Physical attractiveness may serve as a gatekeeper directing us toward partners who are healthy, age appropriate, and able to reproduce (Weeden and Sabini, 2005). Physical attractiveness may be so important to us because we associate other positive qualities with a pleasing appearance.

How important is physical attraction in a relationship?

In any case, finding someone with a comparable level of physical beauty to you can help you have a more successful long-term relationship. Overall, research suggests that appearance is a substantial component, if not the most important component, in a relationship. We want to be attracted to the person were dating.