Before physical attraction, most look for inner beauty

Around Valentine's Day, acute observers can notice signs of affection in varying degrees all over campus -- a handshake, a hug or a quick peck on the cheek before sprinting to the next class.

Many University students have found that significant other to share their lives with. But before their relationships began, some spark, whether it be physical attraction or otherwise, had to ignite to bring them together.

To find out what that spark most often is, 50 women and 25 men were randomly selected to evaluate what they look for in an ideal mate.

WANTED: Honest, trusting, compassionate/considerate, intelligent, friendly individual with attractive smile, eyes, hair, chest, legs, and muscular physique.

According to the survey, such characteristics could be included in a personal ad by University males. Ranked in order of importance, the various physical and internal qualifications are as listed.

Men also said they tended to focus more on inner than outer qualities, overall.

"The external package is what matters at first, but the overall package is the most important," said Jeff Seese (sophomore-geographical environmental engineering).

And yet, one man emphasized what a woman looks like, initially, plays a role in her approachability.

"From a guy's perspective, guys are pretty intimidated by women," said David Akiyama (freshman-education). "If she looks like she is going to bite his head off, then he's not going to go near her."

WANTED: Honest, trusting, compassionate, smart, humorous individual with attractive eyes, smile, muscular physique, hair, chest and teeth.

The women surveyed differed slightly from the men in their ranking of characteristics, although trust and honesty were priorities for either gender.

"If you can't trust your partner, then you don't have a relationship or feel secure," said Tammy Russler (junior-therapeutic recreation).

Others agreed on the importance of the top-ranked characteristics.

"Honesty and trust are the building blocks of a strong relationship," said Brad Miller (sophomore-marketing).

Men and women also have other commonalities when they look for a mate. Both genders desire romantic love and sexual attractiveness, said Valarie King, assistant professor of sociology and human development and family studies.

As to what people first notice when seeking a mate, she said she was not sure.

"Certainly, physical characteristics are what we tend to notice first," she said.