We’ve talked about human attraction between men and women in the past here and here. Previous researchers argued that what women value depended on the type of relationship they were looking for. Women looking for long-term partners want someone who will be a good provider for them and their children, but women seeking short-term flings care more about masculinity and physical attractiveness, features that may be passed down to children.

New research, however, has identified four categories of characteristics women seek in a partner:

• Good genes, reflected in desirable physical traits
  Women look for attractiveness because it means the person has “good genes” (whether or not they actually do).

• Resources
  Who doesn’t like a person with good resources — a home, money, a stable good-paying job — that can help provide for them and future children?

• The desire to have children and good parenting skills
  This, of course, only applies to women who are actually looking to have children (or more children).

• Loyalty and devotion
  Not much point in getting involved in a relationship if the person you’re interested in being involved with isn’t able to be loyal and committed to you.

Most women attempt to secure the best combination of the qualities they desire from the same man. A small portion of women who do not find a partner with all the qualities may trade some characteristics for others.

We don’t think any of this is rocket science or particularly new. Women look for attractiveness because it means

Read the full article: How Women Choose Partners

Dr. John Grohol is the CEO and founder of Psych Central. He is an author, researcher and expert in mental health online, and has been writing about online behavior, mental health and psychology issues -- as well as the intersection of technology and human behavior -- since 1992. Dr. Grohol sits on the editorial board of the journal Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking and is a founding board member and treasurer of the Society for Participatory Medicine.

    Last reviewed: By John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on 25 Mar 2008
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