Some people enjoy knitting or going to the gym. My favourite way to spend my free time is scouring academic journals in order to find peer-reviewed proof that all my personal failings are actually strengths. Please, do not judge me: everyone needs a hobby.

Anyway, I hit confirmation bias gold recently when I came across a study in the journal Computers in Human Behavior. You see, despite being blessed with what is known as resting bitch face, I have always had a hard time acting nonchalant vis-a-vis someone in whom I have a romantic interest. My RBF typically turns into Pining Puppydog Face and I become flustered.

According to this study, however, this trait is great. We are often told that we ought to play it cool when it comes to potential partners, but this research, led by the psychology professor Gurit Birnbaum, suggests that feigned indifference is a terrible technique. In fact, people are more attracted to those who reciprocate their romantic interest. While that may sound blindingly obvious, it is always good when science has your back.

There are plenty of other dating pointers out there for those who prefer to take an evidence-based approach to falling in love. Some of these, it is true, are more scientifically sound than others. For example, a study by zoosk.com, an online dating site, said that mentioning guacamole in your profile can make you more attractive; apparently, people who do so are 144% more likely to receive messages from potential mates.

While adding a little avo to your bio may seem a painless way to increase your attractiveness, I would take this particular research with a pinch of salt. And maybe a little pico de gallo.