SKIRMISHER

Scientists recently found in an experiment that female rats who played “hard to get” were more likely to keep their male mates interested.

Driving this behavioral dynamic is, as always with rat sex, some neurochemical reward. Boston University biologist Mary Erskine notes that “sexual preferences come from chemical rewards, and we can be sure there are some here.” Sexual climax, in fact, unleashes a flood of pleasure-producing hormones and neurotransmitters, such as testosterone and dopamine. [Another researcher] speculates that the higher level of arousal created by the longer wait generates a stronger release, and a more substantial reward, thereby enforcing the preference.

Just one of those rare instances when a lowly species gives humans some uncanny clue about the nature of relationships.

via WIRED

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