There’s an old article in Time (Asia) Magazine’s special issue, The New Age of Discovery (January, 1998) that tried to answer questions like why do we find certain human body figures sexy. It said that most men find a specific waist-to-hip ratio of women sexy (now I won’t tell the exact figure to avoid causing unnecessary insecurities) because that ratio signals fertility. Men don’t consciously know this, but evolution somehow programmed it in our instincts to ensure the perpetuation of our genes.
In another article, I read about an experiment on human scent. It involved a certain number of men and an equal number of women. The men were made to shower using only unscented soap (no cologne or deodorant either) and sleep with a white shirt on. They would shower again on the second night but would wear the same shirt to bed. Then the shirts would be sniffed by the women, who would each try to determine which shirt smells the “sexiest.” After their genes were tested, it was found out that the sexiest scents for most of the women belonged to the men whose genes were very much dissimilar from theirs. Parents with diverse genes often bear stronger offspring, and once again evolution has hardwired this into our physiology to help us find a suitable mate – and perpetuate our genes.
But in this overpopulated modern society of ours, procreation is no longer the primary purpose of sex. Still, our instincts kick in when a genetically suitable specimen from the opposite gender walks by even if having kids is the last thing on our minds. But as we get to know a person, after a while we get attracted to non-physical traits like kindness and a sense of humor. Perhaps we instinctively know that certain personal attributes are preferable for long-term companionship, especially when it comes to the point when procreation and even sex are no longer possible.
But the beauty of these personal qualities is that they can be enjoyed now as much as in the future. Being the most highly evolved among all creatures, humans interact in ways beyond touching and smelling. A nice conversation connects us more profoundly than any amount of physical contact between two chimps. Although touching is nice, it is often meaningless unless coupled with an emotional bond. And so while evolution already dictated what we should find physically attractive, it is our longing for a deeper connection that needs to be satisfied if we are to truly enjoy being human.
Happy Valentines everyone!
I saw the video documentary regarding the experiments you stated above and I was so amazed on the facts they presented.
To add, they also conducted an experiment on both gender's willingness to have sex with strangers. A gorgeous man went around a campus and approached women, one by one, asking if they are willing to have sex with him that night. Nobody agreed. Then the other part, a beautiful woman also went around the campus asking the same question. Everyone she asked said yes, except one – he had something important to do that night.
The reason they presented is that women are naturally protective of their bodies. Imagine getting pregnant by someone you don't know. Women have to suffer bearing the baby for nine months plus the agony of raising the child alone. Men don't care of those consequences that's why they are more adventurous.
Well, thanks to contraceptive technology, women can now also enjoy marvelous sex without terror of conception.
Happy Valentines!
With contraception in the future, it makes you think a lot about the mating strategies of women.
Now that times are nearing equality between the sexes, gender stereotypes might die down a bit.
Hehehe… Tamang tama, right now i'm re-reading JLA Day of Judgment storyline (when Hal Jordan became the Spectre). In the dialogues i see a parallelism here on how monotheist Christianity discriminates against polytheism:
Conversation between Superman, Wonder Woman and Zauriel:
Zauriel: Unless we traverse the divine plane itself… only there we may contact Corrigan's soul
Superman: Then there we must go. I suggest you lead the mission, my friend…
Wonder Woman: I'll go to. I've been to Olympus… I've some experience with the divine.
Zauriel: Hmph. I'd hardly call Olympus divine…
Conversation between Mr. Miracle and Zauriel:
Mr. Miracle: Hmm, let me have a look at that clasp. I may only be a New God, but I have some experience with locks.
Zauriel: A new god? Unlikely Mr. Miracle, but thanks nonetheless.