I’ve known this to be true for years !

what a crock, since when is marriage all about looks ?

This is absolutely NOT true.

stupid! how can you determine ANYTHING with people who have been married 6 mo or less?!?!? talk to people married 10 yrs or more. also, who determines who is most attractive? those in the relationship–like how many people are going to say “yes, I am more attractive than my ugly spouse.”?–or the ‘researchers’? not much for research, eh? 164 newlyweds….not a good study!

No one likes a fatty!!!

True, but men today are programmed by the media as to what is sexy and beautiful. Too bad we don’t stress inner beauty is the key to a lasting relationship.

I don’t think we have enough to do anymore…these stupid “studies” waste time and money…

Too many studies and books being written on “how to be the best pig in the pigpen..” Come on! It hardly comes down to “looks!”

I know its true, and have known it for years. My marraige is like this and several of my friends. I think there are more reasons for this than stated here in this article.

I’ve been married for 38 years come October - I always thought my husband was better looking. I don’t put much stock in this study. Maturity level, committment and COMMMON VALUES are much more important to a good marriage than who is prettier!

A woman who is more attractive than the “whimp”, has control, since she feels the “whimp” isn’t going anywhere.

A woman who is more attractive than the “whimp”, has control, since she feels the “whimp” isn’t going anywhere

What an amazing finding!!: Men enjoy having attractive an wife

Women tend to like “kind eyes”.

This song came out in the 50’s. Sigh, which way to go?

If You Wanna Be Happy
Jimmy Soul

If you wanna be happy
For the rest of your life,
Never make a pretty woman your wife,
So from my personal point of view,
Get an ugly girl to marry you.

A pretty woman makes her husband look small
And very often causes his downfall.
As soon as he marries her
Then she starts to do
The things that will break his heart.
But if you make an ugly woman your wife,
You’ll be happy for the rest of your life,
An ugly woman cooks her meals on time,
She’ll always give you peace of mind.

Don’t let your friends say
You have no taste,
Go ahead and marry anyway,
Though her face is ugly,
Her eyes don’t match,
Take it from me she’s a better catch.

Say man.
Hey baby.
Saw your wife the other day.
Yeah?
Yeah, she’s ugly.
Yeah, she’s ugly but she sure can cook.
Yeah?. Okay.

I think it is true.
Men that are less attractive have found women that they feel are a prize and thus treat them so.
Women that are treated as treasures are more likely to be happy and content.

A man with an attractive wife will be less likely to stray, especially if he deems her as attractive.

Science is science folks, I look forward to them extending their survey.

My wife certainly could be considered out of my league on looks. Her friends use to give her a hard time about why would she date me in the beginning. We are now married 11 years come this October.

I bet most of these negative comments are coming from males!

This is just the opposite, men do NOT want their woman being as attractive as them, they feel threaten, and they think the woman gets more attention then they do. (ego comes into play here)Not sure who did this survey but, in my experience and talking to men they have even told me as such, with comments like ” Yeah, my first wife was so pretty I made damn sure my second wife wasn’t going to be!”

The study is flawed in several respects. Money is still the number one reason why people get a divorce. Many marriages stay in tack because the wife feels she can’t leave. It is all about security. Happy marriages are not based solely on looks. It has been found that people who attend church regularly are more often happier and less likely to get a divorce. One cannot dismiss the spiritual ties to God and each other. It works. The couple tends to stay on the same page by having values reinforced each week.

I don’t necessarily disagree with the studies conclusions but it seems flawed if the couples were only married 6 months or less. Often as a couple ages, the woman’s beauty fades. Shouldn’t the study look at longer duration marriages and see if the same results happen? By the way, my wife (a beauty) married an ugly duckling and we have been “happy” for 47 years.

This just proves that women are less secure than men. If the woman marries someone they consider less attractive than themselves they will think other women won’t make a play for their man…..typical thought process for a woman.

