Are you on the lookout for a beautiful Cinderella or a handsome Prince Charming with whom to live happily ever after? Here’s how to make a splendid first impression.
Physical attractiveness is usually the primary element which draws the attention of others. Before anything is known about character, personality, background or lifestyle, the outward appearance of an individual is the initial factor on which a stranger will base his or her initial judgement.
Males are more influenced by physical appearance than females. Men prefer women who are shorter than they are, who have a youthful appearance, flowing hair, a symmetrical face, full breasts and lips, and an attractive figure with a low waist-hip ratio. An erect posture, soft skin and long legs are additional assets.
Facial features are also important. Women who have small chins and noses and large, expressive eyes are considered “cute”, and evoke an innate, masculine inclination to look after or care for these apparently childlike creatures.
If he is close enough to hear her conversation, he will be attracted by soft, melodious vocal tones. Loud, raspy, female voices are a definite turn-off, especially if her remarks are peppered with slang, and off-color words and phrases.
What physical features do females find attractive in men? Women prefer men to be taller than they are, with symmetrical, manly, facial features and a V-shaped torso: broad shoulders and a relatively narrow waist.
However, physical characteristics are usually of secondary importance when women are assessing the attractiveness of men. They realize that the best-looking males are likely to be conceited, self-absorbed and very high-maintenance.
Females tend to be attracted by more subtle qualities. They like a pleasant personality, an upright character, a natural, masculine appearance, self-confidence, and a sense of humor. They also find men who have a steady job and who like children to be very appealing.
A soft, gentle, deep voice is a definite asset when a female is assessing a man. Harsh tones hint at a bullying personality. Use of profanity or crude language is an indication of lack of culture. She would not be proud to introduce such an individual to her friends and family.
Attractive features tend to vary according to culture and time periods. In ancient China, small feet on females were considered symbols of great beauty. Consequently, the feet of young girls were bound so tightly that it caused great pain and frequently resulted in deformity.
In some cultures, obesity is considered beautiful. In Mauritania, young girls are force-fed because the people there believe that excess poundage indicates health, wealth and privilege.
Painters in the Renaissance Period, such as Peter Paul Reubens (1577-1640), depicted attractive women as very large and voluptuous.
In most cultures in the past, those with lighter skin tone were considered most attractive. In North America and Western Europe this changed for a period of time and a good suntan became a sign of health and beauty. Now that too much exposure to the sun is known to cause skin cancer, the preference once again is for a pale countenance.
Worthwhile advice for both genders: do not place great value on physical appearances. Beauty and handsomeness fade with time. Take the time and the trouble to look deeper. Kindness, intelligence, dependability, and a sense of humor are qualities which endure.
Those who pursue and wed a beautiful Cinderella or a handsome Prince Charming may soon awake to find that they are shackled to a haranguing, wicked witch or an abusive, cruel giant, and there is no possible way that they will ever live happily ever after.
