How a movie date is a really good way to get to know someone

It’s one of the most traditional date ideas out there.

But a visit to the cinema could be a really good way to get to know someone, according to a study.

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

The team at the Ecole Normale Supérieure in Paris showed 61 pairs of strangers the same series of videos and tracked their physiological and emotional responses, as well as how they felt towards each other.

Analysis found that people felt more connected if they could see each other while watching the videos and if they both experienced strong emotions – regardless of whether these were positive or negative.

Researchers also found that 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 promote social bonding, the team said.

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

“Overall, we found that joint attention and emotional intensity… predicted social bonding between unfamiliar individuals.”

A YouGov poll of 1,686 adults in Britain recently found that going to the cinema on a first date was considered acceptable for 86 percent of people.

In contrast, 7 percent found this largely or completely unacceptable.

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

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

And remembering the first time you met, kissed or went on holiday together could act as an “antidote” to everyday challenges and frustrations – for example, arguments about housework – they said.