College Times

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Do hot chicks and ugly guys make the best couples? A recently released study by University of Toledo researchers seems to imply as much. The authors surveyed 82 newlywed couples about their marital satisfaction and found that when the wives were more attractive than the husbands, both reported greater satisfaction. The results were presumably greeted by a collective “Woo-hoo!” from the world’s teeming masses of ugly dudes.

While common sense might indicate that couples of similar attractiveness levels would be most compatible, the study results aren’t terribly surprising if you take into account what men and women typically want from a relationship. It’s no secret that, generally speaking, men place a higher premium on looks than women do. Women, on the other hand, usually value stability, loyalty and emotional attachment. These are obviously broad generalizations, and there are always exceptions that prove every rule, but I think they hold true for the most part.

Thus, when a foxy chick and a not-so-hot guy hook up, both partners are getting the best “return on their investments,” so to speak. The woman is getting a guy who is less likely to stray and more invested in the relationship, while the guy is getting, well, a hot chick. Not everyone buys into the study results, however, including my favorite relationship expert.

“The truth is that less attractive people are more successful at building long-term relationships, and happier in their relationships, than attractive people,” writes author and psychotherapist Dr. Tina B. Tessina in an e-mail. “Attractiveness implies an unusual degree of attention to hair, grooming, makeup, fitness, etc. which also implies a higher than average degree of narcissism. All of us have some degree of narcissistic tendencies, but as the degree of narcissism rises, the ability to empathize, connect, give and cooperate goes down. Thus, attractive people have great self-enhancement skills (as well as good genes for facial and body symmetry) but not such great intimacy, faithfulness and partnership skills. No matter what the study says, I think the attractive women in those relationships are probably not great to live with. The men are just willing to give more and be in a thankless relationship because they've got such a hot babe.”

Well, I guess I can’t argue with that, but unfortunately, I doubt any amount of logic or reason is going to dissuade guys from going after foxes. If this study helps even a few ugly guys land hot chicks, is that really such a bad thing? Ladies, my e-mail address is at the front of the paper. Just sayin’.

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