An Interesting Article

Why we fancy people
Sarah Fielding
Numbers have the answer ...

Sometimes it's hard to put your finger on the exact thing that makes you crazy about someone. It's something about the way they look, but it's not as obvious as beauty. It's something about the way they make you feel, but it's more subtle than charm or personality. So what is it? We've all heard of pheromones, those rampant, uncontrollable chemical signals that govern everything from our food habits to our memories. For homo sapiens, these organic messages are all part of the fascinating yet unpredictable science of romantic chemistry — but more on that in our article, 'Chemical attraction', coming soon. So why do we fancy people? Relationship researchers have uncovered new evidence that shows who we fall for isn't all about feelings and fate, but rather our subconscious mind choosing someone who's our perfect match in ways we couldn't even begin to imagine.

Here's a look at some of the ways our minds rule our hearts.

The waist-to-hip ratio
Pin-up girls like Marilyn Monroe have long taken men's breath away with their beauty and sex appeal. Unbeknownst to most, what men are really ogling when feasting their eyes on these sexy sirens is their perfect waist-to-hip ratio. These mythic proportions occur when a woman's waist measurement is 70 percent that of her hip measurement giving a waist-to-hip ratio of 0.7. But it's not just curvy women who sport these vital statistics — models Twiggy and Kate Moss also have a 0.7 waist-to-hip ratio. These measurements announce to prospective mates a woman's fertility and health.

Research has also revealed that women prefer a man with a waist-to-hip Ratio of 0.9, the very same measurement of men who are, statistically, healthier, more fertile and are less prone to prostate and testicular diseases. Top tip: You can work out your waist-to-hip ratio by taking a tape measure and measuring around your hips (the widest part of the hip bone) and the waist (the top of the hip bone). Then divide your waist measurement by your hip measurement, and voila, waist-to-hip ratio.

Mirror, mirror
No one would confess to consciously seeking out a partner that looks like themselves, but in many cases, that's precisely what ends up happening. And there seems to be nothing we can do about it. Some relationship studies reveal that people are subconsciously attracted to their mirror image, with researchers noting some spooky similarities in couples' appearances from the size of their ears lobes, to the length of their middle fingers, and even the capacity of their lungs. It's not that we go out there looking for someone with the same length fingers are ourselves (well, not usually), but somewhere deep inside, the need for compatibility and a perfect match on all levels is making the decisions for us.

Good balance
Symmetry of facial features in a partner is another factor that's high on most people's subliminal wish list. This requirement is thought to be a primal instinct; asymmetrical facial attributes are sometimes linked to genetic abnormalities. It is thought that suitors favour a partner with a more balanced face in order to ensure any future offspring will be healthy and free from genetic irregularities. This desire for facial perfection can even be accounted for by the world of mathematics. Objects proportioned with a ratio of 1:1.618 (a measurement known as The Golden Ratio, or The Divine Proportion) are amongst the world's most aesthetically pleasing objects. These include the Pyramid of Giza, the Parthenon, and sometimes, the human face. These proportions have been used by everyone from artists to plastic surgeons in the quest for flawless beauty.

Birth order
Researchers are now convinced that your birth order plays a part in how attractive a prospective mate will find you. And while your position in the family is hard to ascertain at first sight, subtle characteristics you may display to your date send secrets messages to them informing them of your birth order.

Eldest or only children tend to take responsibility and are confident, but on the downside, often feel pressured or stressed.

Middle children have great social skills, are diplomatic and entrepreneurial, but sometimes feel insecure or undervalued.

Youngest children tend to be carefree, experimental and friendly, which, when taken to the extreme, can manifest as self-centredness and irresponsibility.Studies have revealed that eldest and only children are often attracted to one another because of their drive for success and desire to take care of others. Youngest children, with their easy-going natures are often attracted to the adventurous spirit of middle children. Sometimes our appeal to members of the opposite sex is nothing more than a numbers game. But with any luck, we will find our opposite number, and complete our own magic formula.

Taken from http://lifestyle.ninemsn.com.au/flirt/article.aspx?id=157539