What is it that makes people sexy?

Posted on Jun 21st 2007 5:05AM by Lauren Greschner

Filed Under: Diet & Weight Loss, Motivation, Alternative & Green Health

Have you ever wondered just what it is that attracts you to someone? Do you think a person is hot because of the way you're wired or because of what your culture has taught you is appealing? According to the studies reported on in this article, the answer is that both culture and genetics play a part in determining what people find sexy.

One study found that some traits were almost universally attractive. For example, women with baby faces -- features like large eyes, little chins and round cheeks -- were voted as the most attractive by study participants. The researchers believe that this may be because youthfulness is perceived to be linked to fertility. In other words, our predecessors would mate with youthful women as the odds of having lots of healthy offspring was greater.

On the other hand, as a professor points out in the article, culture plays a part too. Why else, for instance, would so many beautiful supermodels be married to shaggy rock stars? In our culture, rock 'n' roll is a sexy thing, so if you're the lead singer of a successful band, your chances of finding a good-looking partner are pretty high no matter what you look like. Of course, humans also look for other things like a good personality, honesty and humor when choosing a mate, but there is always something about that initial attraction. So what do you think? What is it about your significant other that caught your eye?

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Tags: attraction, culture, genetics, men, physical, sexy, women

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 7)

Cynthia Willis 6-26-2007 @ 9:38AM

Hello,
I do agree that, humor, good personalility and integrity are required components to attracting a wonderful mate, however, the mindset is the most important element to life. Long before "The Secret" was ever written, this wife, mother and fabalous forty-eight year old, was told at an early age that your mind will determine how you live life. The mind is awesome, it begins with thought. Your day is determined from the moment you rise each day, you control your thoughts and and follow up with actions. My beauty regimen would cause many of the beauty companies to lose profits because of it's simplicity. so love yourself unconditionally.
Cynthia Willis
Baltimore, MD

Cindy 6-26-2007 @ 9:38AM

The professor that pointed out that super models marry "shaggy" rock stars is because of culture? Hey, idiot it is because they have LOTS of cash! Use your brain.

Micky 6-26-2007 @ 9:38AM

What attracted me to by current boyfriend was his fit body. He works hard at two jobs, one in a warehouse and the other doing landscaping. We had to have our first date right after he got off work still in a muscle shirt and jeans, a little mulch in his hair. It's been a long time since I've been with a guy that is in this kind of shape (we are both in our 50's). I've taken pretty good care of myself with exercise and good nutrition but the three men I dated before had guts and ate junk food washed down with beers. He's a good guy with high energy and a good heart. We can do a lot of fun stuff together cause we are both in fairly good shape and have plenty of energy.

carolyn ferrante 6-26-2007 @ 9:38AM

They already have money -- plenty of it! The professor is right.

Keyona 6-26-2007 @ 9:38AM

when i read this, i found it hilarious that the features perceived as attractive are ones i have. i am a 22 year old black woman and i look like i'm 16. i have big brown eyes, a small chin and big apple cheeks. i've always noticed that men, especially white men, tell me how beautiful i am. not that i think that i am gorgeous, but i just found it funny that those particular features were found attractive.

Scott 6-26-2007 @ 9:39AM

I hate to tell you this, but it isn't the money. There are LOTS of rich guys, but rock stars attract WAY more women than guys that are much richer. Rock stars attract way more women than famous actors, who are rich AND good-looking. To top it off, singers VERY often attract women who don't need money to begin with. How many rock stars go out with/marry rich models? I mean, Richie Sambora has recently been with two women who are gorgeous (and one is less than half of his age, the other was just a LOT younger), and both have as much money as he does. Trust me, it is more than the money.

qa 6-26-2007 @ 9:39AM

my girlfriend has a face like that. i fell for her instantly when i met her.

she has the cutest face and expressions, i don't know why, but it just melts my heart. she doesn't think anyone else feels the same way; i find that hard to believe, especially where she lives now...

can't wait to fly out there on thursday to see her though :)

Missy 6-26-2007 @ 9:39AM

I think that this is a completely true article. I read a book called "Survival Of The Prettiest," it's all about the science of beauty. We are attracted to people who make a lot of money, yes, but mostly it's because of their physical beauty. In the book it even states that a human can tell human beauty in a split second, and it asks the question, why do you think prostitution and modeling are the highest paying jobs for women! It's an amazing book if this at all interests you....I would recommend it highly