I married a very plain guy, and he STILL turned into a porn-addicted drunk. He was great the first two years and slowly went downhill, changing into someone I didn’t recognize, so watch out girls. “Ugly” doesn’t necessarily mean safe!! … didn’t do the trick for me!

Why didn’t all my mariages work, I’m ug?ly. Oh yeh pretty mean and cranky too.
Well can’t be perfect. Hey moderator?

I totally agree with daniray! How can you even publish a “research” based on ONLY 82 couples whom have ONLY been married for 6 months, come on people……get real!

Amen!!! My college roomate always said “If you are going to be in a relationship, be the Ugly One”. So far it has worked out great for me!

This study is such a crock! My very handsome husband and I have been married for 33 years (together for 35). I would say we are pretty well matched in the looks department, and our marriage has been exceptionally good and strong and remains that way after all these years. Maybe the study should have been talking to couples like us who have been together for a very long time, rather than newlyweds.

Maybe, but it didn’t work for Eliot Spitzer.

And it didn’t even work for Angelina, but worse — if it had, Shiloh would look like Billy Bob, not Brad.

Did the survey include men who have successful careers & same religious beliefs as the women? … because that can make a world’s difference in today’s society! In other words, a man who is considered ‘ugly’ would be equivalent to a tanned, poster-bodied man through the woman’s eyes if the man’s qualities ‘fit-the-glove,’ so to speak! Thank you.

Absolutely true — if a man marries “up”, he knows that he’s done just about as well as he can, and his propensity to fool around are lowered, simply because his options are lowered…he won’t do much better than what he already has. But a guy who considers himself superior in looks to his wife, is going to always be thinking that maybe, just maybe, he could have done better — as a result, his tendency to fool around is going to be higher. This is not a condemnation of men, just an acknowledgement that men are in fact looking for something better all the time — the comedian Chris Rock once put it very plainly, (and so honestly): “A man is only as limited as his options”. But with all that said, most relationships that are well-established survive any perceived physical inequities between the couple: morality, societal influences, and United States divorce laws, serve to water-down the willingness of either party (especially the husband) to look for a “better partner” –which is a good thing.

More attractive, more talented, my wife was, is and always will be. We have fifty five years and seven children to vouch for it. Looks, talents are distant secondary considerations to love. Some of us are just lucky. I wonder why. Could it be kindness, thoughtfulness, sharing, sacrificing, supporting, forgiveness, attentiveness, laughter, selflessness, commitment etc.? Cleanliness, neatness along with all of the above trump “looks” every time.

I wonder where the cries of sexism and discrimination will come from - oh wait, this is about men so there won’t be any. Typical junk science getting some press just like the fake study that said men abuse more on Super Bowl weekend - a study that never took place but feminazi’s love to refer to as a fact.

So, you think this study was done by a bunch of ugly male psychologists??? Then again, my fiancee’ is much better looking that I am. But then she is the most beautiful woman in the world.

Since when was a study with 82 couples over 6 months considered conclusive research?!? These studies are so ridiculous. Commitment makes a marriage successful. If true love is based on looks, no wonder the divorce rate is so high. We’d better change the old saying to “Love is only skin deep!” What a sad, shallow world.

Guess this explains why my theory based on the old 50s or 60s song which goes something like “If you want to be happy for the rest of your life, never make a pretty woman your wife”, resulted in my being married & divorced three times.

As a woman who is happily married to a man who I thought was less attractive than I was when we met, I feel qualified to comment. This study is pure CRAP.

By the time our relationship progressed to the point of marriage, I was in love with my husband. And I think he’s the most attractive man on the planet. Relative physical attractiveness isn’t really a factor if you’re in the relationship for the proper reason. My husband is the most wonderful, sexy, caring, giving, loving man on the planet as far as I’m concerned. I think he’s a 10 now, even if I thought he was a 3 when we met.

Again, why study newlyweds? Why not study people who have been married long enough to evaluate their happiness for real, not just during the initial “honeymoon” period. Sheesh!

