These should be seen as a baseline of sorts. There’s more to it than tall and hot when it comes to keeping us interested for more than a few minutes. More often what seems to be more consistent, is that there are certain personality characteristics that are generally always attractive to both single and married women. Don’t get me wrong, physical attractiveness is by no means unimportant, BUT women consistently assign a higher value to men’s character and personality traits than to physical attractiveness.
Don’t just take my word for it. This has actually been supported by research. Not surprisingly, there have been sociological and psychological studies done with regard to heterosexual women’s preferences. Many of them highlight the same findings and that is, ready for this? That kindness and altruism are the leading traits that attract women. One such study was done by psychologist Daniel Farrelly at the University of Worcester in the UK. One of the findings that emerged from his study, was that altruism was extremely important. As a matter of fact, a man’s physical appearance was less important to a woman than his altruism. He found that men who were seen as altruists were rated more attractive for a long-term relationship than for a fling. Conversely, selfish, non-altruistic men were more appealing for short-term rather than long-term partners. You can read more about this study in the Psychology Today article dated 1/14/16 written by Robert Burris PhD or read the full study at http://evp.sagepub.com/content/14/1/1474704915623698
Farrelly, D., Clemson, P., & Guthrie, M. (2016). Are women’s mate preferences for altruism influenced by physical attractiveness? Evolutionary Psychology, 14(1).