THERE’S no elixir like love, but how do you get your love potion right? Here are six science-based secrets to finding relationship bliss: 1Master the language of love Communication is a key factor in any long-term relationship, but according to a Texas Tech University study, what matters even more may be the specific language you are using. Researchers analyzed speed-dating conversations and found that subjects who used similar language functions were more likely to find a match. So don’t forget to be on your best language behavior when talking to a love interest. 2Remember: It’s not all about six-pack abs and nice hair We all love a pretty face now and again. But looks aren’t necessarily an indicator of sexual satisfaction, nor are they a predictor of a happier marriage. In a study at the University of Tennessee, researchers asked 82 newlyweds to rate their partner’s attractiveness and found that there was no relationship between the satisfaction of the marriage and their rating of physical attraction. 3Know when to nod your head and smile A happy relationship means knowing when to let things go. A study of 168 couples in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin found that the trait of agreeableness was linked to more successful, long-lasting marriages. Being understanding, positive, kind, and agreeable are traits to look for in a mate. Plus, you might even get a little more action between the sheets — the study also found that men who were agreeable found it important to keep sex desire alive in a relationship, and were often more giving and sensitive in bed. 4 Always trust your instincts Should you follow your heart or your gut down the aisle? To make an informed decision about dating, research suggests that you are best off listening to your instincts. Researchers at Florida State University followed 135 heterosexual married couples over the course of four years and found that their gut instincts, not their conscious feelings, played a huge role in predicting overall marital happiness over time. That gut feeling might be telling you when something is right — or conversely, when something is wrong. It’s important to be on guard for some characteristics that could spell trouble later on, such as narcissistic or antisocial traits. 5Be each other’s best friend In a relationship, it’s healthy for each partner to spend time with their friends. But afterward, do you find yourself rushing home to tell your partner how much fun you had or how much you missed them? A recent study from the U.S. National Bureau of Economic Research found that one of the best ways to boost happiness in a marriage is when people consider their spouse or partner to be their “best friend.” 6It’s OK to believe in love at first sight, but tread lightly Unlike the reality TV show “Married at First Sight” on A&E, studies show that while some cases of love at first sight happen fast, it doesn’t always mean that they last. According to a survey headed by Ayala Malack-Pines, PhD., a professor of psychology at Ben-Gurion University in Israel, only 11 percent of 493 long-term relationships said they fell in love “at first sight.” It’s a small percentage, but it’s still possible — just be cautious about differentiating between “love at first sight” and “lust at first sight.”(SD-Agencies) | 