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Women Really Do Want Guys That Look Like Dad

DearSugar — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 14:00:00 -0700

It's been said that many women marry men like their dads, but a new study reported by the BBC provides evidence that women actually do choose partners that have a resemblance to their fathers, and vice versa, specifically in relation to facial features and structure.

The phenomenon of determining an adult mate based on learned traits in childhood is referred to as sexual imprinting and has long been studied. But what makes this particular article interesting is that it reveals that this occurrence is based on a personal bond with a parent rather than a genetic connection to them. As the article explains:

[Previous studies] have shown women use dads as a template for picking a mate even if they are adopted, suggesting imprinting is led by experience not simply genes.

I find this fascinating, but since I don't have much practice in measuring facial proportions, it's difficult for me to apply it to my own life. What do you think? Can you make the connection between your dad and the men you're attracted to?

Source

Do Good Looks Help Women Get Their Way?

DearSugar — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 08:00:00 -0700

I came across a great article over the weekend on Tango.com, raising the issue of how good looks affect the way people treat you, and in this case, how much people give you. To test the notion, a Current TV reporter spent two days on the streets of London seeing how much she could get away with — one day dressed and made up, the other day looking plain and casual. As I'm sure most of you assume, she got way more on day one — from free taxi rides to free cake — and men didn't even flinch at her somewhat outlandish requests. Day two, on the other hand, wasn't successful at all. In fact, it took the reporter three trips to different bars before someone bought her a beer.

While it'd be nice to think that we're all equal, I don't think that's the case. Do you? Regardless of what the mirror reflects back at you, tell me, do you think good looks help people get what they want more than someone who's less attractive?

Source

This or That: He Puts on Weight or You Do?

DearSugar — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 12:00:00 -0700

You and your boyfriend have been dating for over a year now, and while you both prided yourself on working out prior to your relationship, after changes at work, and a decrease in free time, life has gotten in the way of your usual routines. After months it’s finally showing. Would it be worse if . . . This: Your boyfriend’s packed on the pounds big time? He’s eating healthier, but he’s not enthusiastic about putting in the effort to actually lose the weight. Or . . .That: You’ve put on some weight in your mid-section, and though your boyfriend hasn’t said anything, you know he’s noticed? The worst part is that it's definitely your problem area, and it's going to be a huge pain to lose. Source

This or That: He Puts on Weight or You Do?

This — He’s a bit heavier than before.

That — You’ve put on a few pounds.

Turn On or Turn Off: Facial Hair

DearSugar — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 09:51:28 -0700

Facial hair is like a male accessory; whether a guy has some or not, it always says something about his particular style. And if he does keep facial hair, his particular trim job is what makes him unique. Maybe he goes for the lower lip flavor-saver or the rugged and masculine scruffy beard. Whatever his choice may be, facial hair can make a man shine or simply give him that unkempt look that some women do find incredibly appealing. Personally, I appreciate anything that highlights a man’s jawline, but I prefer the well-groomed look to facial hair. Do you find facial hair sexy?Source

Turn On or Turn Off: Facial Hair

Turn On — Though I have my preferences in style, I usually find it incredibly masculine.

Turn Off — Not for me! I’m all about the clean-shaven look.

Undecided

Turn On or Turn Off: Tattoos

DearSugar — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 12:00:00 -0700

I’ve always had this fantasy about getting a gorgeous tattoo scrawled across my wrist or hip bone, but I’d never go through with it. Really, tattoos just aren’t my style on my own body or on a guy’s. But some women absolutely love a man covered in tattoos. I guess there’s just something about all those colors and lines that make them go gaga. Though I can’t say a couple of tattoos would be a dealbreaker, I wouldn’t consider them a turn on. What about you? Source

Turn On or Turn Off: Tattoos

Turn on! They’re so unique that I can’t help but find them sexy.

Turn off. No thanks, I’d rather just look directly at his bod.

Undecided — Please explain!

Dear Poll: Do You Consider Yourself Photogenic?

DearSugar — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 16:00:00 -0700

It’s true what they say about everybody being their worst critic; at least it certainly seems to be the case when it comes to our opinions of our physical attributes. Stare at a picture of yourself for even a second too long and it’s easy to start internally tallying all of the things about yourself that you don’t like. Whenever I have a tendency to do this, I remind myself that looking back, I'll care far more about the memories than whether or not it looked like I had a double chin. I may not be as photogenic as a model, but things could definitely be worse! We all have our off days, but in general, do you think you photograph well? Source

Dear Poll: Do You Consider Yourself Photogenic?

I’m definitely photogenic. I get a bad picture every now and then, but my signature smile usually pulls through.

I don’t photograph well at all. I don’t know what it is, but I dread the camera.

It depends on too many outside factors for me to be sure — makeup, outfit, distance, etc.

Eh, I don’t care either way. A picture is just a picture.

Other — Please share!

Dear Poll: Are You Old or Young For Your Age?

DearSugar — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 11:00:00 -0700

If age is just a number, then appearance isn’t the only thing that makes a person seem older or younger. In fact, I always have a terrible time guessing a person's age because I base my assumption on her personality more than anything else. Taking into account your personality over your appearance, how does your outward attitude compare to the age on your driver's license? Source

Dear Poll: Are You Old or Young For Your Age?

I definitely seem older than I am; I’m an old soul, I guess.

Just my own age — nothing more and nothing less.

People always tell me I seem younger than I am; I have a light-hearted spirit.

Undecided — It varies too much.

Other — Please Share!

How Are You Similar to Your Dad?

DearSugar — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 13:00:00 -0700

As women, it's assumed that we have more in common with our moms than our dads, but more often than not, women share plenty of character traits and physical attributes with Dad, too. While my personality is more similar to my mom's, my dad and I actually share many of the same hobbies and interests — not to mention our hair and noses! But what about you? Good or bad, what similarities do you have with your dad?

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The How-To Lounge: Changing Your Look

DearSugar — Fri, 30 May 2008 11:00:00 -0700

Most of us experience a time in our lives when we have the desire to try something new with our usual look, but making even a small change can seem so dramatic that we usually shy away from it. I think embracing a little change, even in the appearance department, is never a bad thing, though you might want to consult Bella and Fab first! In the meantime, I have some tips on making your change work for you. To see them,

Do Tell: When Do You Feel the Most Beautiful?

DearSugar — Tue, 27 May 2008 09:00:00 -0700

I'm sure we all can be pretty fickle when it comes to the way we feel about ourselves. An entire room full of people could tell us we look stunning, but if we don’t feel like it, no matter what they say, we won’t believe them. Likewise, when we’re at home on a lazy weekend in our frumpiest outfit, we may feel radiantly beautiful — it's really just a state of mind. I happen to feel at my best just after a relaxing day on the beach but ladies, do tell, when do you feel the most beautiful?

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