If I asked what you thought to be an attractive attribute in a person -- one that doesn't get as much recognition as it merits -- what would you say?
While everyone's taste varies, I'd say that intelligence -- a trait that, in my estimation, makes someone much more attractive and likeable -- tends to gets the shaft.
Check out online dating profiles and you'll see that people state they are looking for someone who embodies these characteristics:
- Sweet
- Fun
- Funny
- Adventurous
- Romantic
- Kind
- Affectionate
- Faithful
- Honest
- Communicative
While these are all great qualities to possess in their own right, why is intelligence not a more highly desired trait?
The truth of the matter is that there are probably a lot more people who long for brains than they let on -- just as there are probably more chubby chasers in the world than we think.
However, society has brainwashed many people into equating intelligence with nerdiness. And when they think nerdiness, they picture the skinny kid with coke-bottle glasses whose work the other kids copy (and who gets picked on for his lunch money).
It's an image seared into the minds of many since their school days -- one that's very hard to shake off.
But these people are certainly going about it the wrong way.
Some of the brightest people I know don't even wear glasses -- nor do they walk or talk awkwardly as geeks are portrayed in shows like Saved by the Bell.
In addition, it's safe to say that many people are intimidated by intellectual types because they don't feel they can hold their own in deep conversations about anything from politics to science.
But there's no reason to feel insecure around bright minds. There may be one you come across occasionally who tries to be a smartass, but for the most part, smart people are not about showboating -- not the ones you want to be around, at least.
In my view, people should assign more weight to intelligence when assessing the traits they yearn for in a partner. Imagine all the things you can learn from this individual.
It's time people thought less about physical appearance and material junk and more about qualities like intelligence, which will serve them -- and their partner -- in good stead.
What's your take on this? Does intelligence loom large in your mind?
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