Do good looks pay dividends without any effort?

[Trialbyfire]

I think personality is more subjective than looks.

 

I really don't believe looks are as subjective as people make them out to be. There's a margin of error in how people "rate" others, but people will usually agree on general ballparks: unattractive, average, attractive, very attractive, etc.

Take a look at Hugh Laurie as House. I find his character neurotic, twitchy and not in the least physically attractive. And yet women all over the world are swooning over this character. Why?

[2sure]

I am in a specific field of advertising. The product if you will, is people.

So, I would say yes - looks matter a LOT. People who have the right "look" for my field are much more successful than those who do not.

Fortunately, "attractiveness" in this particular field can be made up of more than just sexual attraction so thats a break.

 

I use demographics, stats , polls, surveys etc every single day - to determine what a particular group, geographically and otherwise - will find attractive in a person. Mind you , this is advertising so the qualities have to show up in a Picture. A face. A body type. A stance. An expression. A smile.

 

I should also make note that this advertising is the single most important element , and the area where the most dollars are spent, in "selling" this product. The quality of the product, what it has done for people, or can do for people...dont even come in at secondary. Way down on the list of things you need for your product to be successful.

[Phateless]

I think personality is more subjective than looks.

 

I really don't believe looks are as subjective as people make them out to be. There's a margin of error in how people "rate" others, but people will usually agree on general ballparks: unattractive, average, attractive, very attractive, etc.

 

I agree with this. There have been studies showing that symmetry in a man's face can be detected by how his sweat smells to women. Crazy, huh?

 

I don't get the sense from what she wrote that she has any desire to change her behavior. I get the sense she's fully aware of favoring more attractive students, and doesn't care.

 

I understand why you drew that conclusion, but you're taking a neutral statement and getting angry at it.

 

I dunno... as far the original post goes, I have been at bars and found myself wishing I was 2 inches taller.

[shadowplay]

Take a look at Hugh Laurie as House. I find his character neurotic, twitchy and not in the least physically attractive. And yet women all over the world are swooning over this character. Why?

 

I should have specified that it's not very subjective when it comes to how people "rate" women. I believe that women look at the whole picture more when they evaluate men. If they find a guy's personality extremely sexy, they'll often see his physical appearance with beer goggles. A guy who is in a position of power also gets an extra boost. Women also vary more in terms of physical types they find attractive.

[Phateless]

Take a look at Hugh Laurie as House. I find his character neurotic, twitchy and not in the least physically attractive. And yet women all over the world are swooning over this character. Why?

 

lol, what is it with you and Hugh Laurie? Weren't you talking about Dr. Bashir recently?

 

You're right though, he's not that attractive and he's an arrogant ass, yet people can't get enough of him. There are other attributes that compensate. Personally, I love the intelligence, the attention to detail, the ability to read people, etc. I find that kind of emotional intelligence fascinating.

 

I should have specified that it's not very subjective when it comes to how people "rate" women. I believe that women look at the whole picture more when they evaluate men. If they find a guy's personality extremely sexy, they'll often see his physical appearance with beer goggles. Women also vary more in terms of physical types they find attractive.

 

This is true, studies also show that men are more physically/visually stimulated while sex/attractiveness to women is based more on the mental connection.

[shadowplay]

lol, what is it with you and Hugh Laurie? Weren't you talking about Dr. Bashir recently?

 

You're right though, he's not that attractive and he's an arrogant ass, yet people can't get enough of him. There are other attributes that compensate. Personally, I love the intelligence, the attention to detail, the ability to read people, etc. I find that kind of emotional intelligence fascinating.

 

 

 

This is true, studies also show that men are more physically/visually stimulated while sex/attractiveness to women is based more on the mental connection.

 

Haven't seen House so I can't really comment on Hugh Laurie. I've caught a few clips of him on youtube, though, and I'm not at all surprised that he has a huge female following.

 

1. He's confident

2. Intelligent

3. Funny

4. In a position of power as a doctor on the show and a celebrity in real life

5. He's not a total ogre and he seems to be in decent shape

6. He has a bit of an a-hole edge

7. He has a British accent

 

This is enough to make a lot of women drool.

