Sexual attraction is an important aspect of human behavior that drives individuals to seek out romantic partners who they find physically attractive. This attraction is often based on a combination of physical traits such as facial features and body proportions, which can influence one's overall desirability in the eyes of others. Research suggests that symmetry plays a significant role in determining how appealing someone is to potential mates, particularly when it comes to their facial features. For example, studies have found that women are more likely to be attracted to men with symmetrical faces than those with asymmetrical ones. Additionally, research has shown that certain body proportions, such as having wider hips compared to waist, may also contribute to increased attractiveness.
Despite these findings, there is still much debate surrounding the extent to which sexual attraction can be influenced by symmetry. Some argue that while symmetry does play a role in initial attraction, other factors such as personality and personal preferences come into play when choosing a partner long-term. Others believe that symmetry is simply one aspect of overall appearance and that other qualities such as health and grooming habits are equally important. It is also worth noting that cultural norms and expectations can vary significantly from place to place and can impact what qualities people value in a mate.
However, even if we accept that symmetry does affect sexual attraction to some degree, it is unclear exactly why this might be the case. One hypothesis suggests that symmetry reflects good genes, as deformities or mutations could interfere with an individual's ability to survive and reproduce successfully. Another theory posits that symmetry is indicative of developmental stability, indicating that the individual has not experienced any major stressors during their life that would disrupt their growth and development. Regardless of the reasons behind it, it appears that symmetry plays at least some role in determining who we find attractive and who we choose to pursue romantically.