Why do women find men with "pretty boy" features attractive?

I believe that women find these types of men attractive because it symbolizes (to them) a sensitivity in men that is hard to come by. When a man exhibits these so-called feminine features, women tend to hope that they are sensitive, and have more "feminine" qualities. I think women hope that men like this will understand them better. Also, I think older women admire these men because their "beauty" reminds them of youth. Men with features like these are also out of the stereo-typical spotlight. Most male figures of admiration have the rugged features you mentioned. I think some women prefer their men to be "soft" in a manly sort of way. Women are crazy, aren't we?

Well, I think it still depends from one woman to another. However, I think the research had a strong point about the feminine-like features of men bringing out the maternal instinct of women. I think I have heard in the past that it depends on the menstrual cycle of the woman - if she's on she tends to find pretty boys attractive and if she's not, she tends to find more masculine-looking guys attractive. And yeah, they sure grab a girl's attention.

Hi Joshua, I can't tell of others but as for me i am kind of a blend of both. I like both variety of men attractive and adorable. Jude Law, Orlando bloom...have a certain appeal which is quite different from Stallone, Van damme, Sean connery...I like both the types. However, a perfect blend, like Tom cruise.., is more adorable. Joshua, it's very difficult say what works for one and what doesn't. I have friends who had fancied masculine hunks all through their adolescence but ended up marrying a sweet choc'late boy next door and vice versa!! So, Love is a enigmatic - you never know whom you will fall for. Have a nice day.

trust me, it's not about cute. prettyboys are extremely sensual, sensitive and sexy. I think they're fantastic. and in make up, just heavenly.

I think that every woman has her own taste in judging a man she likes as her lifelong partner. It is the same with humans, some of whom are tall while some of whom are short. What do you think about it, jushua_w?

I read the same study some time ago Joshua. A few of my other internet buddies had a more pessimistic (possibly nihilistic) reasoning to why women go for the pretty boys. Yes, it is because of the quest for the sensitive man, but this is only to have a stable provider, father figure, ability to relate to the feminine condition and yes less likely to cheat. On the side, women still want the bolder, masculine male as a protector and more importantly potent lover (there is also a genetic benefit to offspring with such a mate); the women are also willing to cheat in order to have the best of both worlds. After further research, reading, stories, notes, etc, I found out this was an alpha male (genetic) vs beta male (societal) condition, it was most intriguing. I don't think this is the ultimate say all about the situation, but I do find myself being a bit more cautious.

No, I DON't ALWAYS find men with "pretty boy" features attractive. It will also depend on their attitudes. If he has "pretty boy" features but his attitude is selfish, girlish or arrogant, for instance, I don't feel attractive at all.

Are you kidding me? I cannot stand pretty boys. I like rugged men, who know how to work hard, and know how to be respectful. I don't want to be with someone I can probably beat up. LOL

I don't know about all that I've dated both but the man I fell in love with is far from being a pretty boy.He weighs about 240lbs and has red hair and the whitest skin you can imagine.

i dunno about "pretty boys" but a lot girls in the company i work for goes out with scums. these scums are rude, pock mark face, long hair, has no job, low intelligence (all they talk about is "last nights party), drunk 24/7, smokes like a chimney, have no money, shouts and scolds their wifes in public, beat their wife and kids, and wow..they think their husband is hot. a few actually dates the likes too!

I was about to say that I don't like men with this feature, but I saw you listed Jude Law and I am in love with him :D He is the most beautiful man I have ever seen. Then I checked the second place in my list and Keanu is there, and I think he has pretty boy features as well. I never thought of them like having feminine features though. They are just beautiful.

Hi Joshua! Well, for me, Leonardo DiCaprio is one of my celebrity crushes, but that's really the only "pretty boy" that I am into. Well, I like Johnny Depp, too. I guess he could be considered a pretty boy. For both of them though, I find them most attractive when they have facial hair. Otherwise they're just too sissy-looking. Normally I prefer the more rugged type. I understand what you mean by pretty boys are more faithful. I don't really know why but I feel that way too. But for me, I just think that the more masculine guys would be more able to take care of his girl. Do you get what I'm saying?

Well, I rather fancy Orlando Bloom, but that has more to do with the fact that I think he's a talented actor. Personality, talent, and a sense of humor are far more appealling to me than a pretty face, or a rugged one for that matter. Let's just say I was never a big fan of Fabio, whose entire reason for exsisting seemed to be his good looks. The person I've committed to sharing my life with isn't a pretty boy, but he is my best friend, and that's more important than anything!

Well I'm a guy, so obviously I can't speak for women at all. However, when I ready your post, a few thoughts came to mind. 1) In ancient times, a large and masculine man was considered attractive, as he was most likely a better provider and protector. However, in Rome a high forehead, aquiline nose, and fine features were considered 'well-bred' and generally more intelligent, indicative of a higher social standing. Rome conquered nearly the entire known Western world at that time, and imposed it's cultural values on all it's subject states. 2) Traditionally, the round and curvacious body type was considered "ideal" for women, as it symbolized the woman's ability to bear children. It wasn't until the 1930's that the media started showcasing the anorexic body-type common on-screen today. 3) In both cases, the natural definitions of beauty were overridden and replaced by those who had something to gain from it. Nowadays, the majority of the population accepts what they see on television as their standard of beauty, and then spend billions of dollars annually trying to live up to that standard. Things to think about... :-) From personal experience, I can tell you that the single-most attractive quality any man can have, that is guaranteed to attract more women, is self-confidence. If you have a strong and innate sense of self, and are not afraid to laugh at your own faults, and spend more time learning about your date than talking about yourself, women will find you attractive whether you're Jude Law or Cro-Magnon Man. That, or a large bank account. :-) ~David

I think you have said it all! You seem to have a 'pretty face'. Best of luck! LOL!

Outlook presentation of a person tell a story. By standing near a guy and looking at his personal appearance, I can at least tell whether he has taken a shower, combed his hair, brushed his teeth or ironed his clothes. All these grooming thing needs effort and only those who care about these little things will do it. So in general I will be able to make a conclusion from his appearance what type of attitude he holds. Being neat and tidy, and pretty looking needs effort and care. If he is caring enough to look neat and tidy, it is hoped that he has the care to treat his spouse the way he treats himself. That is the reason behind all this, I think.

hmm.. I think women like them because by first look they seem so soft or sensitive. It is generally said that men have less sensitiviness than women. May be as the face is the mirror of the person, traditionally women find delicate look to be more dependable. But there are variations too.