Attraction Matters: Or Does It?

How much does appearance matter when it comes to forming relationships? This talk looks at the way in which our physical appearance – and other factors – affect our decisions about romance.

When it comes to relationships, a pervasive stereotype is that physical appearance matters more than anything else in determining attraction. But is there any truth to this idea? And what about the old idea that beauty is only skin deep? In this talk, Social Psychologist, Viren Swami will suggest that appearance does matter, but that it’s importance to romantic decision-making has been overblown. He will talk about other person-centred factors too – especially the quality of being ‘nice’. He will also present evidence that physical attractiveness is not a static quality – that being ‘nice’ can make a person seem more physically attractive. He will also discuss why, even though appearance does matter, we probably don’t need to worry too much about appearances when it comes to romantic relationships.

And if that’s not enough, we’ll be singing our hearts out, hearing stories from members of the community, drinking a vat of tea/coffee and eating a heck of a lot of biscuits afterwards too.

BSL interpretation will be provided.

We can’t wait to see you there and have fun celebrating life with you all!

Sunday Assembly London is free to attend and runs entirely on donations. Please support us if you can to keep it free for those who can’t.