Are YOU a good boyfriend? Take test to see if you’re faithful

Good news for nerds – a new study has revealed that clever men make the most faithful and loving partners.

Researchers from Oakland University have discovered that men who are better at working out complex sequence and number patterns have a healthier love life.

In their study, the team analysed the intelligence and attitudes of 202 men who had all been in a relationship for at least six months.

They found those who scored higher in fluid reasoning – the ability to think logically and solve new problems by identifying patterns and making connections – expressed greater commitment to their relationships.

They were also less likely to have insulted their significant other, displayed jealousy or have reported erectile dysfunction problems.

In addition, clever men also displayed fewer signs of psychopathic tendencies and were less likely to have resorted to controlling ‘mate–retention’ tactics such as making their partner feel guilty.

‘Results revealed that men’s scores on the letter and number series subscale had unique, small positive associations with overall relationship investment, relationship satisfaction and commitment,’ the team wrote in the journal Personality and Individual Differences.

Try out our interactive test to see if you have decent fluid reasoning – and whether you’re likely a good boyfriend or husband.

Across popular culture, intelligent men are often depicted as being relatively useless when it comes to love. 

Examples include Ross Geller from Friends – a palaeontologist and professor whose chaotic love life plays out across the series.

There’s also Sheldon Cooper in The Big Bang Theory, a theoretical physicist who maintains an unconventional, slightly awkward relationship with his girlfriend Amy.

Meanwhile Michael Moscovitz, from The Princess Diaries, is portrayed as the incredibly intelligent, dorky friend who is forced to watch from the sidelines as Princess Mia focuses on a popular jock.

However, the new study may begin turn the stereotype on its head.  

The scientists also referenced previous research, published in 2020, that found higher fluid intelligence is linked with men’s perception, understanding and management of emotions.

However, the findings slightly contradict separate earlier research that found women with higher general intelligence were more likely to remain childless later in life.

It could be that smarter individuals have no advantage when it comes to attracting partners and forming relationships, but ‘for individuals who are able to overcome this initial obstacle, higher intelligence does confer an advantage in navigating certain relationship problems,’ they suggested.

The team said their results should be interpreted with caution and highlighted the ‘exploratory’ nature of their study.

‘Given the potential importance of general intelligence and specific cognitive abilities in navigating relationship problems, future investigations should continue this line of research,’ they concluded.

Earlier this year, a psychologist revealed a simple act that can make couples feed 20 per cent happier.

While sharing the washing–up might seem like a minor gesture, experts say it can have a surprisingly positive impact.

Dr Hannah Lawson, who has over 12 years’ experience in relationship counselling and behavioural psychology, said those who wash dishes together often report feeling closer, more respected and generally happier.

And she explained that teaming up on this everyday task builds fairness, teamwork and a sense of partnership – boosting couples’ happiness by as much as a fifth on average.

‘When you share even small chores, you show each other that you are equals,’ she said. ‘And that is often far more powerful than big romantic gestures.’

When the washing up is left to just one person it can create feelings of resentment or imbalance, she added.

Meanwhile, another study found that a good sense of humour can make a man seem more intelligent and more likely to be a big earner.

Researchers recruited 162 women for a speed–dating style experiment where they were shown photographs of six men.

Each man was said to have provided a statement as an ‘icebreaker’, which was a funny joke, an unfunny joke or a bland statement about their favourite colour or pizza.

When women thought the man in the photograph had made a funny joke, they were significantly more likely to say they would give him their phone number and rated them higher for intelligence.