Friday

Why Women Like Ugly Men

In a study which unlocks the secrets of attraction, psychologists have explored how evolution has affected what's hot and what's not in the modern mating and dating game.

For many, it will come as little surprise. Women don't necessarily go for physical appearance but, rather, power, wealth and status.

"It's not that looks don't matter to women; they simply matter less than other things - in particular, signals of money and security," psychologist and author Viren Swami found.

The study, contained in his book The Psychology Of Physical Attraction, also found that we're a shallow bunch when it comes to waistlines.

People involved in an accident are far more likely to be rescued if they are of a normal weight than their underweight, or overweight, peers.

And when it comes to attracting men, it's not slimness but the WHR - waist-hip ratio - that is important.

Co-author Adrian Furnham said the lower the WHR the better, with female figures such as those of Scarlett Johansson and Marilyn Monroe the most desirable.

Mr Furnham said society had changed from valuing beauty as rugged Tarzan types to perfectly polished Brad Pitts.

"We've all evolved to find other humans attractive. But the cues for recognising beauty have changed over the years.

"We still look out for things like signs of health; a symmetrical face is attractive because people associate it with healthy people who produce healthy children.

"These days, we judge people first by their body size and then by facial characteristics.''

Monday

How To Date A Millionaire

Who says money can't buy you love? Eighty singles in New York City are betting money can at least open up the possibility of meeting their mate at a new type of speed dating event based solely on wealth and beauty.

In the urban dating jungle of Manhattan, natural selection of a different kind takes place on this night.

Shawn Vardi, a 25-year old real estate investor, is one of 40 men and 40 women who signed
on for an elite speed dating event broken down to what organizers call the bare essentials.

"Men want hot girls...girls want rich guys...let's put it together."

Single women qualify by beauty alone. Bachelors must make at least $200,000 a year or have assets worth one million or more.

"I'm just going to see what happens. Sometimes you spark a vibe and go from there," says Vardi.

Those qualifications may be shallow to some. But for one 24-year old who studied law, it is the perfect matchmaking opportunity.

"In the western society, money is the basis of power and success. I have always have been attracted to men who are successful," she says.

The rest is up to fate.

Participants have three minutes on each mini-date to make a connection.

Brief encounters that can be awkward one minute, and exciting the next.

Organizers admit money cannot buy love, but it hasn't stopped these singles from buying into the idea that money and looks may improve their odds at finding happiness.