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What can researchers tell us about the thrills and heartaches of Valentine’s Day? More than you might think

Valentine’s Day: The modern holiday that unnerves men and leaves women worried about being disappointed — at least according to recent polls and research. Here are seven studies that shed light on some of the pitfalls of Feb. 14, and offer hope to those determined to celebrate:

Lovers will spend, spend, spend

Some 70 million Americans, or a third of consumers, will eat out at a restaurant tonight, according to the National Restaurant Association. Only Mother’s Day is more popular for dining out. The National Retail Federation also expects a banner year, with Americans spending a projected $15.7 billion this Feb. 14, or $116.21 per person, a bump of 11 percent from last year.

It’s not too late to find a date

If you don’t have a date for tonight, don’t fret. Brain researcher Stephanie Ortigue and her team at Syracuse University say it’s the brain, not the heart, that is responsible for love — and the process is fast. It takes about a fifth of a second to fall in love, she says. There’s still plenty of time to find that special someone.

Full story at The Week.

Photo: CC by tanakawho

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