I have been married to someone who (at least he thought so) was more attractive than myself and he ended up being a player (very flirty) that lasted 7 years before he cheated. Now I am married for 10 years to someone who was a total geek (in high school) and has changed his looks-no glasses-better hairstyle and we couldn’t be happier. I’m not saying I’m better looking than him. I think it has alot to do with your attitude about yourself and not thinking your better looking than yourself.

Correction to the last line….

Your attitude about yourself, not thinking that your better looking than your spouse…..

Its true but people don’t want to admit it. I don’t know why? It’s just common sense really

It would be hilarious to find out this whole study was conducted by men. Bunch of guys standing around “Yup, looks like attractive women need to go after ugly men!”. It’s like a comedy skit. I can see some truth to the findings but in reality it depicts men as being pretty shallow. I’ve dated women less attractive than me. It’s when they “think” they aren’t attractive is when I lose interest. It’s mostly attitude and comfort with yourself that defines attraction. (for me) If you believe your worth it I will too. A self conscious cute girl is less attractive than a confident average girl any day.

I don’t believe this study. You have crummy beautiful people just as well as ugly ones. I think it depends on the people involved in the relationship - not looks - that determine the type of relationship that you have.

I am a female and I totally agree. I find that the man treats you better and is more likely to work harder at the marriage to keep you. He is proud that he has you and that others see how attractive his wife is, it boosts his ego. A less attractive guy is less self-centered and appreciates what you do for him and life can be really great if you show him how much you love him and never mention that he isn’t the usual tall dark and handsome man most women look for.
You can fall madly in love with any guy no matter his looks if he is genuine and loving. Somehow at that point looks don’t matter.

What a bunch of crock!!! My brother in law is ugly as sin and my sister is pretty and he cheated. He wan’t unhappy and there was no problems with their marriage, he said the opportunity was there and he took it.

Uuuuhhh, YEAH, that’s what I saying, does’nt anyone know this?
“If you wanna be happy for the rest of your life..”

The ex NY governor is uglier than his wife. Unfortunately, she didnot have the healthier marriage

Interesting study, but I have to wonder what these researchers would consider to be ‘attractive.’
What were their standards? Height? Weight? Shape of nose? I mean, really!
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, often subjective. And many times, attractiveness comes across through helpfulness, consideration of others, caring, compassion, a gracious attitude, etc. When a person behaves in such a way, others are more likely to consider that person to be ‘beautiful,’ even though they may (or may not) be considered physically attractive. Were those things even considered in this study? Probably not.

I really believe this is true. Not that I believe my hubby to be ugly in any way! But, I guess the onlooker would not consider him to be traditionally handsome… he is short, balding, and has a bit of a tummy. I think he is beautiful on the inside and out. I have been told we are unevenly matched, that I’m a knockout… etc. And he’s an absolute tiger in bed. I would not trade him for the hansomest man in the world.

Ugly man seeks beautiful wife… call me at 555-GET-REAL!

That is very interseting but i say you still don’t have enough evidence to make that up. First off people are walking erorrs. People make lots of mistakes. So i though this was funny but interseting as well. This is something new to me.

On a scale of 1 to 10 this news article sucked! First of all, no definition of what is the Best Marriage and no mention of the performers of the study by name or organization. Second of all, have to to sign up just to see the study details which are lacking. And thirdly, the female bias in this study and conclusion is over the top. Oh, yeah, 82 couples that have been married within the last six months! Who did this study, Nickelodean?

I have it made then. Where do I sign up??

What a crock!!!!! I was married to a man who wasn’t much in the looks department and I had a miserable marriage. I am now married to a man who is extremely good looking and we have a wonderful marriage.

Too many variables here to make a decision. What are they considering attractive?

I’m in my 40’s and I’m just now realizing that I’m attractive. I struggle with my weight, but the older I get, the more compliments I seem to get from men. I think it’s a self-confidence thing. Once I got to the age where I knew no one expects me to have the body of a 15 yr old, I quit beating myself up about it and I can enjoy who I am. My husband treats me like a princess and always has… my point is he has always said that I was the beautiful one in our marriage, whether I believed it, or whether society told me it wasn’t so.

