Imagine a world where DNA testing can determine your compatibility with someone.
Now stop imagining, because one Toronto company, Instant Chemistry, is well on its way to making it happen.
In our data-driven world, it’s no surprise many eligible singles would turn to biotechnology to help them with their love lives. I had the opportunity to ask co-founder Dr. Sara Seabrooke some questions to find out if this really is the future of dating and relationships.
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Instant Chemistry works with couples who wish to have their relationship compatibility analyzed under a microscope. “The test is broken down into three components: biological compatibility, neurocompatiblity and psychological compatibility,” explains Dr. Seabrooke “Each play important roles in a relationship, but usually people are not highly compatible on all three components”.
One thing to remember is that relationships are very complex and the test is not meant to prove fatalistic results. Instead, it aims to help couples better understand one another from a different viewpoint.
Let’s look at how it can help you.
You’ve just met the love of your life on Tinder and they’re perfect (or so your rose-coloured glasses would have you believe). One weekend you’re out on the town having the time of your life at a very chic restaurant and lounge when the server screws up your menu order. You normally wouldn’t say anything, but your partner is a bit hot under the collar and lets the manager know this isn’t acceptable. You might just think to yourself, “uh oh they’re a little more aggressive than I’ve seen before… what’s going on here?”
This might lead you to overthink the situation and the relationship, causing some problems in the future. But what if I told you that genetic traits like aggression and empathy can be measured through this DNA testing method, allowing you to understand your partner’s behaviour better so you can work with it instead of against it? This is just one implication of how the results can help build stronger couples in the future.
One big concern for most people would be facing the fear of what the test would reveal, but Dr. Seabrooke reassure me it’s not meant to be deterministic and just provides a better understanding of someone at their core.
That’s something an online profile and a few dates could never achieve.
Most couples usually score high on one of the three components and then average or lesser on the other two. And that’s okay.
The trick here is to realize the purpose of the test: to help you stop wasting time on bad dates and open your eyes to great potential matches out there you might not have considered before.
Putting her own relationship under the scope, Dr. Seabrooke took the test (and passed) with her partner in life and business (her husband is the other co-founder of Instant Chemistry). Being one of the very first couples to undergo the test the results revealed she and her husband ranked average on biological compatibility and neurocompatibility and above average on psychological compatibility. One interesting tidbit she learned was that her husband had more of a dominant trait than her, but her empathic ability was more developed than his. Understanding this allows for better communication and building up of strengths in the marriage, while minimizing weaknesses.
At the end of the day, can a DNA test really tell you who your soulmate is? Yes and no; the test can help you determine better compatibility so you don’t waste time going after people who might not be the best fit for you.
That said, it will never be a replacement for the foundation of a good relationship, which includes building trust, having open communication, and providing unconditional love.
If you don’t have these traits in a relationship no amount of scientific compatibility can help you.
However, the test can be a great tool for millennials to use in our very hurried, busy lives. Imagine spending less time on bad dates and being put in a room with singles who are all predetermined to be a good match for you. Who knows, the future of online dating might see you list your DNA testing “scores” at the bottom of your profile and only be matched with others who share a high compatibility factor.
Surely that’s more promising than swiping another one of those open-minded, loves to travel types who doesn’t take life too seriously and would lie and say you met at a bar.
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