Psychologist Paul Eastwick suggests that our preconceived notions of ideal partners are unreliable predictors of actual romantic connection. He highlights the difficulty in forecasting attraction and offers research-backed advice for finding compatible individuals. Additionally, psychologist Ed Lemay addresses how we project our own thoughts and feelings onto others, impacting our relationships. A separate discussion with Paul Eastwick for Hidden Brain+ subscribers explores the often detrimental influence of online dating apps on meeting potential partners. This subscriber-only episode is titled “The Online Dating Trap.” Interested individuals can access this bonus content through a free seven-day trial of Hidden Brain+. Subscriptions are also available via Apple Podcasts for users of Apple devices. The podcast is hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. Information regarding data collection and use for advertising is available at pcm.adswizz.com.