The Importance Of Physical Appearance And Attraction In Romantic Relationships

Introduction

This paper is going to delve into the effect physical appearance has on attraction in romantic relationships, and the other factors that influence interpersonal attraction.

Evolutionary Theory

There are two theories that have lead scientific thinking on how we choose a romantic partner. The first, evolutionary theory, claims that characteristics and traits that benefit chances of survival and reproduction are naturally attractive to us (Shpancer, 2014). This theory illustrates that women are attracted to men who are taller and stronger which suggests they can provide protection and stronger genes. Men are attracted to younger women with large breasts and hips (hourglass figure) which suggests they have higher fertility and are

While physical appearance and attractiveness is a life advantage and has a fundamental significance in interpersonal attraction, it is not the most important factor. People can be found physically attractive for reasons such as face-symmetry, good health and characteristic of high fertility as mentioned earlier. Positively we tend to perceive physically attractive people are kinder, more competent and of a higher class or importance. Negatively we may find them intimidating, materialistic or ego-centric (lecture slides). We generally choose partners of the same “level” of physical attraction to us and sometimes who even look similar to

We are drawn to people who are like us. The three types of similarity that contribute to attraction are attitude, personality and value similarity. (lecture slides). We prefer people we have things in common with. Similarity makes it easier for us to make connections, form intimacy and maintain stability in relationships.

Personality

Personality is significant in interpersonal attraction. Along with having a similar personality, people who are confident, altruistic and intelligent are seen as more attractive. If we see someone do something that has a positive effect on us we associate that person with that positive arousal and we think of them as more attractive. This connects to what is known as the “Halo” effect, where someone’s positive characteristics affect our perception of their other characteristics (lecture slides).

Conclusion

In conclusion, while a person’s looks usually provokes our very initial attraction, it is not the most important characteristic when it comes to a romantic relationship. As I have highlighted above there is a combination of factors that would influence interpersonal attraction. Based on Sternberg’s “Triangular” theory of love, maintaining a “gold-standard” relationship of love, the relationship needs to have three factors. It states that only by having intimacy, passion and commitment in a relationship, can you have true consummate