Intelligence, humor, empathy, open-mindedness… When we seek true love, different “essential” human qualities are sought after and requested. Except that in reality, a single criterion wins, according to a study published in the journal Evolutionary Psychological Science.
A single “determining” criterion for choosing a long-term partner
As part of this study, researchers asked 201 young women and 187 parents to reveal their “ideal criteria” in love. However, if intelligence and stability could have been at the top of the podium, the experiment revealed very different results: when these human qualities were compared to “physical attractiveness”, the majority of participants chose the most attractive partner.
Indeed, despite their initial declarations (intelligence was then considered the most important quality), 72.6% of young women and 59.6% of parents ultimately chose the most attractive man, regardless of his supposed level of intelligence. Physical attraction therefore appeared to be the “priority criterion” for a long-term partner.
“However, when attractiveness and intelligence were not combined, women tended to choose the more attractive man, while parents favored the more intelligent man, indicating distinct preferences between women and their parents“, the study further reveals.
These results show that physical appearance still plays a key role in our romantic relationships.
“Physical attraction…may be more important to women and parents than they admit,” the researchers still say.
Having (too) high standards can also present risks
While being demanding in your relationships (especially physically) is not a bad thing, having (too) high standards can also present risks.
“Conforming to these criteria can create excessive pressure, valuing superficial aspects like status over deeper qualities, and marginalizing those who do not meet them, reinforcing an artificial hierarchy in relationships. recalls the dating site Seeking.
To avoid these pitfalls, “prioritize authenticity and personal growth rather than trying to correspond to rigid ideals (…) The most important thing is to be aligned with yourself, remaining faithful to your own values and aspirations”, underlines Emma Hathron, dating expert.