Men are choosier are about womens physical appearance??? ALERT THE MEDIA!! SHOCKING!!

this study has helped me to conclude that i have a CHANCE!!!

Noooo? Nooooo way?

I’m no psychologist, just a gritty word huffer, but was a study actually needed to determine that?

You spent money on this?

Very stupid study.

(1) One interpretation: that men with “more attractive” wives are less likely to stray, more attentive, blah blah.

(2) Alternative explanation: women with attractive husbands constantly worry about other women being attracted to him, that he might cheat, blah, blah, resulting in her being b**chy, insecure, blah blah, and basically no fun to live with.

Anyone who hasn’t seen cases of #2 in relationships hasn’t been out and about much. If you think a man can be insecure about an attractive wife/girlfriend, OMG, have you ever seen the other? My explanation, based on personal observation, for the results of this stupid “study” is that fewer “good looking guy, less attractive girl” relationships reach the marriage stage, because the woman generally succeeds in driving the man away before then with insecure, b***chy behaviors.

Of course, either of these explanations works equally well for either sex, with either sex being more or less attractive. In short: A “study” that produced nothing useful.

But isn’t attraction subjective. If I am attracted to a woman who’s appearance may not be as appreciated by the next guy then who’s to say.

Yep, that is why I married up. I have been with my super hot wife for 17 years and have done a great job of helping her reproduce. I have game but limited looks, of course she claims I look good but I know she is way hot and I am just ok. 17 years, you see?

So,

There is hope for me yet

Tom

Hey Laurie: Ever consider “WHY” he turned into a porn-addicted drunk? It’s interesting that women Never consider that THEIR actions or “lack of them” turn their men away from them. Was it that pesky hormone depletion “wake up one morning to find “your desires gone”, than demanded “your man drop all his desires” too syndrome? That’ll do it every time, leaving the female with that “I don’t understand blank expression on her face”.

FALSE. It is how much you get along and how honest your are towards each other.

I disagree with this. I’ve known way too many goodlooking women who married average Joes only to have said Joe cheat on her with an uglier woman. This “study” doesn’t hold water.

Whatever…I’m in my early 50s, not bald (not receeding either), not gray, still athletic (I could still stand to lose 20 lbs), have an engineering degree and have travelled the world. I found that I was attracted to a woman 3 years my senior,but she opted to marry a man 25 years her senior, because he was worth so much, much, much more than I, even after she said that she found me quite attractive and mentally stimulating. This is not the only time I’ve been snubbed for not having enough worth.

Men, if you want to be attractive to a woman, regardless of her physical appearance, you need lotsa $$$. I’ve found that out the hard way, and it doesn’t appear as if that will change any time this millenium. As a result, I am jaded, bitter…whatever you want to call it…and unequivocally understand that without sufficient monetary value, a man ain’t squat to a woman.

I’ve since decided to have a zero-dimension personality; maybe 1-dimensional on a good day. If I’m going to be unattractive to the (un)fair sex, then it will be because of something I’ve choosen to do…

Later.

How does 82 couples constitute an accurate portrayal of what works in marriage?

Sexist media article. Men desire younger women, women want older men. Say What??? Last time I checked men’s …ability to do the deed…ends earlier in life then women…their peak is in their 20’s, women’s go on for a long time…no Viagra needed. This week…we are telling women to marry ugly men because their marriage will last because of 80 couples. OK, add me to the list of this being bull. I married a guy less attractive and I left and divored and married again…what bullcrap.

As the song goes “If you want to e happy for the rest of your life you to marry yourself an ugly wife” so who is right? Kindest Regards

I’ve always been condsidered attractive with great personality. My husband of 30 years married a 34 year old 3 months after our divorce. Our religious beliefs didn’t save our marriage, and I think age had a big factor in it. Interesting.

