October 16, 2026

Athens News

News in English from Greece

Six Signs Men Look for More Often in Online Dating


Height, look, natural appearance and smile more often than other details attract attention from men on dating apps. But experts remind: There is no single standard for attractiveness.

What details most often attract the attention of men when dating online? Surveys of dating app users and studies of first sympathy name several recurring factors: gaze, smile, grooming, naturalness and general impression of the person. But turning these observations into a universal formula for female attractiveness would be too bold: people’s tastes do not fit into the table, even if the Internet tries very hard to drive them there.

The raw data cited in such publications is usually based on surveys of dating app users rather than a single large scientific study. Therefore, we are not talking about the rules that every woman must comply with, but about the most common preferences of some of the men surveyed.

1. Height: noticeable, but not a decisive factor

In some surveys, men are more likely to report interest in women of average height, approximately 157 to 167 centimeters. However, this indicator cannot be considered the norm or a prerequisite for attractiveness. For some, the difference in height with their partner is important, for others this parameter does not matter at all.

Online dating is generally not suitable for drawing hard conclusions: the user first sees a photo, profile style and a few lines of text, and not the exact number of centimeters. A person is usually attracted not to height itself, but to the way he looks, carries himself and perceives himself.

2. The look is more important than the shade of the eyes

Brown eyes actually get more mentions than other colors in some surveys. However, what is usually more important is not the shade of the iris, but the expression of the gaze: openness, calmness, liveliness, confidence or goodwill.

This is why photographs where a person looks at the camera naturally, without excessive retouching or tense posture, often make a stronger first impression than a perfectly composed but cold image.

3. Dark hair and the myth of the “eternal blonde”

According to separate data from dating platforms, brunettes and brown-haired women may receive more messages than blondes. This does not mean that one hair color is objectively more attractive than another. Rather, it is about a specific audience, cultural beliefs and how a person presents himself in a photo.

The myth that men always prefer blondes is useful for advertising campaigns and old comedies, but doesn’t hold up well when meeting real people. Taste varies from country to country, from age to age, and even from one evening appendix to another.

4. Natural body type

Surveys also show that many men prefer a natural figure with normal proportions and soft lines rather than an extremely sporty or overtly model image. One caveat is important here: this is not an assessment of the “correct” body, but only a description of the preferences of some of the respondents.

Trying to fit everyone into one standard of appearance usually ends the same way: people get more anxiety, the beauty industry gets more money, and for some reason there is no increase in happiness in relationships.

5. Grooming as a signal of attitude towards oneself

Clean and neat nails, neat clothes, well-groomed hair and attention to detail are often perceived not as a display of status, but as a sign of self-care. In the context of a first acquaintance, this can create the impression of composure, confidence and respect for the interlocutor.

At the same time, being well-groomed is not the same as expensive makeup, salon treatments or branded clothing. Often a stronger impression is made by a natural and neat image in which a person looks like himself, and not an advertising showcase.

6. A smile remains the most clear signal

A warm, sincere smile remains one of the most powerful elements of a first impression. It is associated with openness, friendliness and willingness to communicate. In dating apps, where the decision to message a person is often made in a few seconds, such a signal can be more important than eye color, height, and a carefully selected filter.

Ultimately, attractiveness does not consist of six points or one successful selfie. It is influenced by voice, manner of communication, sense of humor, confidence, interest in the interlocutor and dozens of little things that no algorithm can measure without looking a little ridiculous.

The main conclusion is simple: polls can show general trends, but they don’t determine who will like whom. People choose not the “ideal profile”, but a person next to whom there is a feeling of mutual interest and calm. Sometimes it starts with a smile. Sometimes with just one normal phrase without “hello, beautiful.” And the second option, admittedly, is less common.



Source link