If you follow dating norms (and I’m assuming you probably do), then you’ve probably heard the familiar trope that men should try to stand out while women should try to blend in.
Men are typically advised to stand out from the crowd in an attempt to be the alpha male, while women are told to conform to the norm and try not to be too different. However, this dating myth has recently been busted with the cold, hard truth of science.
A study conducted by the University of Queensland in Australia has proven that conformity may not by the way to win the heart.
Researchers studied subjects who identified as either heterosexual or bisexual and found both men and women preferred nonconformist partners. Those whose clothes, opinions or life decisions broke the norm were more ideal when selecting from online dating profiles, describing ideal partners or picturing dates with people they had just met.
Contrary to popular belief, men prefer weird women.
In the study, men said they like women who do not apply to the norm just as much as women prefer men in the same category. In fact, those with unconventional lifestyles were more attractive. This is due to the fact that people who don’t apply to typical conventions are independent-minded people and breaking rules appears to be a “good indicator of status and power,” according to Scientific American.
Lead researcher and psychologist Matthew J. Hornsey said:
I’m intrigued by the notion of the ‘girls’ night out’ and how many women feel as though they can be more unguarded without men around—more relaxed, more crass, more honest, more funny. And I keep thinking, “Why are you keeping this good stuff to yourselves? Men would love it!”
There you have it folks. Science confirms if you want to find love you should be a little weird (but not too weird).
[Featured Image Credit: Flickr]