What Makes You Attractive?
For decades, we've been told that what makes a person attractive is a combination of their looks and their personality. And that's probably still true, but the truth is much more complicated than a quick swipe of mascara or a well-cut hairdo. According to scientific research, there are many different aspects of a person's face and body that can make them seem appealing to other people. Some of these include facial symmetry, youthfulness, skin clarity and vivid color in the eyes and hair.
People who are deemed to be physically attractive have been shown to be more likely to possess positive personality traits than people who are not considered beautiful. This may be because a good-looking person is more likely to be successful and happy, which in turn can lead to an increased likelihood of generosity, according to a study out of Indiana University published in 2020.
Physical beauty is also often linked to upward economic mobility. Studies have found that attractive people are more likely to receive job offers and be hired than those who are not. Additionally, attractive people are perceived as more sociable than their less-attractive counterparts and are viewed as having a greater ability to empathize with others.
A good-looking person is also believed to have more confidence. This is primarily because of the social expectations of society. A good-looking person is expected to be able to take risks and think outside the box. This mindset has been shown to increase an individual's self-esteem, making them feel more attractive.
Facial symmetry is a trait that is commonly regarded as being attractive in both men and women. It has been suggested that symmetry is evolutionarily advantageous because it signals health to potential mates by indicating a lack of injury or illness. Several studies have demonstrated that the appearance of facial symmetry influences attractiveness judgements at a subliminal level, even when only a small patch of the image of the face is seen for one-hundredth of a second.
Besides facial symmetry, other physical traits that can be considered attractive are chiseled or defined features such as a jawline or forehead. A slim or athletic figure is also considered to be an attractive characteristic. Some studies have also examined the impact of certain clothing on a person's perception of attractiveness. For example, slim-fitting clothes have been viewed as more attractive than loose or oversized ones.
Although there are many factors that influence a person's overall appeal, the best way to appear attractive is by simply being confident. This can be done by speaking positively about yourself, believing in yourself and being congruent with your actions. When you do all of these things, your body language and facial expressions will naturally convey this confidence. Trying to change your appearance for the sake of pleasing other people isn't a good idea. It's important to make changes that are authentic and reflect who you truly are.