In the dark with popcorn—this is the ultimate date idea for getting to know your partner better.

Building relationships is a complex endeavor, which is why researchers dedicate a significant amount of studies to understanding the best ways to find a partner, where to look for them, what an ideal partner looks like, if such a person even exists, and where to go on a date. In a new study, scientists found that one of the most traditional dating ideas is actually the most effective for getting to know someone better, reports Daily Mil.

Researchers from Ecole Normale Superieure in Paris discovered that sharing tears over sad movies or laughter during comedies can strengthen our bond with a stranger. In the study, 61 pairs of strangers watched the same set of videos while their physiological and emotional reactions were monitored. Later, the scientists also analyzed how the strangers felt about each other.

The analysis results show that people feel more connected to strangers when they see each other while watching videos and experiencing strong emotions. Interestingly, the nature of the emotions did not seem to matter, whether they were positive or negative.

The researchers found that intense emotions contribute to the establishment of social bonds, and shared attention along with emotional intensity predicted social connection between unfamiliar individuals. The findings were published in the journal Royal Society Open Science.

A recent survey conducted among 1,686 adults in the UK also revealed that going to the movies on a first date is considered acceptable by 86% of respondents. Meanwhile, 7% believed that going to the cinema on a first date is completely unacceptable.

Additionally, a previous study indicated that couples in long-term relationships can rekindle their initial spark by reminiscing about their first date. In simple terms, researchers suggest that romantic nostalgia can help foster healthy relationships and allow people to feel more optimistic about the future.

Moreover, the researchers believe that memories of the first meeting, kiss, or shared time together can serve as an "antidote" to daily problems.