The quest for beauty, age defiance and physical
enhancement are at an all time high. The beauty industry, comprised of
simple salons to mega-corporate giants, pulls in billions of dollars
annually. People are obsessed with making themselves beautiful and more
attractive for their own personal satisfaction and so others can see
them they want to be seen. Not only do people search for ways to enhance
themselves, but they also seek beauty and attraction in other things,
most notably a dating partner.
Some people might conclude that
canvassing the importance of beauty in the dating world is a bit
gratuitous. We all know its out there and it can even be considered
nature's cruelest form of sexual selection. You either have it or you
don't. However, I think it is a poignant topic of consideration whether
you are just now entering the dating realm or you have been in it for
years and whether you are male or female. Today's society places heavy
weight on good looks in the work place and in social scenes. You can't
escape it and you can not deny it. Amidst growing liberties, democracy,
the abolition of racial and religious oppression and the rising demand
for an open mind one would naturally assume that our advanced culture
would not treat certain individuals better simply because of
advantageous genetic facial features. But we all know that this is the
furthest from the truth. We see it every day.
Doctor Nancy
Etcoff, a faculty member of Harvard University and a psychologist at
Massachusetts General Hospital, has beautifully illustrated the ageless
hunt for beauty in her book Survival of the Prettiest. I was enthralled
with the hundreds of references throughout history Dr. Etcoff found and
adapted to the importance of beauty. One of the most interesting ones
involved Eleanor Roosevelt. When asked if she had any regrets she
remarked that she only wished she had been prettier. To hear a statement
such as this coming from a heroine to women everywhere, it makes one
want to examine why and how being beautiful or handsome plays such a
dubious role in our every day lives. As Dr. Etcoff examines this very
thought further in her book, I think it would be best if we just accept
our idealistic qualities and move on to facing them.
When it
comes down to selecting new single men and women we choose to date, our
very first assessment of the potential mate is based on looks. Most
people will say that they are looking for more profound qualities such
as character, motivation, sensitivity, a commonality in activities,
beliefs and a sense of humor and that looks, although important, are not
at the top of the list. Of course everyone wants to feel as if he or
she had more noble intents in mind. And although this may be true,
nature tends to sway our first choice. Psychological tests upon tests
show that we all gravitate towards the more attractive person at first.
This is not something that we can readily help, nor can we consider it
malevolent behavior. It is simply programmed into us from commercials,
magazine ads, celebrities and more. It is a learned responsive behavior.
While not everyone looks like Naomi Campbell or Brad Pitt and there are
only a few genetic anomalies in this world who apparently represent
what we all should look like, we can all take steps and measures to
improve the way we look and how we appear to others. It is the very
first rule in dating!
The first person you need to impress is
yourself. When you look good you feel good. Take advantage of what
modern science has created in the field of beauty. From getting the
basic proper shampoo and conditioner for you hair to hair regrowth
products and surgery, from makeup to enhance your features to elective
surgery for more dramatic effects. Your wardrobe should be a priority
issue as well. If you are still showing up at the door to pick up your
date in those same ripped jeans you have had since the 1980's, think
about a complete wardrobe overhaul. Getting in shape is an absolute
must. Not only does it show that you care about your body, it is
essential for your health and it will help you to feel great physically
and emotionally. The better you feel about yourself, the more confident
you will appear. And confidence is a very sexy and appealing part of
your overall appearance.
In her book Dr. Etcoff assumes that
people, mostly men, are more attracted to beautiful people for short
term relationships while beauty is less important when seeking a
committed relationship. However, it is that attractive quality of sex
appeal which will get you in the door. When you are just getting to know
people for dating purposes such as with the use of online dating
resources, your appearance is going to be one of the most compelling
forces in attracting dates. Everyone wants someone to fall in love with
them for the right reasons, but you can't change basic human instinct
and the natural affinity for beauty. You don't have to be the most
beautiful or most handsome person in the room, but you can take the time
and effort to look the best you possibly can.
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