What are you attracted to?

Imagine a psychologist comes at you with pen (or ipad) in hand and wants to interview you about what it is that you look for in a partner; what do you find attractive? Will you be honest or will you lie? Most people will lie in an effort to appear noble and high minded, but new research methods can now identify who really just wants someone with a hot bod.

These researchers made the point that people will readily tell almost anybody what appeals to them in a romantic partner. Often they may emphasise personality and a good sense of humour. Rarely will they say that they just want a hot sexy body in their partner. Many studies though, show that when it comes to choosing a flesh and blood partner, those higher minded values may not hold true.

In this study participants had to sort out a list of words that flashed up onto a computer screen. They had to put the words into lists; one list of words that were synonyms for “physical attractiveness” and the other a list of words for denoting activities that it had been established they like (like tequila, motor cycles, romance novels, etc.).

The words were flashed up quickly so that the subjects had to react fast rather than think about their responses.

The researchers found that people who did well on the task were much more likely to have a strong implicit preference for physically attractive partners. The subject’s preference for physically attractive people was established during a speed-dating event and by observing their interactions with other subjects. This finding held true true regardless of what the subjects actually said their preferences were.

As far as your romantic pursuits are concerned the implications are crystal clear. Don’t believe a word anyone says, judge everyone by their actions, and if you want someone to love you for your mind and not your body, then carry a copy of the test outlined above with you; if they do well at it then they may be a little too physically oriented for you.

Sure, having your date do a psychological test before entrée might ruin the mood a little but it could save a lot of angst afterward.