The psychology of beauty
Okay, so gorgeous people get preferential treatment. It's a not-too-pretty fact of life long attributed to the halo effect. Now there's evidence that beauty and intelligence (and other positive characteristics) go hand in hand. Evolutionary psychologists have opened a tantalizing line of inquiry onto age-old questions about beauty, and not a moment too soon. Clinical psychologists observe that men and women alike appear more concerned than ever with attractiveness and perceived physical imperfections.
The cycle is easy to see. The beautiful woman, constantly fawned upon, catered to, approached and presented with numerous options starts to see this as the norm. This sets up a powerful self image and expectations for the best. She starts expecting others to fawn, and expects things to be handed to her on a silver platter -- a princess syndrome, of sorts. She is the center of attention, and everyone else is of little importance. The power of positive thinking at work.
Meanwhile the men think what the heck, what chance do I have with a woman like that? All too often folks think she has it all, and she must already be taken. Plus, what chance would the average Joe have anyway? She can have anyone she wants, someone with money, fame and looks. In essence, the men are intimidated and prefer to stare from afar rather than approach.
So, there is good and bad with beauty and the real question is what exactly determines which woman will parlay it into success and which will succumb to the dark side? The answer is quite simple. Beauty is an asset, just like physical prowess, charisma, brains or emotional intelligence. The key with any gift is in the way that you use it. It doesn’t define you as a person. Rather, it’s an asset to be used judiciously and with an understanding of how it is just a small part of who you are. Those that get this will do well; others that don’t, not so much.
-Dale Archer M.D.