[Trialbyfire]

I should have specified that it's not very subjective when it comes to how people "rate" women. I believe that women look at the whole picture more when they evaluate men. If they find a guy's personality extremely sexy, they'll often see his physical appearance with beer goggles. A guy who is in a position of power also gets an extra boost. Women also vary more in terms of physical types they find attractive.

Agree and disagree on this. There are discerning men around, as well, especially when it comes to the work world. Sure, men can handle a certain level of incompetence, when it comes to a hot woman in a junior capacity. As soon as you get to the more senior levels of management, the bottom line is what dominates. If she's on the liability side to the financial statements, out she goes, same as a man, regardless of looks.

 

lol, what is it with you and Hugh Laurie? Weren't you talking about Dr. Bashir recently?

 

You're right though, he's not that attractive and he's an arrogant ass, yet people can't get enough of him. There are other attributes that compensate. Personally, I love the intelligence, the attention to detail, the ability to read people, etc. I find that kind of emotional intelligence fascinating.

Nope, that wasn't me. I think it was Fay/Birdie.

 

Regardless of intelligence and attention to detail, I find him an arse, thus not attractive.

[C-i-C-u]

Take a look at Hugh Laurie as House. I find his character neurotic, twitchy and not in the least physically attractive. And yet women all over the world are swooning over this character. Why?

most beautiful people don't know who Hugh Laurie is or what is House.

[C-i-C-u]

I'll be honest, back when I was twelve looks mattered, i then grew up and started to notice the subtle things about people. I could tell who was a decent person and who wasn't. And looks had nothing to do with it. i could just tell by watching people who was worth spending time with and who was just a waste a space. Most beautiful people are not worth spending the time with, and neither are the ones who want to be like them.

[MissJoness]

I disagree with the article. Often, pretty people can be given a hard time by those who are less attractive out of spite.

 

Attractive women often complain that they get picked on by insecure women. Even had their jobs sabotaged because of it.

 

I know a woman who has a young daughter who is very pretty, she gets picked on by other girls every day, because she has pretty skin and hair.

 

I just don't think that attractive people always have it easy.

[Thornton]

Haven't seen House so I can't really comment on Hugh Laurie. I've caught a few clips of him on youtube, though, and I'm not at all surprised that he has a huge female following.

 

1. He's confident

2. Intelligent

3. Funny

4. In a position of power as a doctor on the show and a celebrity in real life

5. He's not a total ogre and he seems to be in decent shape

6. He has a bit of an a-hole edge

7. He has a British accent

 

This is enough to make a lot of women drool.

 

I never fancied Hugh Laurie at all - I watched him on British tv for years in a variety of roles and never found him in the least attractive. But when he started playing Dr House I suddenly found him amazingly attractive... as Shadowplay said, in that role he's confident, intelligent and funny, plus he's a doctor. Stuff like that can make an average looking guy seem extremely hot. I now officially have the hots for Hugh

[shadowplay]

I never fancied Hugh Laurie at all - I watched him on British tv for years in a variety of roles and never found him in the least attractive. But when he started playing Dr House I suddenly found him amazingly attractive... as Shadowplay said, in that role he's confident, intelligent and funny, plus he's a doctor. Stuff like that can make an average looking guy seem extremely hot. I now officially have the hots for Hugh

 

One can't underestimate the importance of power and confidence over women. Notice how often women fall for their superiors or teachers. I've even felt this as an influence on my own attraction to men. You just have to remember that they're different people when they leave the office/classroom.

[Thaddeus]

But when he started playing Dr House I suddenly found him amazingly attractive... as Shadowplay said, in that role he's confident, intelligent and funny, plus he's a doctor. Stuff like that can make an average looking guy seem extremely hot. I now officially have the hots for Hugh

Guys, take note: Laurie as House plays a pure alpha male: intelligent, arrogant, take-no-prisoners, keeps his feelings inside (including his suffering both emotionally and with his bum leg), does not suffer fools gladly and goes directly after what he wants.

 

Contrast that to when he played the dad in Stuart Little.

 

Same guy. Different personalities.

 

One repulsed women. One draws women to him like flies to honey.

 

Got the lesson?

 

Class dismissed.

