Happy men don’t get the girl because women find moody looking men far more attractive, according to scientific research.The study suggests that flashing a ‘winning smile’ is not the way to a woman’s heart. Indeed, men who swagger or look gloomy are much more likely to get pulses racing. The surprising findings may help to explain the enduring appeal of ‘bad boys’.
Experts say the findings indicate that smiling men do not appear to be as strong, powerful or masculine as those who glower or who seem arrogant.
In contrast, men are far more attracted to happy, smiling women.
It is suggested this is because men prefer more approachable, submissive women.
moreThe research, carried out by a team of psychologists, may prompt men to change their dating behaviour and update profile pictures used on dating websites.
Professor Jessica Tracy, who led the study, said: "Showing a happy face may be considered essential to friendly social interactions, including those involving sexual attraction.
"However, there’s been little research into whether a smile is, in fact, attractive.
"This study finds that men and women respond very differently to displays of emotion, including smiles.
"We found that women were least attracted to smiling, happy men, preferring those who looked proud and powerful or moody.
"In contrast, male participants were most sexually attracted to women who looked happy, and least attracted to women who appeared proud and confident."
The team, from the University of British Columbia, Canada, got more than 1,000 adults to rate the sexual attractiveness of hundreds of photos of the opposite sex.
These pictures showed men and women engaged in various displays of happiness, with broad smiles, pride - raised heads, puffed-out chests, and shame - lowered heads or averted eyes.
Study co-author Alec Beall, a psychology graduate student, said: "We explored first-impressions of sexual attraction to images of the opposite sex.
"We did not ask participants if they thought these targets would make a good boyfriend or wife - we wanted their gut reactions on carnal, sexual attraction."
Prof Tracy said other studies suggest that what people find attractive has been shaped by centuries of evolutionary and cultural forces.
For example, evolutionary theories suggest women may be attracted to male displays of pride because they imply status, competence and an ability to provide for a partner and offspring.
Mr Beall added that expressions of pride also exaggerate typically masculine physical features, such as upper body size and muscularity.
He said: "Previous research has shown these features are among the most attractive male physical characteristics, as judged by women."
Smiling has also been linked with a lack of dominance, which is consistent with gender stereotypes of the "submissive and vulnerable" woman, but inconsistent with "strong, silent" man, the researchers say.
Mr Beall added: "Previous research has also suggested happiness is a particularly feminine-appearing expression."
The study is published in the American Psychological Association journal Emotion. -Daily Telegraph
