Did you think you had to look super manly to please a woman and put a ring on her finger? Or keep her close? You were wrong. In fact, there are some surprising traits in a man that can lead to a long-term relationship .Want to find out?
Photo Uriel Mont
The criteria we look for in a partner can often surprise us, especially when they differ from traditional gender stereotypes. For men in particular, certain qualities can be much more attractive than we think when it comes to building a lasting relationship.
What qualities should you look for?
When you’re looking to build a long-term relationship, certain characteristics such as seriousness, kindness, listening skills, respect and patience are often cited at the top of the list. These qualities go far beyond physical assets and can play a crucial role in the success of a relationship.
A recent study published in the journal Archives of Sexual Behavior by Thomas Felesina and Brendan Zietsch explored the impact of men’s perceived “femininity” on their attractiveness in romantic relationships.
Feminine traits , really?
Researchers investigated whether traits traditionally attributed to women, such as sociability, might make men more attractive for a long-term relationship. They recruited 152 female participants to evaluate 18 male dating profiles, each featuring masculine traits, feminine traits, or a mix of both. Masculine traits included qualities like adventure and competitiveness, while feminine traits included sociability.
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Surprising results
During the evaluation, it emerged that profiles combining masculine and feminine traits were the most attractive to participants, followed by feminine profiles, then masculine ones. In terms of long-term relationships, men with feminine traits were judged more attractive. For short-term relationships, all profiles had their place. This suggests that men with feminine traits have better prospects for long-term partnerships while remaining desirable in the short term.
Photo Amina Filkins
Better fathers?
In another experiment, participants were asked to rate the fathering skills of the same profiles. Men with feminine traits were perceived as better fathers than those with purely masculine traits. The researchers speculate that these feminine qualities may make men more attractive as partners because of their perceived parenting skills, offering an evolutionary advantage.
Statistics on couples in France and worldwide
To give a broader context, let’s look at some recent statistics on couples in France and around the world:
- In France, according to a 2022 INSEE study, around 72% of couples are either cohabiting or married.
- Also in France, the divorce rate has fallen slightly, from 51% in 2010 to 44% in 2020.
- According to a Meetic 2024 study, 42% will pay little attention to age, 33% to body shape and 31% to height.
- 46% of solos say they are incapable of making a concession on the subject of… the other’s smell, ahead of shared values (40%) and the upbringing that has built their personality (31%).
- And to put all their chances of seduction on their side, many singles in France (54%) now prefer not to consume alcohol on their first date. The main reason for Dry Dating? According to 28% of those surveyed, alcoholic beverages don’t really allow you to be yourself.
- Overall, a study conducted by Stanford University in 2020 revealed that couples who share household chores in a balanced way are 40% more likely to declare a happy, lasting relationship.
- In the U.S., around 10% of adults in couples have met their partner on a dating site or app, with this figure rising to 20% among those under 30 and 24% among LGBTQ adults (Pew Research Center)
- Nearly half of dating site users report having had positive experiences, with men reporting slightly more positive experiences than women (57% vs. 48%) (Pew Research Center).
Tips to improve your attractiveness
Whether you’re looking for a short-term relationship or a long-term partnership, certain qualities can considerably enhance your attractiveness. The following tips, based on contemporary research and observations, will help you bring out traits that are often underestimated but highly valued. By cultivating these aspects of your personality, you’ll increase your chances of building a fulfilling and balanced relationship.
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Develop your active listeningskills
Take the time to really listen to your partner, without interrupting. Show them that their words are important to you.
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Show empathy
Try to understand and feel what your partner is going through. This creates a strong emotional bond.
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Be flexible
Life as a couple often requires compromise. Be ready to adapt your plans and make concessions.
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Shareresponsibilities
Whether it’s household chores or financial management, sharing responsibilities equitably reinforces respect and balance within the couple.
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Cultivate kindness
Small, thoughtful gestures often make all the difference and show your partner that he or she matters to you.
By incorporating these tips, you’ll maximize your chances of building a lasting, satisfying relationship. After all, it’s often the little things that make the big differences.
Photo Ufuk Hambarduzu-
A final word
So it seems that personality traits traditionally attributed to women, such as sociability and empathy, can play a crucial role in attracting men to long-term relationships. It’s not so much a question of femininity or masculinity, but rather of human qualities that foster respect, understanding and collaboration within the couple. So gentlemen, don’t hesitate to embrace your more empathetic and sociable sides – it could well be the key to a fulfilling and lasting relationship!
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