Mo 6-26-2007 @ 9:39AM

A friend of mine once said that marriage is basically legalized prostitution. Now that I have lived a little, I would say he was correct. Old men 'buy' younger women, and young women marry rich men. Isn't is romantic?

d 6-26-2007 @ 9:40AM

yeah.. musicians just attract women regardless. that's why there are a lot of "musicians" around.

trust me, i know; even though i am not a musician myself i've been around that lifestyle for a while, and it's an obvious thing to take note of. you have to be in a really really crappy band and lack all sorts of sex appeal in order not to pull.

i don't know about prostitutes being beautiful though...

and i am generally not attracted to young faces, i just like my girlfriend because she is graceful, she looks like a proper lady y'know? (come on, we will meet in paris for tea, how sexier can it get?)

tianacolada87 6-26-2007 @ 9:40AM

Haha ok I feel bad b/c I definently fit the description of baby face. I can't tell how many times I've been asked how old I am (I'm 20) and EVERYONE swears that I belong in middle school. Now I think of this as the GREATEST gift ever, but when it comes to the dating world... for me... I can't get anyone it seems like. lol I mean I get some looks but not many. I get more people telling me how cute I am than how sexy I am. Idk where u guys r but I need to be there.

denise 6-26-2007 @ 9:40AM

If older men with money think for one minute that a much younger, beautiful woman is marrying them for their personality, they are just old fools. Let's face it, beauty is power and expensive. I'm sure there are a few exceptions, however men with money can buy a young bride. They will most likely find they have made a major mistake when more then half their money is gone.

Nancy Mure 6-26-2007 @ 9:41AM

I think basically it's a matter of what attracts you, meaning it's subjective: The eyes and hands are first things I look at.... Teeth are also a common issue....

Jill McDonald 6-26-2007 @ 9:41AM

Duuuuude! It is the money. Donald Trump ain't pretty.

Veronica 6-26-2007 @ 9:41AM

I agree with the article. I have round cheeks and no one can tell my age. I look like a 21 year old but I am in my early 30s. I think its a compiment to be told you look younger. I think it is all in the cheeks and how well you take care of your self. My mom gets the same compliment also.

hopsing 6-26-2007 @ 9:41AM

I don't know about money cause myself and my husband are pretty much broke. (LOL) I was attracted to my husband because of his red hair. Something about Men with red hair gets me all hot and bothered. (LOL)

Crabby McSlacker 6-26-2007 @ 9:42AM

I find this stuff fascinating--that we're still cavemen and cavewomen in a lot of ways when it comes to choosing a mate.

Most women find wealth and "power" very attractive; men are drawn to youth and beauty first. But in practical terms, we don't need men to beat off predators and enemies with clubs very often; and women don't have to be 20 years old or less to have kids.

We'd be much better off looking for mates who are kind, generous, emotionally mature, smart, and reliable--but these aren't considered as "sexy" as a button nose or a slim waist or an alpha male attitude and big paycheck.

(Crabby, when she's not harassing people at http://crankyfitness.blogspot.com/)

Summer 6-26-2007 @ 9:42AM

All of my boyfriends straight to my hubby had one thing in common...they all had strong arms...

raybabe 6-26-2007 @ 9:42AM

When you talk about "initial" attraction it would most certainly be my husband's height 6'2" compared to my 5'1". But over the ten years we've been married in addition to his height his sense of humor, confident NOT arrogrant swagger and the fact that he is a NICE guy the nicest I've ever met ......yep he's definately "THE man"

Christine 6-26-2007 @ 9:43AM

I think when it comes to finding women attractive, this article is probably very true, I think certain features on a woman most people will find attractive. When it comes to men, I think women have much different views on what is attractive. I think most women can say they have a "type" they generally find attractive. But I have found with women I can sit there with my friends and we can point out men that are attractive and disagree on every single one. If a woman is attractive, I think she has more of a chance of being "universally" attractive more than a man might. Regardless, it is still based on personal opinion with both men and women. Not everyone finds my boyfriend attractive, but his good looks were what first attracted me to him, I think he's gorgeous, but not everyone agrees. And I'm sure not everyone thinks I'm attractive either, but my bf does. Even if there are features that most people find attractive, it's still going to come down personal opinion. Some people like broccoli and some people don't...it's sorta the same thing :oP