Dating Down: The Girl's Advantage?



We're sure Dev Patel is feeling pretty lucky to have snagged beautiful Slumdog Millionaire co-star Frieda Pinto.
Jan 25, 10:40 am

          The Beauty and the Beast syndrome. We see it everyday. On the streets, passing through the grocery store, holding hands in the mall. The dating down phenomena is fast becoming the status quo, and a recent study published in the Journal of Family Psychology showed that when a woman pairs off with a less attractive man the result is a happier, more emotionally satisfying relationship.
          When it comes to settling down women are known to be more selective than men. So what’s going on? Insecurity? Skewed self-perception? Recent studies show that it has less to do with the woman’s down-falls and more to do with the man’s appreciation.

The Facts:

Number 1: There are more attractive women than men. Studies have shown that an attractive couple is more likely to have a girl than a boy. It’s nature’s way of making sure the world is stocked with female beauties (and more competition).

Number 2: Men are the most sensitive to a woman’s attractiveness in choosing an eligible mate, however women are the most sensitive to a man’s height and income, according to Dan Ariely, a professor of behavioral economics at MIT.

Why We Benefit:

He’s Working Hard
          A guy who is considerably less attractive will work harder to live up to his woman’s expectations in other areas: being stable, honest, loyal, respectful, etc. The pressure of knowing he’s receiving a lot more than what he’s providing in the looks department gives him that extra motivation to maintain the relationship in whatever ways he can (under the sheets, included).
          Furthermore, a beautiful woman has been conditioned by society to expect extra attention, so settling for someone “below” her is the attractive option if she demands the royal treatment.

He’s More Sensitive
          Because women don’t typically fall into his lap, the adapt-or-die instinct has forced him to cultivate other tactics to win over the attention of potential mates. He’s likely spent his years developing into a more emotionally sensitive, socially adept and oftentimes more interesting person to make up for what he lacks beauty-wise.

He’s Happier
          Bottom line: Men are superficial. While I’m sure he can appreciate your brains and character, he just can’t help but notice what a hottie you are. And love you for it (for as long as you can stand him). Going to bed at night next to the woman he thought he could never have leaves him with a big smile.

We Can Rest Easy
          You don’t worry as much about him hooking up with the hot bartender or hitting on the girl at the club. It’s not that you think he can’t snag them, you just think it’s less likely to happen and he’s less likely to try. This makes you less jealous and more inclined to ease up on the reigns allowing him a freedom all men can appreciate.

          Dating Down has its perks for both parties. While it may not be the most attractive option, there’s little mystery into why this dynamic flourishes.

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