On the plane ride home the other day, I read some interesting, if disconcerting, tidbits in Atlantic magazine, including a bit about how and why smart women don't fare so well in the marraige arena. Apparently, many men prefer to be with women who they see as below them in status, at least in the workplace. This according to a study in Evolution and Human Behavior. And another study by some British universities found that intelligence reduces the odds of marragie--by as much as 60 percent for every 15 IQ points above normal.

What I want to know is what is wrong with these men who prefer to be with subordinate airheads. I have never once thought that to be attractive. In fact, I find it very difficult to separate a woman's perceived intelligence from my assesment of their physical attractiveness. For instance, I'd much rather be with a Meryl Streep or a Helen Hunt than a Teri Hatcher or Jennifer Aniston. While the first two are physically beautiful to be sure, I don't think they are primanly known for being sexpots either--but their intelligence makes them so much more alluring than the latter. To be fair, Hatcher and Aniston may be brilliant--I am of course judging solely from their frequent screen personas.

Looks will fade--even in Hollywood. Anyday of the week I'd take someone who can hold an conversation over the latest covergirl. Of course, a few have it both ways--a la Angie Harmon.

Posted by Hey Paul   |   Sunday, March 20, 2005