To find out which criteria are decisive when choosing a partner, scientists have measured all shapes and angles of the human face, analyzed the symmetry of dancers, derived formulas from the dimensions of models and have had both male and female test subjects rate the attraction that is on the odor based on armpit sweat.
Despite all of this and many similar efforts, the rules of sexual attraction are still not clearly defined. And how it all turns into lasting love is even more puzzling.
After all, there is a narrower selection list for scientifically verifiable rules in lovemaking. Some are very well defined, like the strikingly feminine eyes of a supermodel or the muscular torso of a handsome man. Other rules operate on a more subconscious level, motivating us to act for reasons of conservation. In the end, enduring love depends at least as much on behavior as it does on biological criteria. However, the first steps are already taken before birth.
Symmetry means sex
From the moment of conception, the human body develops through cell division. If each division were perfect, the result would be a baby whose right and left sides would be mirror images of each other. But in nature things are different. Genetic mutations and environmental influences distort the symmetry.
Balanced physical symmetry indicates that the individual has the genetic makeup to tolerate change, is healthy, and is a good and fertile choice as a mate.
From this point of view, it makes good genetic sense to consider symmetry as a criterion when choosing a mate, because if a perfectly symmetrical mate is chosen for reproduction, the children are more likely to become symmetrical too and be better able to cope with disturbances.
A study confirmed this: both men and women found symmetrical members of the opposite sex more attractive and healthier than their less symmetrical counterparts. The differences were sometimes only in a detectable but not necessarily conspicuous area.
Surveying participants in the study also found that men with higher levels of symmetry have more sexual partners than less symmetrical men.
The hips, those hips…
For women, in addition to symmetry, body shape seems to be important. There is scientific evidence for this too. According to a study by the University of Texas, women with a much slimmer waist than their hips appear most desirable to men.
In general, the ideal waist-to-hip ratio that men find most attractive in women ranges from 0.67 to 1.18.
But what does this waist-to-hip ratio mean? It conveys the coded message of an individual’s ability to provide for offspring. Sex hormones determine where fat is stored in the body: testosterone in men and estrogen in women. When a woman produces the right amount and mix of estrogen, her WHR will naturally fall into the desirable category. The same applies to male testosterone.
Studies have shown that people with ideal hip proportions are less likely to develop cardiovascular disease, cancer or diabetes, regardless of their body weight. Women in this category are also more likely to get pregnant. It almost seems that beauty is not only in the eye of the beholder, but also provides information about health and fertility.
Face the facts
The facial structure of a woman also provides information about her fertility. Estrogen promotes bone growth in a woman’s lower face and chin, making them appear relatively small and short, and also in the brow area, which accentuates the eyes. Male facial features are testosterone-dominated, with a larger lower half of the face and an accentuated jawline and eyebrows.
Men and women with these traits are more likely to be considered attractive because their appearance promises reproductive health.
Fragrance
According to further research results, women appear more attractive to men on certain cycle days – both in terms of smell and appearance. And symmetrical men are considered ‘smell better’ by women.
Looking at all of the scientific evidence, one wonders to what extent, if at all, attraction is a conscious process, or whether a large part of sexual attraction takes place in the subconscious.
And it’s all about sexual attraction. But what about real love and lasting relationships?
What do you think of the scientific evidence that our love seems to depend on hormones and smells rather than conscious attraction? Leave us your thoughts in the comments below.