourself more attractive and approachable. It's not necessary to look like you're trying out for "Used Car Salesman of the Year" — just your usual "I'm happy to be here and I'm having a fantastic time" face will do the trick.

Instant Chemistry.
A study at the University of Chicago has shown that men associate the scents of cinnamon and vanilla with love. To kickstart your allure, women can wear a cinnamon-vanilla scented lotion or perfume.
According to Laura Davimes, aromatherapy expert, and owner of Herban Avenues, "Wearing cinnamon/vanilla blends increases the presence of pheromone-like substances and dramatically increases attraction."
The food-love connection continues: Women, according to the study, are drawn to a black licorice scent. So, keep some licorice in your shirt pocket. And, if you're at a nightclub and just happen to spill some Sambuca on your shirt, hey, don't worry about looking like a slob — just consider it your lucky night.

There are many things you can do to keep love alive and fresh, even in a relationship that’s been going well for awhile. Follow these easy steps to refresh your romance.

If you’re in a relationship, you know it’s easy to relax when love blossoms. But just because things are going well now, doesn’t mean you should stop putting in the effort relationship-wise. All partnerships require work to make them successful.

So how do you keep the love in your life?

Say thank you
Showing appreciation for the little things is something that can fall by the wayside when a relationship passes from the honeymoon stage. But try not to take things, even the little things, for granted; it’s a sure-fire way to lose that loving feeling

Compliment each other
Remember the reason you fell in love in the first place? The winning smile, the sparkling eyes, the way she dances, the way he always holds the door for you... Complimenting your loved one daily is a great habit to get into. Remind him of how handsome he is. Tell her that you appreciate something nice she did for you... Little things go a long way when it comes to love's longevity.

Three little words
You know you love your partner, but do you let them know often enough? It’s easy to assume that your partner knows they are loved by you. But there’s nothing nicer to hear than those three little words from the one you love. Say it often, say it with flowers, say it with passion, say it in a letter. Just remember to say it!

Make time for sex
Two busy people can equally be too busy for sex. But don't let the pressures of work and social commitments distract you from this essential part of a healthy relationship. While passion and lust naturally wane as a relationship becomes older, don't become lazy and complacent when it comes to your sex life. There's plenty you can do to keep the passion alive, just use your imagination.

Start dating again
Sound corny? But think back to the days when you were getting to know your partner for the first time. Remember the thrill of those first meetings, the candle-lit dinners, the long walks, talking all night about nothing and everything. There's no reason to lose that loving feeling, so help keep the excitement and anticipation in your love life by making a regular date with your partner. You could spend the morning in bed reading the Sunday papers, then head off to a local market, antique shop or junk store and browse for hours. When you get home, why not cook a meal together following a favourite recipe?

Finding Your Perfect Match

Most people have an idea of their 'type' when it comes to meeting someone new — tall, dark and handsome; slim, blonde and athletic; cuddly, friendly and reliable. These are all characteristics of the kind of person we are looking for, and usually take into account physical attributes, personality type and emotional traits.

But what about the 'type' of relationship we are looking for? This could range from short-term commitment, to someone to grow old and dribbly with, and yet for most people, the importance of a match in this department is not fully considered until things are well established, relationship-wise.

We've all heard stories of the seemingly perfect couple who, to everyone's surprise, go their separate ways after years of being together, because one wants kids and the other doesn't. Ever.

Or the couple that splits because he wants more quality time with her, and she wants to spread her wings? Classic relationship mis-matching.

Finding someone who'll make you happy and contribute to creating the kind of relationship you want requires some thought and effort on your part. Wafting through life without giving our relationship criteria some consideration might work for a lucky few, but for most of us, it ends in disappointment.

To get the most out of your relationships, be they long or short term, it pays to assess what you want at the start. Some key questions that you should answer when entering into a new relationship are:

The marriage question
Have you been fantasising about your wedding day since you were a child? Or would you be just as happy having some other sort of commitment such as a mortgage with your partner?

The future question
Do you have visions of growing old and grey with your partner? Or are you more of a serial monogamist, who's happy to have a few good years with someone before moving on to the next relationship?

The kids question
Is the tick from your biological clock deafening you? Or does the thought of snotty little brats fill you with dread? What do you think about a relationship involving children from a previous marriage or relationship?

The best friend question
Do you want your partner to be your best friend, or is there someone else in your life that your partner will never compete with when it comes to being a best friend?

The details question
Is it necessary for you to hear about every little incident and thought your partner has day in, day out? Or do you prefer to have some emotional space, preferring to hear only the Reader's Digest version of what your partner’s been up to?

The (in)dependence question
Are you looking for someone to do absolutely everything with, from your home life to your hobbies? Or are you happy with spending time being independent as well as together?

The sex question
Are you prepared to be in a relationship where the sex is so-so if every other aspect of the relationship is excellent? Perhaps sex is the most crucial aspect of your relationship? Identifying this up-front can help you choose more suitable partners.

Taking stock of what's important to you when it comes to a long-term relationship is a great start to finding the right person to share your life with. Keep in mind that your relationship criteria may change over time, and will also be influenced by other areas of your life such as work, family and friends. When looking for love, it pays to have an understanding of your perfect relationship, not just your dream guy or girl. Keep your relationship checklist up-to-date and refer to it when looking for someone new — and who knows? You just might find your perfect match.

A perfect ending
"I am deliriously happy. Being what some refer to as middle-aged, I was tentative about Internet dating. I had concluded that it was only for twenty-somethings after seeing the TV ads! I decided I had nothing to lose though and went ahead anyway. Within a week I was contacted by the wonderful man who has become the love of my life! We agreed to meet for coffee. We just walked, talked, dined and gazed into each others' eyes all along Melbourne's Southbank. Now, eight months later, we are planning to spend the rest of our lives together. I still cannot believe how quick it was to find that special someone.