The secret to long-lasting love could be as simple as dating a frog instead of a prince.
Relationships are more likely to be successful when the woman is paired up with a less attractive man, according to a new study.
Researchers from Florida State University and Southern Methodist University in Texas analyzed 113 newlyweds, all married less than four months, in their late 20s land living in the Dallas area.
A full-body photograph was taken of each subject, who was ranked on a scale of 1 to 10 in terms of facial and body attractiveness.
The researchers also gave the lovebirds questionnaires focused on their willingness to diet and stay in shape.
Some of the statements presented were “I feel extremely guilty after eating,” “I like my stomach to be empty” and “I’m terrified of gaining weight.”
The study had “Beauty and the Beast” results — women were happier with less genetically blessed hubbies, who compensated in the relationship with acts of kindness, including giving gifts, sexual favors or completing extra housework, according to Esquire UK.
“The husbands seemed to be basically more committed, more invested in pleasing their wives when they felt that they were getting a pretty good deal,” the study said.
Meanwhile, women who had hot husbands were found to more likely obsess over exercising and dieting in an effort to be slim.
“The results reveal that having a physically attractive husband may have negative consequences for wives, especially if those wives are not particularly attractive,” said Tania Reynolds, an FSU psychology doctoral student.
“One way to help these women is for partners to be very reaffirming, reminding them, ‘You’re beautiful. I love you at any weight or body type,’ ” Reynolds said.
“Or perhaps focusing on the ways they are a good romantic partner outside of attractiveness and emphasizing those strengths: ‘I really value you because you’re a kind, smart and supportive partner.’ ”
The study was published in the journal Body Image.