What is ultimately attractive in an abstract sense? (influence?)

[clockwork]

Attraction-wise in the average stereotypical case:
Females are judged on looks
Males are judged on power/status.

Why? it got me thinking... what is common? what is attractive in the abstract sense for both of these?


it is clear that power/status is influence of the male in the total system
and actually looks in a woman is also influence in the total system (as when men "notice" her >> she is thus influencing more than another not so noticed woman).


is it simply this?:
attractiveness = influence of an actor in the total system of actors?

or is influence just an effect of attraction? (e.g. attraction causes the effect of influence)

 

[redbaron]

I think you'll find that what constitutes attractiveness isn't something you can so readily generalize. I'm inclined to disagree that power, status or looks are really true indicators of attraction.

 

[Minuend]

I also think judging people from looks is misunderstood to be the attraction to one form of standardized beauty, whilst in reality we are attracted to appearances that we associate or think represent certain traits we value in a partner.

 

[Ex-User (9086)]

It may seem odd, however I am put off by the more exquisite or influential individuals that approach me. Something is usually amiss when this happens.

Influence can happen without attraction, attraction may usually help to achieve the influence in the interpersonal field, however this is not always so as I have mentioned myself and probably many others that disregard the initial trumpery and gloss increase their wariness in these situations.

 

[Helvete]

Attraction-wise in the average stereotypical case:
Females are judged on looks
Males are judged on power/status.

Why? it got me thinking... what is common? what is attractive in the abstract sense for both of these?


it is clear that power/status is influence of the male in the total system
and actually looks in a woman is also influence in the total system (as when men "notice" her >> she is thus influencing more than another not so noticed woman).


is it simply this?:
attractiveness = influence of an actor in the total system of actors?

or is influence just an effect of attraction? (e.g. attraction causes the effect of influence)

Why? Well, are they really? Or maybe for people who do; probably influenced by media and all sorts to show a view on how to judge.

What is common? I don't know, where do the transgender people fit in?

I don't understand you last question.

 

[Anktark]

Since attractiveness is a very subjective thing, I will define what it is to me. Otherwise, I have little to no idea what it is to the general population.

I think of attractiveness as an amalgamation of traits that complement each other to create an embodiment of fluidity. Since humans were selected as objects:
Power and status have very little/no effect on me when in comes to attractiveness. Their body image/look has to correspond with their movement style and either not try to be who they aren't or pretend really well (basically, I dislike inconsistencies). Also, I have to hear a person talk/communicate their thoughts before I can decide whether I like them or not.

 

[Vrecknidj]

Sarah Hrdy does a wonderful job exploring this (and a tremendous number of other issues) in her book Mother Nature: Maternal Instincts and How They Shape the Human Species: Sarah Hrdy: 9780345408938: Amazon.com: Books@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51fzd0aTcnL.@@AMEPARAM@@51fzd0aTcnL.

 

[tvrgvryen]

it all goes down to evolution and biology...

 

[Polaris]

I'm not sure, I think money and power are just a tangible aspect of power.

For me, power means someone self-assured, healthy and intelligent. Money and status may be the more concrete manifestations of the above mentioned attributes, but the former don't always lead to the latter. One can still perceive these attributes in someone and find the attraction though.

Natural good looks may be a similar symbolic and concrete manifestation of health.

 

[Absurdity]

Attraction to abstractions stems from personal deficiencies IMO. Women want powerful men and men want attractive women because of what it projects outward to others about themselves and not because they actually care about the person. "Possessing" an attractive person makes them feel better about themselves.

"Healthier" forms of attraction are solely rooted in the particular qualities of a given individual.

 

[The Void]

gravity

 

[Suicicidad]

Knowledge, grace and a healthy sense of humour.

 

[Anktark]

gravity

That's just a beautiful piece of art. Thanks.