Recently, a photograph of Jason Mamoa appearing as a fractionally softer Adonis forced the entire world to properly evaluate the sex appeal of the ‘dad bod.’ After some consideration, focused by a new study conducted by Kelton Global, it was not only decided that the Cow Drogo pic in question was a gadfly inspired perversion of the phenomenon, 62% of women found true dad bads to be sexy and 78% of female and male respondents motioned that a doughy father figure denotes confidence and authority.
Desirability factors are going through a massive overhaul. Think about the average 20 something-year-old in the market for a partner in 2019: They’re not incentivized by stability, they’re not hamstrung by tradition, motivated by religion or scared of the single stink. If they meet someone at a bar and they become annoyed or bored or even the vaguest hint of either, they go home, Tweet about it, then try their luck again the next day.
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I remember watching a trailer for that Seth Rogen, Charlize Theron movie, Long Shot and feeling numb to the movie’s nudging: Crazy right? Charlize Theron with a fat hairy four-eyed creature?! How’s that gonna work? It’s basically science fiction.
The thing is, America knows Rogen to be an affable, funny guy and Theron’s whole career has been invigorated by a deliberate dodging of air-heady eye-candy roles. To frame a traditionally attractive woman dating a charming unconventionally handsome guy as Tales To Astonish feels a little dated. The film’s premise is a reportedly enjoyable repackaging of the beauty is only skin deep motif, though this is perhaps less groundbreaking to a culture that is increasingly less motivated by hook-ups.
According to a new Eharmony study, 70% of the singles surveyed would prefer a partner looking for a serious relationship as opposed to something casual-a stipulation that encompassed all genders and generations. This important precondition can’t help but have a major effect on the ranking of desirable traits. Chiseled jaws and waistlines aren’t worth much to the long-view. When cohabitation and meeting the folks enter the equation, you have to get much more specific.
For instance, 35% of all daters queried are looking for pet owners exclusively, believing that pet owners symbolize maturity, responsibility, and kindness. The authors report, “Pet owners are also likely to be approachable and outgoing, and they’re more than willing to chat with fellow animal lovers while out on a walk with their pooch. When we look at other traits in their lives, we see that someone who owns a dog is seen as more desirable. A person who has a dog is already comfortable with dependence, with something needing them. You must be committed to them, being reliable. Having a dog is a great way to start practicing a relationship with a person. It requires reliability, commitment, and of course, involve love and sociability.”
The first-ever “Singles & Desirability” study
Fifty-four percent of respondents said that honesty was the most important attribute when considering someone to date, 44% privileged kindness, and 34% seek someone with a good sense of humor. These qualities have long since been associated with the older “no-nonsense” generations. The frequently conceived wisdom declares that Gen Zers and Millennials are all about the now when it comes to intimacy, but this assessment appears to be outdated.
“The data illustrates how Americans have shifted their priorities when it comes to lasting love,” confirms Dr. Seth Meyers, a licensed psychologist, and Eharmony relationship expert. “Instead of identifying physical attractiveness as the most important factor in dating, millennial women are leading the way in showing that finding an intellectual and emotional partner is just as important, if not more.”
The top three desirability predictors additionally governed the professions that procured the most interest from users. For example, doctors/nurses, teachers/professors, and veterinarians, which were all ranked extremely high, are all professions that employ the virtues cited above, whereas jobs in politics and sports were ranked considerably lower, especially amongst older generations. This demo was roused by suitors that could prove useful around the house. Oddly enough Millennials were found to desire someone that preferred staying in as opposed to going out.
The remaining desirability ranking can be found below,
- Honest 54%
- Kind/Considerate 44%
- Funny 34%
- Attractive 34%
- Smart 29%
- Thoughtful 28%
- Happy 24%
- In Good Health 23%
- Hardworking 23%
- Confident 18%
- Financially Well-Off 16%
- Generous 16%
- Outgoing 12%
- Optimistic 12%
- Artistic/Creative 8%
- Organized/Efficient 8%
- Carefree/Happy-Go-Lucky 7%
- Serious 6%
- Well-Traveled 4%
- Quiet 4%
- Assertive 4%
“The most desirable personality traits are honesty and kindness, followed by a sense of humor and – then – physical attractiveness. These results show that people are intelligent and what that means is that someone may look confident on the surface but it could all be a show. But it could be playing games. What someone wants is more substantial than confidence on the surface. They want authenticity. Comically, it warrants mention that attractiveness still came before intelligence in the desirability hierarchy, ” the authors conclude.
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