Research proves: attractive people are more often single
Are you just not getting a partner? No worries. Maybe you're just too good-looking. I didn't make it up, it's scientifically proven.
The fact that I just got engaged to my boyfriend (or yes, fiancé is what it's called now) suddenly makes me doubt. Not so much am I worrying about my relationship, because after all these years that's fine, but a study from Harvard (not exactly lacking in researchers and knowledge, shall we say) shows that it's precisely the people who are physically attractive who are not so good at maintaining long-term relationships.
And here I am, just having an incredibly long-term relationship. Well, damn.
How come the hotties and studs among us just don't want to settle down? It has everything to do with a different mentality. Good-looking people often think more than others: ‘the grass is greener on the other side.’ And, as American psychologists suggest, if you look good, you naturally have a larger pool to choose from. You automatically get more attention from singles and thus the temptation is always greater to keep looking.
Because that's where the issue lies. Like with everything, if you have a lot of choices, making an important decision is only harder. You can compare the single life to chocolate. Do you see 28 different chocolate bars on the shelf? Just leave it, because you simply don't know where to start. After all: Oreo bars are just as delicious as those Tony's with caramel/sea salt and two is just too much, so yeah, let it go.
According to Harvard experts, both women and men with good looks find it incredibly difficult to commit to one person. Because how do you know if they have it all? The choice is huge and thus many people with an appetizing appearance like to just look around. As in: looking looking, not buying, so to speak.
Just think about how long, for example, Sylvie Meis was (on and off) single after her time with Rafael, and now again after a relationship with Niclas Castello. Or take Charlize Theron, who often expresses how happy she is as a single, and top model Cara Delevingne has also been single for quite a while. In short: if I measure myself against these kinds of power women (thanks, Harvard), then I suddenly doubt that ring on my finger. Because I read the serious content of the research at my leisure – but actually, I read in big letters: you are not that good-looking. Not a good start to your week.
Is there no research done on attractive brides-to-be or something? I'm just going to google it and read that ‘serious’ content at my leisure. No matter where it comes from.
Are you looking for love or do you have some doubts about your current partner?
– Don't hold on to one ideal image: let it go. The perfect match does not exist.
– Don't always think that it's better somewhere else: every relationship has its downsides and fun aspects. So don't cut something off too quickly if it doesn't suit you for a moment.
– Dare to choose: if it feels good, it feels good. No science can argue with that. You know what and who fits you, so don't be afraid to make drastic decisions (like getting married, yes. Or moving in together. Or ‘making it official’).
Written by Tessa Heinhuis
