Study Shows That Women Prefer Less Attractive Partners

#1

Florida State University held a study with 113 newlywed couples in their 20s. They were all rated on how they look and were asked to fill out a survey. The findings showed that relationships were more successful when the woman was more attractive than her male counterpart.

#2

What defines a successful relationship as far as this study is concerned? Come to find out that the study had very little to do with respect, life goals, or longevity. The survey was focused on the desire to stay fit and sexy.

#3

Since the survey participants were all young and married for just a few short months, it was difficult to gauge the success of their relationships in any other way. That may be the reason why the rationale for the results is so shallow. "The husbands seemed to be basically more committed, more invested in pleasing their wives when they felt that they were getting a pretty good deal," researchers claim.

#4

The male partners admitted that they do more housework and are more attentive to their wives when they feel their wives are more attractive. Basically, they are saying that guys will only lend a hand around the house and pay attention to their wives if they have a hot wife. Let's just forget all about intelligence, sense of humor, kindness, and originality. The study just shows how shallow some men are. It shows that they prefer trophy wives even if they have little to nothing to show for in the looks department.

#5

On the other hand, some women prefer an ugly guy because women with more attractive partners tend to feel pressured to always please a more attractive mate and end up adopting negative body images. Those women are more prone to extreme dieting or developing eating disorders when they begin to feel that their attractiveness does not match up to their mate. They also often worry about their man cheating if they do not look their best. Sadly, this can be very accurate.

#6

Men who feel that their partners are less attractive have shown less commitment and are more likely to stray. So much for "for better or worse". It is sad to say that it is not always what is on the inside that counts.

One researcher on this study had some advice for the guys in a relationship with a less attractive woman. "One way to help these women is for partners to be very reaffirming, reminding them, 'You're beautiful. I love you at any weight or body type.'"

#7

"Or perhaps focusing on the ways they are a good romantic partner outside of attractiveness and emphasizing those strengths: 'I really value you because you're a kind, smart and supportive partner.'" While this all sounds like great advice, according to the findings of this study, men do not care about any of those things.

#8

Considering the sample group, I would take the findings of this study with a grain of salt. Divorce rates for the under 30 crowd are extremely high. It is likely because they use looks for their criteria for finding a mate instead of the things that really count towards a long, healthy relationship. It would have definitely been more interesting if the study used couples who have been married for several years over those who are still newlyweds.