[marlena]

Haven't seen House so I can't really comment on Hugh Laurie. I've caught a few clips of him on youtube, though, and I'm not at all surprised that he has a huge female following.

 

1. He's confident

2. Intelligent

3. Funny

4. In a position of power as a doctor on the show and a celebrity in real life

5. He's not a total ogre and he seems to be in decent shape

6. He has a bit of an a-hole edge

7. He has a British accent

 

This is enough to make a lot of women drool.

 

I confess I am one of the "droolers." {sighs}

 

To answer the question, I do believe that attractive people have an advantage over others less fortunate. That said, however, I have met many attractive people with absolutely no sex appeal. I think sex appeal counts more. Add brains and personality and you've got an irresistable mix! Like House!!!

 

I heard that he's married to a rather unattractive woman. Anyone know if this is true?

[Trialbyfire]

most beautiful people don't know who Hugh Laurie is or what is House.

Could you explain this? It makes no sense to me.

[Els]

I know quite a few people who are, quite honestly, bad-looking physically. One of them is my ex-bf. He looks like a mad scientist -- and not even the cute kind. Dishevelled hair, not very attractive features, walks with a hunch, clothes are always crumpled. But he's one of the most popular guys in his class, and I loved him while I was with him. He has this really infectious laugh and he's so joyous and friendly and a pleasure to have around all the time. He's exceedingly intelligent and witty too, can make some great conversation, and is good to his friends and all that. So people just want to be around him.

 

While I'm not sure whether or not he might have been even MORE popular if he'd been good-looking, I can definitely say that his looks didn't hinder him one bit.

[Els]

Oh, and add me to the Hugh Laurie fanclub too!

[shadowplay]

Marlena, you're right about his wife:

http://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en-us&q=hugh+laurie+wife&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8

 

Somehow I'm not surprised. He doesn't come off as superficial, which is probably part of his appeal.

[shadowplay]

though she was more attractive when he met her:

 

http://f2.img.v4.skyrock.net/f26/dr-gregoryhouse/pics/869696793_small.jpg

 

At least he hasn't ditched her for some young starlet.

[marlena]

Marlena, you're right about his wife:

http://www.google.com/search?client=...UTF-8&oe=UTF-8

 

Somehow I'm not surprised. He doesn't come off as superficial, which is probably part of his appeal.

 

Oh, wow, I wasn't expecting that. So much for the good looks is everything theory. And I agree, it most likely is part of his appeal.

 

Sean Connery also has a not too good-looking wife about half his height. And they've been together for ages.

 

Now if only I could find someone like either one of them!

[Trialbyfire]

though she was more attractive when he met her:

 

http://f2.img.v4.skyrock.net/f26/dr-gregoryhouse/pics/869696793_small.jpg

 

At least he hasn't ditched her for some young starlet.

Lord, that man is goofy looking.

[shadowplay]

Oh, wow, I wasn't expecting that. So much for the good looks is everything theory. And I agree, it most likely is part of his appeal.

 

Sean Connery also has a not too good-looking wife about half his height. And they've been together for ages.

 

Now if only I could find someone like either one of them!

 

Ha, I think the non superficial guys are easy to spot. They give off a certain vibe that's a bit hard to describe. It's a combination of friendliness and distracted absorption in their hobbies/work. They tend to be the no-nonsense type that isn't easily impressed with surface BS. Problem is they're in very, very short supply because they're usually taken. They tend to be devoted husbands. I know a guy like this at my work. He's British, charming, sweet, good-looking and smart. His wife is average-looking. I'm telling you...guys like this are almost always taken because they're not always fishing around for something better.

[shadowplay]

Lord, that man is goofy looking.

 

I agree that he seemed to have very little sex appeal as a young man.

[Trialbyfire]

I agree that he seemed to have very little sex appeal as a young man.

Young or older as he is right now, he's still spastic. I don't understand his appeal, just like I don't understand the appeal of Leonardo DiCaprio.

[Els]

Marlena, you're right about his wife:

http://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en-us&q=hugh+laurie+wife&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8

 

Somehow I'm not surprised. He doesn't come off as superficial, which is probably part of his appeal.

 

Wow, okay, in THAT picture I think the wife looks better than him. He looked a little demented even!

 

Doesn't change the fact that I love his House persona.