10 myths about dating you should know better than to believe

Flickr/Bubble Fishh

There are lots of "rules" out there about love and relationships.

If you just went on a date, wait three days before texting or calling. If you're fighting, you're toast. If it's over, write down your feelings.

Unfortunately, if you dig into the science behind dating and romance, you'll learn that many of these rules are based on complete misconceptions.

Below, we've busted 10 of the most common myths and explained why they're totally wrong.

Myth: You can't make yourself more attractive

Hold off on the cosmetic surgery — scientists say beauty isn't just a function of your appearance.

In fact, the difference between looking hot or not can be as simple as the color of your shirt, whether you own a pet, or your musical ability.

To heterosexual women, certain personality traits can be even more meaningful than a man's physical attractiveness.

Myth: Men don't like when women ask them on a date

Dating site Match told Business Insider that straight women initiate only 18% of emails between straight women and straight men on Match.

If that's because those women are afraid of coming off too strong, here's a wake-up call: Another Match survey found that 90% of American men (not just Match users) say they'd be comfortable with a woman asking them out.

Myth: Just journaling your thoughts can help you get over a breakup

A tear-stained notebook page isn't necessarily the solution to getting over your ex.

In fact, a 2012 study found that simply writing about your thoughts surrounding a breakup can make you feel worse than when you started.

But more recent research suggests that a specific type of journal entry can help you move on: a "redemptive narrative," or a story that outlines how you turned suffering into a positive experience.

For example, one person in the study who wrote in a redemptive-narrative style said, "‘I am really sad that we broke up, but maybe it's for the best. I am better off without somebody who doesn't treat me right."