We’ve all witnessed it before, a beautiful woman in a relationship with, let’s just say, a less than attractive man. Of course it’s not all about looks, and shouldn’t be, but still some of us can’t help but wonder…what is she REALLY doing with him? Well maybe she knows a thing or two about relationships that some women who only want the Idris Elba look alike, don’t know: dating a less than attractive man may have it perks.
If physical attributes are high on your list of fulfillment when it comes to the opposite sex, then maybe you can’t get past a set of less than straight teeth, an extra receding hairline, or a hefty pair of men breasts; but if you can then there may be a man underneath the flaws (that we all have) that can love and appreciate you.
While some women will unapologetically admit that looks are a major priority, there are others who would prefer a man that isn’t the envy of all women or a man who may not be accustomed to her beauty: and although beauty is subjective, research has suggested that women will choose to date less than attractive men because most are more interested in having a supportive (financial and emotional) man, whereas men place greater value on beauty. This study that was published in the Journal of Family Psychology, also suggested that overall, couples behaved more positively when the woman was better looking.
While this theory isn’t written in stone, it can be argued that men in relationships usually give in to temptation involving the opposite sex more than women. So if a man is attractive, both physically and financially, his pickins’ with the ladies will likely be more plentiful than the man who isn’t. Additionally, if there are a plethora of women throwing themselves at him, he may be more tempted to stray. Also, chances are he may not fully appreciate beautiful and successful women because he’s regularly accustomed to them.
Again, this theory isn’t confirmed, but it sure makes a heck of a point. If someone wants something that they are not accustomed to and then finally receive it, they’ll appreciate it much more than someone who is. The ‘Boris Kodjoe’ pretty boys may have been cool in high school when the goal was to have the cutest guy that all the girls wanted, but as we grow older we realize it’s about having the man that will appreciate us, inside and out; and if he happens to be less than our idea of attractive, so be it.
Ultimately, it all boils down to what a woman constitutes as a fulfilling relationship and the prioritization of her checklist. If having a physically attractive man is high on the list, maybe you can’t get past the looks; but if you can there may be a fulfilling relationship in store with a man who genuinely appreciates you.
Mesdames, will you date a man that you don’t consider attractive but who treats you almost better than you treat yourself?
