Physical Attraction
There is no denying that being physically attractive is one of the main and most dominant parts of attraction. Similarity, proximity, exposure, they don't matter if you aren't defined as hot, pretty or cute- or do they? Attractive students get judged as smarter, attractive adults get paid more and attractive people date and "mate" more (Psychological Science). What factors play a role in physical attraction? Often things we can't do anything about, for example:
One important quality in attraction is symmetry, and this ties back to evolutionary psychology. Males and females both prefer people of the opposite sex to be symmetrical in their face. This includes eyes, cheekbones, etc. A beautiful face carries good genes- and that is what humans are naturally attracted to. "A symmetrical face, like a particularly masculine or feminine one, is a sign of having stood up better to life’s figurative schoolyard beatings" (Beauty is in the Mind of the Beholder).
Another sign of physical attractiveness that humans prefer is averageness- and not just with other people. Humans want average looking dogs, watches and food. If these different objects are prototypical looking, they will be less likely to have some random mutation.
What men and women look for in their opposite sex is very different. Women look for height, for a male to be well built, and other masculine features such as a prominent jaw line. Males too place a strong emphasis on physical character traits of females- like an hourglass figure, small waist, etc. Commonly it is thought that guys only care about, or only want, sex. But, this is not necessarily true. Men often want sex to enhance an emotional relationship (What do men really want?).
One thing that is made clear with physical attraction is that if it, physical attraction, was never there, it will never come. You could be married to someone for over 20 years- but if physical attraction is not there it never will be. There may "be some" that will "grow", but physical attraction can never be worked on. (The Role of Physical Attraction in your Relationship).
In conclusion physical attractiveness is very important and powerful. It can open doors for us, and even lead to us living a better life. But, physical attraction is not all that matters and never will be. For a relationship to work, you can be the hottest person but a relationship will never suffice on primarily that.
- the way you dress
- the way you act
- how you carry yourself
- social status & wealth
- race
- body size and shape
- your face (most dominant)
One important quality in attraction is symmetry, and this ties back to evolutionary psychology. Males and females both prefer people of the opposite sex to be symmetrical in their face. This includes eyes, cheekbones, etc. A beautiful face carries good genes- and that is what humans are naturally attracted to. "A symmetrical face, like a particularly masculine or feminine one, is a sign of having stood up better to life’s figurative schoolyard beatings" (Beauty is in the Mind of the Beholder).
Another sign of physical attractiveness that humans prefer is averageness- and not just with other people. Humans want average looking dogs, watches and food. If these different objects are prototypical looking, they will be less likely to have some random mutation.
What men and women look for in their opposite sex is very different. Women look for height, for a male to be well built, and other masculine features such as a prominent jaw line. Males too place a strong emphasis on physical character traits of females- like an hourglass figure, small waist, etc. Commonly it is thought that guys only care about, or only want, sex. But, this is not necessarily true. Men often want sex to enhance an emotional relationship (What do men really want?).
One thing that is made clear with physical attraction is that if it, physical attraction, was never there, it will never come. You could be married to someone for over 20 years- but if physical attraction is not there it never will be. There may "be some" that will "grow", but physical attraction can never be worked on. (The Role of Physical Attraction in your Relationship).
In conclusion physical attractiveness is very important and powerful. It can open doors for us, and even lead to us living a better life. But, physical attraction is not all that matters and never will be. For a relationship to work, you can be the hottest person but a relationship will never suffice on primarily that.