Researchers from Peking University in China discovered a gene that determines the serotonin levels affecting a person's behavior in romantic relationships.

The serotonin hormone is a major contributor to a person's mood and feelings. Scientists tested hair samples from 600 university students to study 5-HTA1, the gene that regulates serotonin levels affecting mood and behavior.

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This gene has 'G' and 'C' versions. People with the 'G' version, also known as the Singleton gene, are the less fortunate in relationships.  The Singleton gene makes less serotonin.

With low levels of this hormone, people are more pessimistic and neurotic. They find it difficult to get attached to people and are uncomfortable with close interactions. Studies revealed that 60 percent of the Singleton gene inheritors are single.

They also find break-ups more depressing and hard to recover from because they lack the 'C' version or the 'happy gene.' People that inherited the 'C' version have higher serotonin levels.

On the other hand, 50 percent of people with the 'C' version of 5-HTA1 are in a relationship. This means that they have 20 percent more chances in finding love.

This discovery only shows genes can influence our mood, feelings and behavior towards others. A single gene can't dictate a person's happiness, however. Happiness can also be affected by health, wealth, economic status and job satisfaction.

In building relationships, genes may exert a certain influence but scientists consider it a very small factor. There are also other factors like appearance, career, wealth and, most importantly, the person's own choices in life.

Tagsgenes, love gene, happy gene, love life, singleton, singleton gene