OK, here’s the truth: Not every man is born with striking looks and irresistible charm. However, that doesn’t mean you’re destined to live a solitary life with only Netflix and your dog for company. While physical appearance does play a role in attraction, it’s not the most crucial factor in finding a partner. The science of attraction is multifaceted, involving elements like scent, facial features, and even clothing choices.
Even if you don’t resemble Ryan Gosling or exude his seductive allure, there are numerous ways to enhance your attractiveness. Here are 19 strategies to catch the eye of your ideal partner, whether you’re at a club, in the park, or on a dating app.
Embrace Your Sense of Humor
A sense of humor is highly valued. If you’re known as the “funny guy” among friends, use it to your advantage. A 2006 study in Evolution and Human Behavior found that women appreciate partners who can make them laugh. Humor is an undeniably attractive trait.
Wear Sunglasses
Sunglasses can make you appear more appealing. Vanessa Brown from Nottingham Trent University explains that sunglasses add an air of mystery by hiding the eyes, which are a key source of information and vulnerability. This mystery can draw women in.
Be Kind and Altruistic
Nice guys don’t finish last. A 2016 study from the University of Guelph and Nipissing University showed that altruistic people, those who engage in selfless acts like charity, tend to have more active romantic lives. Selflessness is an attractive quality.
Choose a Signature Scent
Wearing cologne can boost your confidence, which women find attractive. A study in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science found that men who wore cologne felt more confident and were rated sexier by women in silent videos.
Eat Garlic
Surprisingly, a 2016 study published in Appetite found that men who eat garlic have a more pleasant and attractive body odor. While garlic breath isn’t appealing, the consumption of garlic can enhance your attractiveness.
Travel with Friends
Going out with friends can make you appear more attractive, according to a University of California at San Diego study. This “cheerleader effect” suggests people look better in groups as individual flaws are less noticeable.
Interact with Babies
Research from France indicates that men who are kind to babies are more likely to receive a woman’s phone number. Interacting positively with children can enhance your appeal.
Bring a Dog
Dogs can improve social interactions. The same French study found that women were more likely to give their number to a man with a dog, as dogs suggest kindness and sensitivity.
Sport Some Stubble
Australian research found that heavy stubble, about 10 days’ worth, is considered more attractive than a lighter shadow or a clean-shaven face. This preference also applies to gay men, according to a Brazilian study.
Walk with Confidence
Confidence is key. How you walk can reflect your self-assurance. R. Don Steele, author of Body Language Secrets, advises walking with purpose to convey confidence.
Use Positive Language Online
Positive words like “creative” and “ambitious” in online profiles attract more messages, according to a Zoosk survey. Mentioning hobbies or activities can also boost your appeal.
Avoid Selfies
Selfies can be unattractive on dating profiles. Instead, have a friend take your photo, preferably outdoors, as men with outdoor shots receive more messages.
Slow Your Smile
A slow-spreading smile is perceived as more genuine and attractive, according to research in the Journal of Nonverbal Behavior. It’s also important to smile in online profiles to appear approachable.
Maintain a Fit Physique
A study from UCLA found that women prefer men with moderate muscle tone over those who are too slender or overly muscular. This preference differs on gay dating apps, where a muscular build is highly valued.
Embrace Scars
A U. K. Study discovered that men with mild facial scars are seen as more attractive for short-term relationships, possibly due to perceived masculinity.
Play an Instrument
Holding a guitar can enhance your appeal. A study in the journal Psychology of Music found that women were more likely to give their number to a man with a guitar case, associating musical ability with intelligence and good genes.
Use Direct Openers
Direct or safe opening lines are more effective than cocky come-ons, according to a SUNY-New Paltz study. Flippant phrases can make you seem less intelligent and trustworthy.
Adopt Open Body Language
Open body posture, such as spreading your arms and legs, is seen as more attractive than closed-off positions. This posture signals dominance.
Surround Yourself with Flowers
Simply being around flowers can make you appear more attractive, as they can enhance a woman’s mood and perception of you, according to research in Social Influence.