Scientists say math can reveal patterns in love

The work, summarized in French mathematician Laurent Pujo-Menjouet's 2026 book "Love! Valour! Equations!: Mathematics of the Couple," applies dynamical systems theory to explain how romantic relationships evolve in response to attraction, emotional reactions, stress and conflict.

The approach builds on research dating to the mid-1990s, when scientists including psychologist John Gottman began adapting mathematical models originally developed for population growth and predator-prey interactions to study romantic relationships. Later work expanded the models to account for more complex behaviors, including delayed emotional responses to conflict.

"Just as we can predict population growth or endangered species, we can model the evolution of feelings within a couple," Pujo-Menjouet wrote in his book, as quoted by SciTech Daily. "We're not trying to predict who you'll fall in love with; we're trying to understand why some couples remain stable despite life's inevitable shocks while others slowly drift apart."

Two hands reach towards each other over a heart shape in the background. Illustration from Pexels

A central feature of Pujo-Menjouet's model is a critical threshold representing a minimum level of relationship strength. If a couple's emotional connection remains below that threshold, the model predicts the relationship will continue to deteriorate toward separation.

The model identifies three factors that most influence long-term relationship stability: attraction between partners, the gradual weakening of feelings over time, and how each person responds to the other's emotions. It also incorporates external pressures such as work, illness, financial strain and raising children.

Pujo-Menjouet said future versions could combine mathematical modeling with AI to alert couples when their relationship is approaching a risky state, giving them an opportunity to take action before problems become irreversible.

He cautioned, however, that the models identify patterns rather than predict individual outcomes. Most existing models are based largely on Western relationships, while cultural, religious and economic differences, along with personal choices, can significantly affect relationship outcomes.

The idea of applying mathematics to romance is not new. In 2019, British mathematician Bobby Seagull said he used mathematical models to estimate his chances of finding a partner and determine the most efficient dating strategy.

In his book "The Life-Changing Magic of Numbers," Seagull described applying the Drake equation, originally developed to estimate the number of intelligent civilizations in the universe, to narrow millions of potential partners to 73 realistic matches. He later said mathematics could improve dating decisions but could not predict chemistry or compatibility, according to The Guardian.

"Mathematics can illuminate patterns and provide guidance," Pujo-Menjouet said. "But ultimately, the success of a relationship depends on two people choosing, every day, to nurture their connection. The equations can show you the path, but you still have to walk it together."