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A legendary New York Times article published about a decade ago has led to a widespread belief that if two people ask each other a specific list of 36 questions, they will fall in love. The questions are about many things, including passions, regrets and beliefs, but their powerful reputation stems from the fact that, combined, they coax people into a state of vulnerability that triggers an intense intimacy.
As it’s Valentine’s day, we thought we’d better test this claim against the evidence. And quite a few studies have used the 36 questions or similar over the years. They reveal that there is indeed a lot to be said for trying out the exercise, and not just on a potential romantic partner.
And if you’re too pressed for time to go through 36 questions, a shorter route to connection might be to sit down with your loved one to examine what experts believe to be the five most romantic paintings of all time.
We’re promised a brief reprieve from the rain in the UK today and, so help me, if I don’t get one I cannot be held responsible for my actions. Relentless downpours have blighted all activities and soaked my shoes for weeks. I am fed up and I’m one of the luckier ones. Parts of the country have apparently not yet seen a single dry day this year.
Perhaps sensing that if not me then someone is about to completely lose it, our science team have published this article on how to keep your spirits up while it’s chucking it down. You’ll want to read it before you check the forecast for next week because it sure isn’t looking any less wet than the last.
With an estimated 300 people losing their jobs at the Washington Post, the paper’s motto “Democracy Dies in Darkness” is ringing rather hollow. The Post is owned by Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, who has shown considerably less interest in the freedom of the press since Donald Trump returned to power. And with the president verbally abusing reporters in public, it’s no wonder serious concerns are being raised about what’s to come next for American journalism.
Also this week, a look back at what Peter Mandelson was doing in 2009, a look forward to new election rules and a moment of calm with the influencers “activating” their vagus nerve – as featured in the
latest episode of our video podcast Strange Health.
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