What factors make someone attractive?

What factors make someone attractive?

1. Competence

We are attracted to those who are smart, make wise decisions and are succeeding. Except with a caveat: If they are doing too well and seem too perfect we perceive them as unapproachable. Aim to be competent, not superhuman.

2. Similarities

Opposites may attract, but they don’t stick. The more similar a person in attitudes, opinions, and interests, the more you like the person.

3. Proximity

Studies have shown that people become more attractive to us when we expect to interact with them again in the future. When we know we will see someone again we tend to focus on their positive qualities and ignore their flaws.

4. Being Liked.

One of the strongest determinants of if we will like someone is the belief that they like us. Being liked makes the heart grow fonder.

References:

1. Darley, J. M., & Berscheid, E. (1967). Increased liking as a result of the anticipation of personal contact. Human Relations, 20, 29-40.
2. Collisson, B., & Howell, J. L. (2014). The liking-similarity effect: Perceptions of similarity as a function of liking.
3. Tidwell, N. D., Eastwick, P. W., & Finkel, E. J. (2013), Perceived, not actual, similarity predicts initial attraction in a live romantic context: Evidence from the speed-dating paradigm. Personal Relationships, 20, 199-215.

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