We're more attracted to people who look like us

In observing the couples in my immediate circle -- be it friends, family, or co-workers -- I've made an observation that research in the field of psychology, incidentally, backs up: People pair up with those who resemble them physically.

I'm sure there are always exceptions to this rule (like one partner being a lot younger than the other) but, in general, it seems people like hooking up with others who are in their same league looks-wise.

Let's take Hollywood. You'd be hard-pressed to find the likes of Heidi Klum and Giselle with short, overweight men. Ever seen Leonardo DiCaprio with anyone who isn't drop dead gorgeous? Me neither.

If both seem at opposite ends of the attractiveness spectrum, however, it may be a rare instance in which:

Something other than looks brought them together -- maybe they've been friends from an early age
The more attractive person stands to gain something from the pairing (money, perhaps?)
Looks were never a factor (e.g. the man's self-confidence and sense of humor more than make up for his unappealing physical appearance)

Not surprisingly, my skinny friends find thin women attractive, and my beefier friends are drawn to the voluptuous type. What's more, the really tall ones tend to gravitate toward women who are at least taller than average.

I don't have as many female friends as I do male buddies, but I can only surmise that they think along the same lines. For example, I worked with a chunky girl named Elizabeth at my last company. She and I have remained close friends despite the fact that I left to work at another firm close to 4 years ago. Judging from the guys she's dated since I met her, her preference for heavier guys is pretty obvious.

Just as we prefer being around people who share our interests -- whether it's gardening, sports, or coin collecting -- we prefer becoming romantically involved with those who's physical attributes mirror ours. I suppose it's just one of many examples that demonstrate people's tendency to feel comfortable with similarity, or what's familiar to us. It may also have to do with societal expectations: People may fear they would look awkward in public with someone whose physical characteristics differ drastically from theirs.

What's your take?

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