How a cinema date is a really good way of getting to know someone

It’s one of the most traditional date ideas going.

But a trip to the cinema really could be a good way for getting to know someone, according to a study.

Researchers have found that sharing a cry over a sad film or a laugh during a comedy can increase your connection with a stranger.

The team, from Ecole Normale Superieure in Paris, showed 61 pairs of strangers the same set of videos and monitored their physiological and emotional responses, as well as how they felt towards each other.

Analysis revealed people felt more connected when they could see each other while watching the videos and when they were both experiencing strong emotions – regardless of whether they were positive or negative.

Researchers also discovered romantic nostalgia can help cultivate a healthy relationship and help people feel more optimistic about the future (file image)

The study shows that intense emotions can foster social bonding, the team said.

The findings, published in the journal Royal Society Open Science, read: ‘Sharing emotions with other individuals is a widespread phenomenon.

‘Overall, we found that joint attention and emotional intensity… predicted social bonding between unacquainted individuals.’

A YouGov poll of 1, 686 adults in the UK recently found that going to the cinema on a first date was seen as acceptable for 86 per cent of people.

In contrast, 7 per cent thought it was mostly or totally unacceptable.

A previous study has found that long-term couples can recreate their initial spark by reminiscing about their first date.

Researchers discovered romantic nostalgia can help cultivate a healthy relationship and help people feel more optimistic about the future.

And thinking back to the first time you met, kissed or went on holiday together could work as an ‘antidote’ to daily challenges and frustrations – for example arguments over housework – they said.