Anew dating trend could be the modern version of matching birth astro charts before deciding on a life partner.
Termed 'DNA Dating', the practice is being encouraged by a DNA matchmaking website based abroad that may see the end of compatibility tests. All you would have to do is brush a couple of Q-tips across your mouth and send the swabs to a lab along with those of your partner to find out if you are 'made for each other'.
The X and Y of DNA dating
Genetic compatibility is still being researched and while it provides the base for many sci-fi novels, it could very well play a vital role in how we choose our life partner in the future. The idea being expounded is that if your DNA matches with your partner, you are more likely to love their natural body fragrance, which means you would be very satisfied with your sex life, and would have a high probability of producing the healthiest possible children. Commenting on how DNA dating can influence our relationship choices in the future, physician Dr Altaf Patel says, "DNA matches are the most sensible way to mate. It's an arranged marriage of a different sort to get the best progeny. Animals, particularly lions, are attracted to each other with the best DNA match. There is some conjecture that this happens in humans as well."
Genetic compatibility is still being researched and while it provides the base for many sci-fi novels, it could very well play a vital role in how we choose our life partner in the future. The idea being expounded is that if your DNA matches with your partner, you are more likely to love their natural body fragrance, which means you would be very satisfied with your sex life, and would have a high probability of producing the healthiest possible children. Commenting on how DNA dating can influence our relationship choices in the future, physician Dr Altaf Patel says, "DNA matches are the most sensible way to mate. It's an arranged marriage of a different sort to get the best progeny. Animals, particularly lions, are attracted to each other with the best DNA match. There is some conjecture that this happens in humans as well."
Would you try it?
Actress Shazahn Padamsee feels the concept is interesting, but it's something she would not want to opt for personally. She says, "It's a great idea but personally I would first prefer to get to know the person rather than his DNA. I want to be with someone who makes me happy. When getting into a relationship that would be my primary goal, to find someone who keeps me happy. Compatibility and everything else would come second."
Actress Shazahn Padamsee feels the concept is interesting, but it's something she would not want to opt for personally. She says, "It's a great idea but personally I would first prefer to get to know the person rather than his DNA. I want to be with someone who makes me happy. When getting into a relationship that would be my primary goal, to find someone who keeps me happy. Compatibility and everything else would come second."
Genetic testing does not guarantee emotional chemistry. Designer Elisha W says, "Love for me cannot be so biological or chemical, that I have to get a lab test done to find if my soulmate is compatible. I would try a more spiritual test rather than a genetic one to find out if he's my soulmate. It isn't just about gene compatibility, but a meeting of two hearts. I'd keep it that way." Ashish Pandey, another designer, agrees and adds, "Genetic compatibility is one thing, but what if there's no emotional involvement or romance. I don't think the relationship would last very long. Even if the genetic test shows brilliant results, and we can produce great children, what if there's no emotional or sexual chemistry? That would spell disaster for the relationship."
Astro charts v/s DNA dating
Varkha Chulani, clinical psychologist and psychotherapist, says, "If only the maintenance of relationships was in our genes! Good long-term relating depends on many factors, apart from natural body fragrance or having small differences in 'alleles'. Temperamental compatibility, ideological similarities, goals of life, value and philosophical outlook, these and many more augur well for good healthy relationships. Even in the case of single people, taking only DNA into consideration may well spell doom."
Varkha Chulani, clinical psychologist and psychotherapist, says, "If only the maintenance of relationships was in our genes! Good long-term relating depends on many factors, apart from natural body fragrance or having small differences in 'alleles'. Temperamental compatibility, ideological similarities, goals of life, value and philosophical outlook, these and many more augur well for good healthy relationships. Even in the case of single people, taking only DNA into consideration may well spell doom."
She adds, "It's unlikely to work in India because we don't 'think' too much when we make life partnership choices. The concept of parents deciding for us still exists. As a community we are not scientific in our approach and would rather bank on the horoscopes and stars, rather than on scientific data. To break mindsets from mumbo jumbo to science will take some doing. Plus, costs involved may also dissuade a person from considering this option, plus the belief that marriages are made in heaven, so why tamper with them on earth?"
Dr Kurien S Thomas, clinical psychologist, psychotherapist and wellness therapist, adds, "To the crowd that needs proof for everything, this test can prove effective for showing your compatibility quotient on paper. Otherwise, your own heart and mind will tell you when you meet your soulmate. Love can be only felt and not seen in a test with pass/fail results. Sex is not just for procreation, but also for intimacy between couples. If you are with your soulmate, you will not only enjoy the physical expression of true love, but benefit psychologically too."
Pros and cons of opting for DNA dating
It minimises the error in making choices and narrows selection. Thus, you have only a handful of people to choose from, reducing the risk of going wrong. It's a probabilistic measure and not a foolproof indicator. Banking only on these indicators may spell trouble. And then genes don't consider factors like incompatible areas, growing apart as many individuals do in longterm relating, etc. Costs may be a factor, too. It may make the choice too clinical and may not work for all. It kills romance and the excitement of adventure and thrill that comes along with falling in love. Every person is not so 'practical' and it may not go down well with the romantics.
It minimises the error in making choices and narrows selection. Thus, you have only a handful of people to choose from, reducing the risk of going wrong. It's a probabilistic measure and not a foolproof indicator. Banking only on these indicators may spell trouble. And then genes don't consider factors like incompatible areas, growing apart as many individuals do in longterm relating, etc. Costs may be a factor, too. It may make the choice too clinical and may not work for all. It kills romance and the excitement of adventure and thrill that comes along with falling in love. Every person is not so 'practical' and it may not go down well with the romantics.
