Physical Attraction: The Surprising Truths That Go Beyond Looks

When we talk about attraction

between two people we often refer to physical factors, everything that might

look pleasing to the eye. But being attractive is about more than just

appearance.

Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder.

PLATO

Aside from the biological perspective that says we’re more likely to choose partners based on features that show they are healthy and able to reproduce (Weeden and Sabini, 2005), we’re constantly influenced by our culture and the beauty standards presented by the media.

No wonder we often tend to be shallow and create the perfect partner in our minds solely based on physical characteristics.

It’s easy to be bewitched by beauty, but have you ever looked at someone who was ridiculously gorgeous and felt zero attraction towards them?

That’s because being attractive also implies other factors that we may consciously perceive or not -- that “je ne sais quoi” that makes someone absolutely irresistible even if they’re not the perfect candidate for a Miss/Mister Universe contest.

So let’s see what makes you more attractive despite or aside from the raw facts of your appearance.

1. You’re happy and you know it

Happiness and enthusiasm can be seen and felt at a first glance, and people are drawn to that. We love the ones who spread their enthusiasm and good mood because it fills us up with excitement as well.

I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. 

AUDREY HEPBURN

Remember that “move” that women sometimes make when their crush walks by, the one where they laugh out loud to draw their attention? No matter how silly it may seem, it usually works (if and when the laughter is genuine).

A smile does wonders for your overall appearance and for the people around you. So if you’re the type of person who always has a smile on their face, you’re probably more attractive than you realize.

2. You’re confident

People judge us the

moment we walk into a room and our brain decides if we are attracted to someone

in a matter of seconds.

The most beautiful thing you can wear is confidence.

BLAKE LIVELY

When you stand up straight and look like you know where you’re going, people are going to notice and admire you. It’s all about having an open body language -- certain gestures (an open torso, relaxed hand gestures, etc.) can make you look more interesting and intriguing, thus, more attractive.

Your level of

confidence in who you are is something that people find simply irresistible.

3. You have a good sense of humor

When two people are

laughing at the same joke it means that they share the same perspective. It’s

easier for people to like you if you can make them laugh since you’re clearly more

engaging and able to make them feel more comfortable around you.

It appears that having a sense of humor can instantly make you more attractive, especially if you are a guy. The life of the party always gets its share of attention, so if you’re a joy bringer, keep up the good work!

Just make sure that

your jokes are tasteful. While funny to some, dark humor can often be perceived

as unpleasant.

4. You’re a kind person

Some personality traits are reflected in our facial expressions and kindness is one of them. Our eyes are windows to our souls, and sometimes we can simply see kindness in someone’s eyes.

Elegance is when the inside is as beautiful as the outside.  

COCO CHANEL

Of course, we cannot always say that someone is kind just by looking at their face -- this is more of a gut feeling rather than a scientific fact. However, being a good person can definitely make people perceive you as more attractive.

So as it turns out, the real turn on is not just a beautiful face or a well-polished body, but what we emotionally crave from another person -- those qualities that reflect beauty from the inside out.

More interesting reasons:

• 6 Surprising Psychological Reasons Someone Might Fall In Love With You
• 5 Brain Hacks to Build Back Confidence If People Haven’t Been Treating You Well
• Shadow Work: Learning From Jealousy And Envy