Man! There must be tons of good marriages around here. Talk about some ugly people!!!!!!

Amazingly stupid idea.

I left my ex that’s ugler and got a better looking guy and the relationship is better so this is bull. Then my ex married a woman that’s uglier then he is and they are happy. Two cases against your study…of 80 couples. Sexist…

As the song goes” if you want to be happy for the rest of your life you have to marry yourself an ugly wife.” so who is right? Kindest Regards Zig

Certainly was not the case with Drew and Stacy Peterson. He’s BUTT ugly and thier marriage didn’t work out!

Wow so that’s why my wife married me!

Not surprising. I love my husband because he’s smart and funny. I ask him why he loves me and he says he loves me because I’m so pretty! I think men are more driven by looks than women are, but there are exceptions to every rule.

If you actually think about what was written you will find they are probably true. Men who are better looking than they’re spouses often feel they have been trapped when they do marry. And why focus on newlyweds? Its kinda hard to make it 50 years (especially in this age) when you don’t make it 6 months. Not to mention within 6 months the glow and polish starts to wear off considering most people don’t wait long enough for that to happen before getting married. Don’t forget there are always exceptions and just because you are one doesn’t mean the information doesn’t apply to the rest. In closing looks may not be everything but are you going to look at a lime green car if you hate lime green? It doesn’t matter that the car is the most solid vehicle on earth and will last longer than you. If its lime green most people that hate lime green won’t even give it a second look. I looked for a lot more in a woman than just appearance but that was certainly the first qualifier.

No doubt this “DUH” study represents more wasted tax money. This will really help all human-kind when we take a long hard look at our wedding photos and realize WOW based on looks I married the wrong person. Time to shop around for a quick fix nevermind the kids.

Both are happy as long as the guy never finds out that the “better looking” wife is cheating on him with some studly looking guy. Women cheat just as much, if not more than men… they are just better at lying about it.

A sample size of 82, married for 6 months? This is one of the most worthless articles I’ve read today.

Truth to this? My wife is much more attractive than I. I had trouble while dating and she says she had no trouble. But I got lucky one day when I asked her out. We didn’t have to much in common either. But we have been very happily married since 1988 and have 4 wonderful children.

the real key is that both partners in the marriage continuously feel that they overachieved in the marriage department. Not just concerning looks but also niceness, love, personality, motivation desire to grow and change, etc.

Happily married 33 years to my beautiful wife. (And I’m not bad either)

This explains why my wife and I have had so many problems over the years…..

What a STUPID study!!!!!! The 82 happy couples had been married within the previous 6 months and that is supposed to give us an understanding of how to achieve a happy marriage????? Whoever did this study is a complete IDIOT!!!!!! Show me a couples to which the premise of the study applies, but who have been happily married over 35 years, and then, and only then, will I even begin to believe it. Yuck! Fire the author of the study.

I tend to think there is some validity to the study. I’m considered a very attractive and fit man and I have a very difficult time dating because women tend to think of me as a “player” because of my looks. I’ve had more than one woman get mad at me because other women were checking me out. I’ve begun to realize that being a very attractive man seems to work against me rather than for me as every little move I make and every word that comes out of my mouth is judged for cockiness. I am not seen as harmless and safe like less attractive men and women have a tendancy to keep their distance and never get the chance to know that I’m just a normal guy. My friends all know this so they can’t understand women’s reactions to me sometimes. Hey ladies, you don’t always want to be judged by looks alone, so maybe you shouldn’t judge men too negatively just because they are attractive and take care of themselves.

I agree with this actually. Now I’m only 23 and I’m an above average looking guy, but I dated a girl because I enjoyed her personality and she was okay looking, but her insecurities constantly got in the way of everything so I broke it off. If a woman is better looking and gets taken care of, then that’s how it’ll work. The guy gets the prize and will work hard to keep that prize while the woman feels like the prize. She doesn’t have to worry about him chasing other women. Makes sense.