Dr. Paul Eastwick is a psychologist and researcher known for his groundbreaking studies on partner preferences. He reveals that what people say they want in a partner often diverges from reality, highlighting emotional stability as the top trait sought. The discussion covers gender differences in attraction, the impact of biases on mate evaluation, and how big data can enhance dating app matchmaking. Eastwick also delves into the complexities of romantic desires and the evolving nature of relationships in modern society.

Eli Finkel and Paul Eastwick, relationship experts from Northwestern and UC Davis respectively, discuss how rom coms shape our views on love. They dive into the myths and truths behind classic films, revealing the importance of vulnerability and authenticity in relationships. By analyzing beloved movies like 'Notting Hill' and 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind', they highlight unrealistic portrayals and offer practical advice for modern romance. Ultimately, they encourage listeners to seek genuine connections beyond cinematic fantasies.

According to the popular, evolutionary theory of human attraction, people select romantic partners based on objective assessments of what's called their "mate value" -- the extent to which an individual possesses traits like good looks and status. But is that really all that's behind the way people pair up?My guest today has done a series of studies which add greater nuance to the mysteries of romantic attraction. His name is Paul Eastwick and he's a professor of psychology at USC Davis. We begin our conversation unpacking the fact that there's sometimes a gap between the sexual and romantic partners people say they prefer in the abstract, and the partners they actually choose in real life. We then turn to whether or not the popular idea that men value physical attractiveness more than women, and that women value status and resources more than men, is really true. We also talk about how people's consensus over who is and isn't attractive changes over time, and whether it's true that people of equal attractiveness generally end up together. We end our conversation discussing how these research-based insights can be applied to the real world of dating, and why less attractive people may have better luck meeting people offline than on.Some interesting insights in this show that lend credence to the old adage that there's someone for everyone. Get the show notes at aom.is/eastwick.

Join leading psychologists Dr. Paul Eastwick and Eli Finkel as they dissect modern dating dynamics. They tackle the significance of scent in attraction and the disparity between stated and revealed preferences, revealing surprising truths about what people truly desire. The conversation highlights flexibility in romantic preferences, the influence of dating apps, and how societal norms shape perceptions of love. They also critique cinematic portrayals of desire, emphasizing the evolving understanding of relationships in contemporary culture.

Join Dr. Paul Eastwick, a UC Davis professor studying romantic attraction, and Dr. Eli Finkel, a Northwestern University professor and author, as they dissect the truths and myths of romantic comedies. They explore whether love at first sight really exists and challenge the idea that opposites attract. Discover how films misrepresent intimacy and the complexities of relationships. With insights from iconic movies like 'When Harry Met Sally,' they emphasize the need to recognize both the charming and misleading aspects of cinematic love.