7 Fun Facts You Didn’t Know About Love

There aren't many occasions that divide opinion as strongly as Valentine's Day, but whether you love it or loathe it, one thing is true... it’s upon us. Rather than joining in the debate, here at Sophie Allport, we thought we'd mark it by doing our own research on matters of the heart. And guess what? What we learnt was 'lovely.'

1. Do you know why boxes of chocolates are traditionally tied with ribbons on Valentine's day? Aside from making them look pretty, it actually echoes a tradition that started in the Middle Ages: when knights competed in tournaments their sweethearts gave them ribbons for good luck. Personally, we’re just happy to receive the chocolates... 
   
2. How long did it take for you to decide whether you liked your other half? A few dates? A couple of months? Well, scientists believe that it actually happens in as little as four minutes! It all comes down to your body language, eye contact and tone of voice. So, it would appear that first impressions really do count! The answers here at Sophie Allport ranged from minutes to months! 
   
3. Can you tell us who Saint Valentine was? For some time, Roman soldiers were forbidden from tying the knot, just in case love made them too ‘soft’ to fight well. However, Valentine (a Roman priest) secretly performed wedding ceremonies. He was put on trial and executed, but not before he’d written a letter…to the Judge’s daughter! The story goes that the last words he wrote were in a note to her, signing it "from your Valentine” – inspiring today’s tradition! 
   
4. Did you know that cuddling releases natural painkillers? Yep, it’s true! Oxytocin (also known as the ‘love hormone’) is produced during an embrace with someone you’re fond of. Candle scents are also known to lower blood pressure, as well as creating a lovely atmosphere if you’re feeling less than your best. So, next time you feel a headache coming on, reach for your partner and strike a match: it might be more effective than rummaging through your medicine box. 
   
5. Do you know where the phrase ‘wearing your heart on your sleeve’ comes from? It’s another throwback to the Middles Ages, where men and women would draw each other’s names from a bowl. Once selected, you’d pin their name onto your sleeve and begin courting. We’re enamoured with this medieval form of speed dating here at Sophie Allport.
6. Couples who are in love need only stare quietly into one another's eyes for three minutes to find that their heart rates synchronize… which we think this is pretty incredible! Why don’t you give it a try?
7. Guess how many roses are exchanged across the world for Valentine’s day each year? 10 million? 20 million? In fact, it’s as many as 50 million! 
   

Do you have any interesting facts about love or Valentine’s Day we’ve missed off our list? We’d love to hear them.