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Psychologist Yulia Vatutina told what type of women attracts men
24.04.2023 16:01
It happens that relationships with men “don’t work out” regardless of behavior, attempts at correct self-positioning, and pleasant little things that we give to our partners.
Psychologist, psychotherapist, and coach Yulia Vatutina discusses what qualities and types of women attract men.
TOP qualities that attract men
Every man has his own individual preferences and criteria for the attractiveness of a partner.
However, there are a few common standard traits that can attract men.
- Appearance: Men often like women with attractive appearance, but the ideal of beauty can differ depending on cultural and personal preferences.
Moreover, “attractiveness” does not always depend on socially accepted standards of beauty. Every man has his own ideas about what constitutes a good-looking person. - Confidence: Women who are confident in themselves and their abilities and know what they want from life can be attractive to men. This can manifest itself in different ways – from a feeling of general confidence to specific professional or creative manifestations.
- Sense of humor: Many men appreciate a sense of humor in women and find it attractive. This can manifest itself not only in the ability to make a witty joke, but also in the reaction to men's jokes.
In addition, a woman's ability to joke about herself adds to her attractiveness. - Intelligence: diverse interests, the ability to hold a conversation and the ability to listen - all this can attract a man much more than a beautiful appearance. The previous point also applies to manifestations of intelligence: a sense of humor is a feature of an intelligent person.
- Kindness: Women who demonstrate kindness and concern for others are especially attractive.
Female Attractiveness: What Scientists Say
The topic of women's attractiveness to men is very popular in psychological and sociological research. There are many works on this subject. The most interesting ones will be presented below.
One of the most famous studies was conducted by David Buss and his colleagues in 1989. Their study, published in the journal Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, found that men were most likely to prefer women they considered "physically attractive."
At the same time, other qualities, such as intelligence and character, were less important for the men in this study.
But “physical attractiveness” does not always mean standardized model looks. Some men like plumpness, others like thinness, etc. So the results of Bass’s study should not scare off women whose appearance does not correspond to the stereotypes of beauty accepted in popular culture.
In another 2006 study by Jim MacDonald and colleagues, participants were shown photographs of women with different physical characteristics: face shape, body proportions, etc.
The results of the study, published in the journal Personality and Individual Differences, showed that men were more likely to choose women who had more feminine facial and body features - rounded shapes, a narrow chin, etc.
In another 2011 study by Christina Meston and colleagues, participants were presented with descriptions of women with different personality characteristics, such as sincerity, confidence, responsibility, leadership, consideration for others, etc.
The results of the study, published in the journal Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, showed that men preferred women who were described as sincere, caring and kind.
But it is important to remember that no matter how many people participate in the study, the results will be subjective. In addition, the studies were conducted in Western culture (USA), so in Asia, Russia, etc. men may have different preferences.
Main types
Dividing people into types is a thankless task, but certain female traits can be reduced to a common denominator.
Below are some of the types of women that men may find attractive.
- Feminine type. Femininity can be expressed through clothing style, behavior and speech, gestures, look, etc. In addition, this can include “feminine” qualities that do not concern appearance: attention to detail, care, neatness, etc.
- Self-sufficient type. Contrary to stereotypes that all men crave patriarchy and a subordinate position of women, they also like powerful manifestations of a woman's character.
The image of a strong and independent woman, capable of organizing and managing, can make a strong impression on a man. - Intelligent type. Good education, upbringing and beautiful speech are qualities that will please almost any man.
It is intelligent women that are interesting to men not only as a sexual partner, but also as a life partner. - Passionate type. This is about a woman showing passion in a broad sense in her hobbies, work or relationships. Energy, enjoyment of life and love for herself and her activities are all traits of the passionate type.
These images rarely exist separately from each other. A woman can combine several qualities from different types at once.
