The Science of Physical Attraction

Tuesday, May 13th 2008 by Shanel Yang         Email this article to a friend

Photo by ::reflecting truth::

Did you know that babies only two months old can tell the difference between more attractive versus less attractive faces—and that they prefer the more attractive ones?

This was tested by showing infants photos of adult faces and by recording how long the babies gazed at each adult’s face. They lost interest quicker when shown the photos of the less attractive adults!

Or, did you know that one-year-olds prefer to play with dolls with more attractive faces rather than less attractive ones? Most babies start talking at that age, but they certainly don’t start with the words “pretty” or “not so pretty.” Yet, somehow, they know the meaning behind those words. Why?

Studies show that all humans instinctively recognize certain external visible traits as biological indicators of internal physical health and reproductive fertility. These preferences have been hard-wired in our brains through natural selection. Let’s take a look at what our pre-programmed tastes in sexual partners are.

WHAT MEN ARE HARD-WIRED TO SEXUALLY DESIRE

1. Symmetry. Indicates good health and fertility. Apparently, if we make it to adulthood looking more symmetrical than not, that indicates our bodies were strong enough to withstand all kinds of dangerous threats from inception, including parasites and pathogens in our mothers’ wombs!

2. 36-24-36. Sound impossible? A waist-to-hip ratio of 0.7 is usually good enough to arouse most men. To check yours, measure the narrowest part of your waist and the widest part of your rear. Divide the first number by the second. The reasons are the same as No. 1, but especially fertility. If a woman has more than a 0.7 ratio, that meant to our ancestors that she could be pregnant, which was a pretty bad prospect for a man seeking to sow his genetic oats.

3. Good Posture. Same as No. 1, and also indicates youth. Good posture shows good skeletal structure and musculature.

4. Clear Glowing Skin. Same as No. 1, and also indicates youth.

5. Long Shiny Hair. Same as No. 1, and also indicates youth.

WHAT WOMEN ARE HARD-WIRED TO SEXUALLY DESIRE

1. Symmetry. Same as above.

2. Height. A man could be fat and bald but still sexy as long as he’s tall. Not only is height associated with greater physical strength (historically required to protect one’s offspring), the female is also interested in producing babies that will also grow up to be tall and strong. Of course, all of this goes out the window if the short man can protect and provide for the children in other ways. See No. 5 below.

3. V-Shaped Torso. Not a bodybuilder’s. In fact, most women don’t like a lot of bulging muscles. The body that excites most of us is shoulders wider than hips, hips slightly wider than waist, and a muscular butt. All signs of good health and fertility.

4. Good Posture. Again, indicates youth, good health, and fertility.

5. Signs of Wealth, Intelligence, or Power. Exactly what these signs are depend on the people and the period. Generally, a man’s possession of valuable things or privileges and a willingness to share them with whomever he dates or marries does the trick. For those who can’t afford it, a lot of education or knowledge and a willingness to share those valuable things works, too.

CONCLUSION

Just because our brains are hard-wired to prefer these physical traits doesn’t mean we can’t fall in love with someone who doesn’t fit all of the above. You could always be the exception to the rule. Plus, there are ways to short-circuit our hard-wiring if you know what you’re doing. E.g., see “Why We Really Fall in Love.”

Be sure to get the latest articles as soon as they’re posted by signing up here!