People

Researchers and therapists

• Arthur Aron and the 36 questions that build closenessThe 36 questions come from a 1997 study by Arthur Aron's team. What the study did, what it didn't show, and how to use the questions with consent.
• Brene Brown on vulnerability and connectionBrene Brown's research on shame and vulnerability, her 2010 TED talk and books, what she says vulnerability means, and how readers apply it to dating.
• Susan Cain and Quiet: introversion explainedSusan Cain's 2012 book Quiet argues introverts are undervalued. What it says, how it separates introversion from shyness, and how readers use it socially.
• Esther Perel on desire and long relationshipsEsther Perel is a Belgian-born therapist known for Mating in Captivity, The State of Affairs and her podcast. Her main ideas, and what to try from them.
• Helen Fisher and the science of attractionAnthropologist Helen Fisher (1945 to 2024) put people in brain scanners to study romantic love. Her three drives, four types and Match.com work, explained.
• John Gottman and the research on lasting relationshipsJohn Gottman studied thousands of couples in his Love Lab. The Four Horsemen, the 5:1 ratio and the Seven Principles, plus what applies before you commit.
• Logan Ury and How to Not Die AloneLogan Ury is a behavioral scientist and Hinge's director of relationship science. Her 2021 book, her three dating patterns, and ideas you can test.