How to Find "The One": The Science of Dating with Tim Molnar from The Happiness Lab

Double Date with Marlo Thomas & Phil Donahue

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Thursday, 19 February 2026 - 45 minutes

Modern dating can feel exhausting. On one hand, there’s the seemingly endless swiping that leads to dating app burnout; on the other, there’s what can feel like the insurmountable challenge of meeting someone in real life.

But what if finding love is less about fate — and more about strategy? Dr. Laurie sits down with behavioral scientist and dating coach Tim Molnar, author of Date Smarter: A Strategic Guide to Navigating Modern Romance, to explore what the research really says about how to meet the right person, build genuine connection, and avoid common dating mistakes.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Date Smarter: A Strategic Guide to Navigating Modern Romance

“Receptivity to Sexual Invitations from Strangers of the Opposite Gender”

How to Bounce Back from Life’s Curveballs (with Dr. Maya Shankar)

“Computations of Uncertainty Mediate Acute Stress Responses in Humans”

“Implementation Intentions and Goal Achievement: A Meta-Analysis of Effects and Processes”

 “Forbes Health Survey: 78% Of All Users Report Dating App Burnout”

“Foot-in-the-Door Technique Using a Courtship Request”

“Getting Beyond Small Talk: Study Finds People Enjoy Deep Conversations with Strangers”

“Grammar Is Super Important to Online Dating Sites, So Try to Speak English Good”

“ Swipe-based dating applications use and its association with mental health outcomes: a cross-sectional study”

(00:02:17) Date Smarter: A Strategic Guide to Navigating Modern Romance

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