But women tend to mystify men much more. Guys just don't know — beyond basic common sense — what women find attractive. Volumes have been written on the topic. Movies have been made. Lots of them, starring Sandra Bullock or Hugh Grant.
Scientists have been studying it for a while too, trying to break through that stubborn veil of attraction.
Good news! Those intrepid researchers have come up with some results. Here are seven traits women look for in a man — not all women, of course, but in a large, very general sense:
1. Stubble
The ideal length? Ten days' growth. Not quite peach fuzz, not quite Zach Galifiankis. According to a study by researchers at the University of Queensland, that amount of growth signals maturity and manliness.
2. Broad shoulders
Math rules the day — while men prefer a small waist-to-hip ratio, women look for a high shoulder-to-waist or shoulder-to-hip ratio. In fact, in at least one study, broad shoulders placed first in importance — more important than, ahem, other sizes mattered.
3. A deep voice
Maybe it's not so surprising that a deep voice attracts women — it does partly explain Barry White's popularity. Science backs up the anecdotal evidence. A study by researchers at University College London confirmed it, with one surprising addition: that women preferred a "breathiness" with a deep voice, perhaps as a way of softening an aggressive edge.
4. Wearing red
Seems like this is one of those rare occasions when men and women can agree: red just looks better. Researchers at the University of Rochester found that women across cultures were more attracted to men wearing red — or even just surrounded by a red border. The researchers said that women "view men in red as higher in status, more likely to make money and more likely to climb the social ladder."
5. Not smiling
Men might find smiling women more attractive, but the reverse isn't true. A study out of the University of British Columbia found that women were least attracted to happy, smiling men, and preferred even men who looked moody or ashamed. Which might explain walking shame-spiral Don Draper's appeal.
6. Symmetry
Symmetry's role in attractiveness has been studied for decades. University of New Mexico researcher Randy Thornhill notes the evolutionary drive behind symmetry, saying "If you choose a perfectly symmetrical partner and reproduce with them, your offspring will have a better chance of being symmetric and able to deal with perturbations." What's more, one study showed that women experienced more orgasms with symmetrical partners.
7. Jawline
Women love a good jawline, but it's not necessarily for the reason you might think. A study out of Abertay University in Scotland determined that facial attractiveness was linked to healthy testosterone levels and signaled a strong immune system. Who knew?
Collage image via Instagram / @fletcher_y
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