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The Most Attractive Man (According to Science)

Channel: Gentle Path Forward
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYDZ9sP6d3M

A therapist and psychology doctoral student runs through the physical and social traits research links to male attractiveness, rating each trait's evidence strength (very strong / strong / moderate / mild).

Key points

  • Very strong evidence:
  • Healthy, clear skin (studies cited: 2006, 2009, 2011). Not about a skincare routine - a normal, clear complexion subconsciously signals healthy genes and freedom from disease.
  • Healthy body composition - specifically a broad-shoulder-to-narrow-waist ratio (2011, among many). Signals strength, masculinity, and testosterone, read subconsciously as viability as a mate/father.
  • Social skills and confidence (much research, 1998-2013). Being comfortable with yourself reads as trustworthy; social skill lets you communicate with her; confidence lets her feel confident in you.
  • Strong evidence:
  • Genuine smile, usually following eye contact (1999). Must read as genuine and warm, not constant smiling; it makes a woman feel comforted by your presence.
  • Physical fitness (2011). "Fit" is perceived loosely - eating well and taking care of yourself, signaling endurance and strength - not necessarily gym-built.
  • Moderate evidence:
  • Grooming (2014 review). Works on a conscious level rather than subconscious, so it does not compensate if the stronger traits are missing.
  • Good posture (2013). Supported more by nonverbal-behavior / social-perception research than physical attractiveness; usually a sub-point to another trait.
  • Mild / weak evidence:
  • Facial hair that complements the face (mentioned only briefly, 2013/2014).
  • Well-fitted clothing (2014, brief). Mostly a perception effect; the speaker says it needs more research.
  • She stresses the trait-by-trait evidence ratings are her own read of the papers, and that the subconscious/genetic-signal traits (skin, body composition) matter more than the consciously worked-on ones (grooming, clothes).

Reception

  • The top-voted comments push back hard on the video's premise, insisting money/wealth and height are the real drivers and were omitted: "The most attractive men have big wallets," "Get a couple million dollars of net worth and all the sudden you're good looking," and repeated surprise that height went unmentioned.
  • A cynical strain claims women are attracted to men who treat them poorly and that "good guys" get cheated on - drawing some agreement and some pushback.
  • A "get fit or get disrespected" camp frames fitness as the one free, reachable lever ("Body positivity is cope"), with one commenter noting fitness is attainable for everyone even when height/wealth/status are not.
  • Dissenters argue confidence and personality beat physical stats: a self-described 5'6" man says he has dated 6-footers and "confidence is the key," and others say intelligence/dominance and being genuinely interesting matter more than appearance.
  • A few appreciative viewers thank the host for citing actual research and rating evidence strength rather than just asserting opinion, and one posted a timestamp index of the traits.
  • Some commenters flirt with or compliment the host personally rather than engaging the content.