For a tale first penned more than 200 years ago, it’s staggering how much Jane Austen’s Emma has to say about dating that still feels relatable today.

From meddling friends to infuriatingly mixed messages, many of the dramas and dilemmas faced by Emma Woodhouse and her contemporaries will feel massively recognisable to anyone currently swiping their way through the modern world of dating.

In fact, if you’re looking for a few pointers on navigating the choppy waters of modern romance, it’s the perfect story to turn to.

So with a new movie adaptation about to hit cinemas on Valentine’s Day, starring our favourite up-and-comer Anya Taylor-Joy as Emma alongside Miranda Hart and Bill Nighy, here are five ways in which the story can teach us plenty about present-day romance…

5 things we can learn about modern dating from new film 'Emma'