As Valentine’s Day draws closer, crushes, dating, and chocolates lurk in our minds—yet we spend so much time thinking about how appearances are what “attracts” someone to be asked out, but we fail to recognize that being ‘attractive’ is so much more than just looks…
In a reality where attractiveness is based on how well you pose for a picture, a real connection or attractiveness is becoming harder to find. When students were asked what they think makes someone attractive, their answers surprisingly were not about looks, but instead the person’s personality and how they make them feel, proving that attractiveness goes way beyond just appearances:
For instance, senior Sara Martinez says an attractive person is based on “How they treat others, because the way that they treat you is one thing, but knowing how they treat others or your peers says just how genuine that person is…” Similarly to what senior, Danna Sofia, states that the most attractive attribute someone can have is, “the way they demonstrate themselves to others” or “express and present” themselves, and their “mannerisms.”
Other popular responses were humor, as student Lara De Castro says, “being able to effortlessly laugh around a person makes one feel comfortable, relaxed, and safe,” as laughter is the best love language. Senior Mackenzie Whitfield also claims that “effort” is most attractive, as she says, “effort as in going above and beyond to make you feel seen, and actually listening to you.” To see someone put in the “effort” in any relationship or situation is key to make your loved one feel valued and appreciated.
According to senior, Lorena Correia, “when they think about how their choices will affect you, is for me what’s most attractive.” As ultimately, someone’s true intentions can be exposed based on how they act, treat others, and you, which, if it’s good, it eventually makes them ten times more attractive. As for me, someone who’s attractive is simply themselves, because that really shows through either in a conversation or an moment, and that person is able to be themselves with confidence, authenticity, and ease.
When asking from a male perspective, (which they all chose to remain anonymous) their first responses were someone’s “eyes” not in the way of “beauty” but in the way that you can read ones emotions or inner thoughts through them, how you can tell when someone is being truthful or sincere just from becoming captivated by their eyes, which adds up since eyes are known as “windows to the soul.”
An anonymous senior says that, for him, “how someone treats animals” is what makes them attractive. He elaborates how treating animals with respect that are considered something “lower than humans,” reveals that person’s sense of “empathy and compassion,” as he claims this is of most importance since he is a dedicated dog person.
Another anonymous student claims that someone’s most attractive quality is their “intellect” in both “emotional and academic maturity.” Intelligence signifies strong problem-solving skills and the prospects of having a long-term and rich relationship.
The responses from these students demonstrate how, when people think “what makes someone attractive,” they don’t jump into perfection; we prioritize how someone makes us feel- either safe, excited, seen, or loved. Yet, despite all the kindness, humor, and intellect, maybe the most attractive trait of all is simply being real.
