6 Psychological Things That make You Less Attractive

Summary

This video delves into the psychology of attraction, revealing that it's not just about physical appearance. Attraction is influenced by three key factors: approachability, positive perceptions, and how someone makes you feel. The script explores six psychological elements that can reduce attractiveness, including sleep deprivation, body odor, overemphasis on looks, lack of humility, excessive pride, and contractive body language. By understanding these dynamics, we learn that true attraction goes beyond just the surface, focusing on how we connect emotionally and present ourselves to others.

Takeaways

• 😀 Sleep deprivation negatively impacts your appearance and health, making you less attractive to others.
• 😀 Body odor, influenced by your DNA and MHC (Major Histocompatibility Complex), plays a significant role in attraction.
• 😀 A strong focus on appearance, while important initially, can become a turnoff if it overrides substance and genuine personality.
• 😀 Humility makes people more attractive in romantic relationships, as it shows a willingness to acknowledge others' contributions.
• 😀 Over-smiling or projecting an overly proud attitude can make you seem untrustworthy or arrogant.
• 😀 Contractive body language (crossed arms, hunched posture) signals that you're closed off, decreasing attractiveness.
• 😀 Expansive body language, such as open arms and upright posture, makes you seem more welcoming and attractive.
• 😀 Initial attraction often relies on visual cues, but lasting attraction is shaped by deeper psychological and emotional factors.
• 😀 Attraction is not just about physical appearance; it involves a combination of approachability, positive traits, and making others feel good.
• 😀 Attraction is a complex, multifaceted process that considers both internal and external factors, including behaviors and body language.

Q & A

What are the three key factors that influence attraction?

The three key factors that influence attraction are: 1) Approachability, 2) Positive beliefs or 'factoids' about the person, and 3) How the person makes you feel.

How does sleep deprivation affect attraction?

Sleep deprivation negatively impacts both physical appearance and trustworthiness. It can make you appear tired, haggard, and unhealthy, which can reduce attractiveness in first impressions.

What role does body odor play in attraction?

Body odor is influenced by genetics, specifically the MHC (major histocompatibility complex) genes. People are often more attracted to those with a different body odor, as it may indicate genetic compatibility and a stronger immune system.

How does excessive focus on appearance impact attraction?

While physical attractiveness is important initially, focusing excessively on appearance can be off-putting. People prefer substance over vanity, and too much attention to self-image may make someone seem shallow or narcissistic.

Why is humility considered more attractive than arrogance?

Humility is valued in relationships because humble individuals are more likely to acknowledge the contributions of others. Arrogance, on the other hand, can lead to a sense of being overlooked or undervalued, which makes someone less attractive.

What effect does overly smiling or too much pride have on attraction?

Excessive smiling or showing too much pride can convey arrogance, making the smile seem insincere. People tend to find moderate, genuine expressions of happiness more attractive, as they suggest warmth and authenticity.

How does body language influence attraction?

Body language plays a crucial role in attraction. Expansive, open body language (such as uncrossed arms and standing tall) signals approachability and confidence, making someone more attractive. In contrast, closed-off body language (like crossing arms or slouching) can decrease attraction.

What does the study about body posture tell us about attraction?

A study found that people are more attractive when they display expansive body language, like open arms and a non-hunched back. Contractive body language, like crossing arms or hunching over, sends a signal of being closed off, which can reduce attraction.

Can someone’s genetics affect their attraction to others?

Yes, genetics play a role in attraction, especially when it comes to body odor. The MHC genes influence body odor, and people are often more attracted to individuals with dissimilar MHCs to their own, which could promote genetic diversity and stronger immune systems.

How does first impression affect attraction?

First impressions are often based on limited information, with physical appearance and body language being the initial factors we assess. If someone appears tired, unkempt, or closed off, these factors can negatively affect how attractive they seem, even if they have other positive traits.