Why are people only attracted to certain other people?

Attraction is a trade-off between looks, health and similar beliefs… how romantic.


Asked by: Ravi Teja, London

Men tend to seek more short-term relationships and look for physical attractiveness. Women also seek good looking short-term mates, but for long-term partners they’re more interested in resources, seeking a man who will provide for them and any children. There are trade-offs between looks and health, and the desire to find someone similar in education, religion, intelligence, and wanting a family. Few people are aware of these underlying reasons, yet the same effects have been measured in 37 cultures across six continents.

As for sexual orientation, many genetic, hormonal and other effects contribute to people finding others of their own sex more attractive.

Subscribe to BBC Focus magazine for fascinating new Q&As every month and follow @sciencefocusQA on Twitter for your daily dose of fun science facts.