Trophy Lives

You've seen at least one. Maybe you've been one. A totally mismatched couple -- where the woman is sexy and beautiful, and the man is balding and nerdy.

This no doubt happens conversely. Not that men date balding women. But I confess I've also seen many a gorgeous man with a so-so woman. For the purpose of this article, however, I'm simply intrigued by the notion of women who have the upper-hand in the looks department, and rather than date a hottie choose a nottie.

Why do these babes choose this way? In an article from www.livescience.com, Jeanna Bryner explains what was once thought to be an act of desperation or a lack of confidence is now being interpreted as a strategic decision.

Relationships where women are better looking than their male mates are shown to fare better in the long-run.

It's like this: Consistent research shows men place a greater emphasis on beauty than women. Men even equate relationship satisfaction with the attractiveness of their mates. To some men, beautiful women serve as justification that they're desirable. They feel like the envy of all their friends because such a good-looking woman has chosen to settle down with only them.

On the other hand, research shows women are more interested in relationships where they feels emotionally supported. In a study assessing 82 newlyweds, researchers videotaped each spouse as they discussed with their partner a personal problem for 10 minutes. The tapes were then analyzed for whether partners were supportive of spouses' issues. A group of trained "coders" rated the facial attractiveness of each spouse on a scale from 1 to 10, with the perfect 10 representing the ultimate babe. About a third of the couples had a more attractive wife, a third a more attractive husband and the remaining partners showed matching looks.

Overall, wives and husbands behaved more positively when the woman was better looking.

The finding "seems very reasonable," said Dan Ariely, a professor of behavioral economics at MIT's Program in Media Arts and Sciences and Sloan School of Management. "Men are very sensitive to women's attractiveness. Women seem to be sensitive to men's height and salary."

Personally, I agree that physical attractiveness is important in a relationship, but I don't think it's paramount to a couple's "survival rate." After all, beauty fades - but a bad personality is forever. You need to find someone with whom you ALWAYS feel a connection, regardless of looks. Plus, who said you can't be attractive AND supportive? This issue can't be looked at in such a black or white manner.

Also, I can't imagine women are the only sex looking for support. Aren't there just as many men out there looking for emotional support and reassurance?

Chemistry between two people is determined by many factors -- so why bother putting such a large emphasis on looks?

Holley Simmons reporting!