Huberman Lab Essentials: How Humans Select & Keep Romantic Partners in the Short & Long Term | Dr. David Buss
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Oct 2, 2025 Dr. David Buss, a prominent evolutionary psychologist at the University of Texas at Austin, dives deep into the fascinating world of human mate selection. He reveals universal traits that individuals seek in long-term partners, like kindness and intelligence. The discussion contrasts men’s preferences for physical attractiveness with women’s focus on resources and ambition. Buss also explores darker couple dynamics, such as the evolutionary roles of jealousy, mate deception in online dating, and even stalking motivations. His insights bridge psychology and biology for a profound understanding of romantic relationships.
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Sexual Selection Explains Mate Preferences
- Sexual selection shapes mate preferences via intrasexual competition and preferential mate choice.
- Preferences of one sex drive competition and trait amplification in the other sex.
Universal Traits For Long-Term Mates
- Universally desired long-term traits include intelligence, kindness, and emotional stability.
- These qualities show up across cultures as foundations for committed partnerships.
Women Prioritize Resource Trajectory
- Women prioritize men's earning capacity, status, and ambition for long-term mates.
- They often assess men's resource trajectories rather than just current wealth.
