The Mate Market

Evolutionary Psychology

The Surprising Appeal of Men With Dad Bods

T. Joel Wade Ph.D. on March 27, 2024

The Dad Bod is appealing for reasons beyond physical attractiveness.

The Dad Bod is appealing for reasons beyond physical attractiveness.

Career

Direct Is Best: What Makes Women's Pick-up Lines Work

T. Joel Wade Ph.D. on March 30, 2020

Looking to perfect the art of flirtation? Research sheds light on pick-up lines that tend to work for women who are interested in men.

Looking to perfect the art of flirtation? Research sheds light on pick-up lines that tend to work for women who are interested in men.

Flirting

I Saw Him First: Competitive Nonverbal Flirting Among Women

T. Joel Wade Ph.D. on June 28, 2019

Women's playful overtures aren't meant just for potential partners. Unspoken signals can target would-be rivals, too.

Women's playful overtures aren't meant just for potential partners. Unspoken signals can target would-be rivals, too.

Beauty

These Eyes

T. Joel Wade Ph.D. on May 10, 2018

Everyone says the eyes are the window to the soul, but what does that really mean? Evolutionary psychology has answers.

Everyone says the eyes are the window to the soul, but what does that really mean? Evolutionary psychology has answers.

Friends

Getting by With a Little Help From My Friends?

T. Joel Wade Ph.D. on February 7, 2018

Do you think your friend's partner is amazing? Don't worry, science says it's OK to seek someone with similar characteristics for yourself.

Do you think your friend's partner is amazing? Don't worry, science says it's OK to seek someone with similar characteristics for yourself.

Evolutionary psychology explains why women’s self-esteem is based more on physical attractiveness, while men’s self-esteem is based more on relative status.