Have you ever wondered what it is that a woman looks for in a man she wants to marry or spend the rest of her life with? Why is it we find some men attractive and interesting and other men not so much? What is it that attracts women, what specifically? Well, researchers think they have some answers.
Masculine Features
New research suggests that women measure a man’s potential as a mate based on the masculinity of his features. The man who has a square jaw and a very well defined brow ridge is considered a great short-term partner because he will be adventurous, fun and exciting. He is not considered a long-term partner because he will likely be too busy with his competitive challenges than he would be on being a good partner.
The woman who is looking for a long-term mate will be seeking the man with gentler features, more rounded in the face and with fuller lips. This is a man who would be less likely to cheat on his spouse, abandon them for his adventures or more. Participants in the study overwhelmingly defined the men with the most masculine features as the men with the greatest risk.
Romantically and statistically, when you look at the rebellious male figure in a story – his chiseled, square jaw and his emphasized brow ridges define him. He is extremely masculine and he is extremely difficult to entreat into a long-term relationship. According to other studies in psychology, women tend to view men with very masculine features as great flings, but hardly long term potential. These are the types of men more likely to abandon them or die young – so while their contribution to offspring is great, their potential as a mate for life is not.
What do I think?
I am no expert in biology nor am I an expert on the sociology of choosing a mate. But I have to say that I’ve no doubt that after thousands of years, women are biologically inclined to pick up on the superficial clues to a man’s behavior and more. The more testosterone a man possesses – the more masculine his features. But an over abundance of testosterone can make a man more violent, more predisposed to sexual infidelities and more – so one doesn’t need to be a biologist to see the relationship.
What do you think of this study? Do you think a man with exceptionally masculine features is great to look at, but not great to marry? How masculine are the features of your spouse? My husband doesn’t have a chiseled jaw, he has strong features – but a rounder face. What does that say about me? Personally, I’m very happy with my choice and he is a great parent and a good husband – so was I inclined more by my biology or something else?
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