Margaret Clayton on the secret power which gives women the edge in every relationship

WE’VE always sort of known that women tend to go by their instincts.

But last week, after a study co-authored by Malinda Carpenter of St Andrews University, it was revealed that female intuition was factual – and it gave girls the edge over boys almost as soon as they could talk.

By the age of five, girls were almost twice as likely to spot a fake smile as boys of the same age, scientists found.

Girls’ skill at discerning what others were thinking and feeling also helped them to work out what was expected of them and who they could trust.

A useful skill in life, if ever there was one.

More than 168 children aged two to five were tested – and it was shown that girls definitely had an advantage in sussing out the emotions of others.

Is this nature’s way of compensating the female sex for, in some cases, having less physical strength than men? Perhaps. I know I’d rather have brains than brawn any day.

And most of the women I know use their intuition in a positive way to help them understand how other people think, feel and act.

It doesn’t take us long, whether in the playground or the world of work, to suss out who is loyal, on our side, a good laugh, or tetchy, difficult and challenging.

We rely on the weapon nature gave us – that intuitive sense which tells us what’s likely to bring the result we want.

Honing that skill to a fine art helps us in every relationship. How on earth would you ever persuade a reluctant man that it’s a good idea to redecorate the house, book a holiday or get out of that armchair – unless you had the instinctive sense of when and how to present your perfectly reasoned point of view?

In families, it’s often the women who realise first when something is wrong. Your husband may not notice his mum is struggling a bit – but you will. And that instinct is useful in getting her the help she needs but doesn’t want to ask for.

Or somehow you understand it’s time to contact that friend you haven’t phoned for a while – and discover she’s having relationship problems and needs to talk.

Our strength lies in recognising and honouring our intuition. It’s a pearl beyond price and unlike male physical strength it doesn’t diminish with age. But, like any skill, if you don’t use it you lose it.

Work out your plans for the year ahead – and let your instincts guide you in how to make those hopes and dreams a reality.