How to get a girlfriend/boyfriend using Economics

Economics can play a part in every aspect of all of our lives, even in relationships. This week’s blog will focus on the application of one part of economics, Game Theory.

Game theory

Game theory is a branch of economics, which is concerned with how people make decisions based on what other people are doing, and in turn, how other people will make decisions based on what you’re doing.

Game theory can be applied in any circumstance where there is human interaction, from socialising with your friends to debates in parliament.

An example of one, which you may have herd of, is called the Prisoners’ Dilemma.

Two prisoners sitting in individual cells have been accused of collaborating in a crime. They have no way of communicating with one another and are asked to confess to the crime. If both prisoners confess they will each receive a sentence of 5 years, if neither of them confess then they will only receive a sentence of 2 years. However if one confesses and the other does not then the confessor will go to prison for 1 year and the one who does not will go to prison for 10 years. Both prisoners are made aware of the prison terms.

If we put our selves in the position of prisoner A for a moment, we can soon realise the outcome of this game. Since we know that people hold their own interest first before others, we know that prisoner B will try to go for 1 year sentence (confess). We also know that Prisoner B will be thinking that the same thing about us and so will not risk a 10 year sentence (denying). The result is that both prisoners will confess to the crime even though it was in both their interests to deny the crime.

This is a good example of game theory in action, where both players were considering the actions of each other when making their decision.

The Game

The game of romance is significantly more complicated than that of the above example.

Often we think of males and females having different objectives in their relationships but fundamentally they are identical. Both men and women want the best partner that they can get. However there are some key problems to this.

1)      You don’t know how attractive to the opposite sex you are compared to others.

2)      Given how attractive you are, what attractiveness can you achieve?

In the diagram above let’s assume guy and gal go on a date, both of them are trying to find out the same things. How attractive am I compared to average woman and how attractive is he compared to the average man and is this a good catch given my attractiveness?

After the date both will consider their relative attractiveness to one another. That is:

Relative Attractiveness = Male Attractiveness Score / Female Attractiveness Score

If the relative Attractiveness score is = 1 then they are a perfect match, they are equally attractive as each other. If the score is greater than one then the male could do better but the female has hit the jackpot. If the score is less than 1 then the female could do better but the male has hit the jackpot.

e.g. assume the average attractiveness = 100

Ra = 100 / 50 = 2

In this scenario the average male goes on a date with a bottom quartile woman. For the female, he is a catch for the male she is a waste of time.

The game therefore is to convince the other player that the Relative Attractiveness score is in their favour but at the same time assess whether the potential partner is the best that they can get.

This is more easily said than done.

Will you marry me!?

Let’s imagine you’ve just been on a date, which went quite well, you’re still not sure on the relative attractiveness score but you think it’s worth another date. Then you get a text message asking you to marry them.

The potential partner has dropped a clanger. She has signalled that the relative attractiveness score is such that you are the jackpot to them, which means you can do much, much better.

Obviously this is an extreme case, but when communicating after a successful date it is crucial that you do not signal a relative attentiveness score that could damage your chances of a second date or a relationship. Equally if you do find a potential partner that scores well on attractiveness you may wish to pursue a second date, but if you signal that intention, you will in turn have an adverse effect on your relative attractiveness score, and this is where game theory comes in.

If both players are aware that they need to signal a higher attractiveness score and at the same time want to go on a second date then there really is a conundrum.

First Mover Disadvantage

Given that communication could adversely affect your relative attractiveness score; there is a serious disadvantage to being the first to initiate communication after a date. In this respect it is best to wait for them to be the first. However if both players are thinking this then neither will ever communicate, which could be a waste if they are a perfect couple for one another. This part of the game is a bit like a game of chicken, where the one who is prepared to sacrifice a second date the most, will come out on top. 

If communication is carefully done so that scores are not affective then you will secure a second date and potentially a relationship.

Don’t go mental!

If you think you have secured a good catch, it is important to act as if you are equals. Don’t talk about baby names, weddings or give any indication that you have considered a lengthy future together in the early days of the relationship. This will send a signal that the partner has made a mistake in his estimation of relative attractiveness nad they will promptly back out.

 Good luck and good gaming singletons!!