Beauty and the Flirt: Male Physical Attractiveness and Approaches to Relationship Initiation

Abstract

This multi-study investigation explored how women evaluate men’s approach strategies. In Study 1, 330 participants generated 546 verbal strategies used in courtship initiation. Strategies were rated on three dimensions that define relationships: affiliation, dominance, and explicitness. Affiliation and explicitness were related to strategy flirtatiousness. In Study 2, 361 females participated in an experiment that explored the effects of four approach strategies used by an attractive or unattractive man on conversation continuance and future interaction. Attractive men using inviting, playful, and less annoying messages were most successful. Study 3 (N = 398) replicated Study 2 using different approach strategies, and also demonstrated male attractiveness, affiliation and explicitness inform message flirtatiousness and influence courtship outcomes. Results suggest approach strategy, but not male attractiveness, influence perceived first date goals.