A Scots scientist who studied mating monkeys in the jungle is using some of their techniques to help women find the perfect match.
Dr Mairi Macleod's PhD in Mating Strategies sent her to South Africa to observe Samongo monkeys when she was a young student.
The behavioural scientist was amazed at the 'proactive' nature of the females who would leave their male-led troops to find other suitors and bring them back to the family unit, rather than idly 'waiting on their prince charming'.
Now 55, Mairi has been married, had three children and sadly separated, all the while studying and writing about human evolutionary behaviour and attraction.
Inspired by her studies and hoping to find love again, Mairi, from Edinburgh, took matters into her own hands in 2016 by attending a singles night where she met her now husband Rob.
Off the back of her romantic success Mairi set up a dating consultancy for women over 50 - and her no monkeying around approach has been a huge success so far.
She told the Record: "As a dating consultant I don't make direct comparisons with monkeys, it's about how dating and finding a good match has evolved as time moves on.
"We look back to the Stone Age and what a woman needed from a man in a heterosexual relationship back then, strength and power, isn't what we need now, for example.
"But with the samongo monkeys, the female's proactive way of going about things definitely inspires how I help women.
"I hate when people say, 'what's for you won't go by you' or 'what will be will be'. You have to make your own luck sometimes or help your luck along.
"Don't wait around for Prince Charming.
"I really didn't want to go to that singles night in 2016, but I would never have met Rob if I didn't. I made the first move that night too, which is something women often don't do.
"We could learn a lot from the Samongo monkeys - in how the females pursue the males, not vice versa."
Applying science to the quest for love is something brainbox Mairi is all for, with an undergrad degree, Masters and PhD under her belt.
"We also look at mate value," she said.
"Someone with a high mate value may be young, good looking, rich, they're likely to attract a lot of suitors.
"This doesn't always bode well for a long-term relationship because, these people know they have other options.
"I'm not suggesting we settle, but we shouldn't be so focused on looks, good dress sense, having abs or being pretty.
"Sharing values, political beliefs and life goals is what makes a good partner."
After launching Dating Evolved, Mairi has helped droves of women 'get back out there'.
She said: "It's so lovely to see women who've been single for years take initiative and find love.
"One woman last year told me she'd been putting up her Christmas tree by herself for 20 years, and now she was doing it with her boyfriend which was amazing and makes it all worth it."
Mairi is hosting a masterclass on April 4; Getting Ready for Successful Dating for Women Over 50.
For more information on Mairi's work or her consultancy service visit the Dating Evolved website.
To arrange a free initial consultation call 07762 740449 between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.
To enquire about a Zoom meeting, fill out the online contact form.
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