Sorry, hotties, it’s not all about your good looks.
A recent study published in the British Journal of Psychology reveals that what makes someone attractive isn’t just about facial features — it’s a mix of shared traits, personal tastes and even subtle things like the way someone moves, smells or talks.
Scientists originally found that people tend to prefer symmetrical faces, average-looking features, and signs of “biological fitness” — basically, traits that suggest health and good genes.
But now experts have discovered that attraction is about more than just a pretty face.
To get the full picture, researchers looked at how traits beyond physical ones, like voices, body motion, and body odor, affect a person’s attractiveness.
The international team of researchers recruited 61 participants who provided photos, videos, voice recordings and even body odor samples (collected by having participants wear sweat pads while exercising).
By separating these senses, the researchers could figure out which ones matter most and how they overlap.
When looking at each attribute alone, a person’s voice was the best indicator that they were attractive.
Meanwhile, the weakest link was between body odor and a person’s appearance.
All of this is to say that even if you’re not confident in your looks, people can still find you attractive for other reasons.
And if you’re still doubtful – a psychologist revealed the five signs you’re more attractive than you think.
“One, people raise their eyes when they see you,” mental health pro Francesca Tighinean said in a trending TikTok video.
“This is known as the eyebrow flash, and can be a subconscious of interest or intrigue.”
“Two,” Tighinean continued, “others go out of their way to help you” — which is called the “Halo effect,” and it occurs because “attractiveness is associated with positive qualities.”
“We tend to subconsciously be friendlier and more generous to those we find attractive,” the expert said.
You might assume people would shell out compliments over an attractive person — but that’s usually not the case
“You rarely get compliments on looks,” she said. “That’s because people think you’re already aware of how attractive you are, and, therefore, they don’t need to remind you of it.”
“Four,” Tighinean added, “strangers stare at you — people tend to maintain longer and more frequent eye contact with those they find attractive.”
The fifth and final sign is that “People are surprised by your insecurities.”
“This response often indicates that they view you in a more positive light than you perceive yourself,” she said.
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