I’m currently researching for a novel where our protagonist comes across someone with unsettling symmetrical beauty, and I wondered what the reaction would be. I asked google Gemini to explore this for me, and got this response.
The relationship between perfect symmetry and beauty, and its bearing on sexual attraction, is complex and a subject of ongoing research in evolutionary psychology and aesthetics.
Here’s a breakdown of the current understanding:
- Perfect Symmetry and Beauty:
General Preference: Humans tend to find symmetry pleasing, and this extends to facial and bodily symmetry. This preference is often attributed to its prevalence in nature (e.g., snowflakes, butterflies) and its association with health and efficiency. Asymmetry can sometimes signal illness, genetic disorders, or developmental instability.
Evolutionary Basis: From an evolutionary perspective, highly symmetrical features are considered an “honest signal” of good genes, health, and developmental stability. Individuals with strong immune systems and good genetic quality are more likely to develop symmetrically despite environmental stressors. Therefore, a preference for symmetry may have evolved as a way to identify desirable mates for reproductive success.
The “Too Perfect” Paradox: While symmetry is generally attractive, there’s a nuanced point where perfect symmetry can sometimes be perceived as unnatural or even unsettling. Some research suggests that while perfectly symmetrical designs are more pleasing to the brain, they aren’t necessarily the most beautiful. There might be an “optimal level of stimulation” that balances order and complexity. Complete flawlessness might be seen as less “human” or relatable. - Bearing on Sexual Attraction:
Indicator of Health and Fertility: Facial and bodily symmetry are consistently linked to perceived attractiveness in both men and women. For men, symmetrical faces and certain body proportions (e.g., V-shaped torso, broad shoulders) are considered attractive. For women, symmetrical faces, full lips, high cheekbones, and a low waist-to-hip ratio are often seen as attractive cues for fertility. These preferences are believed to be rooted in evolutionary drives to select healthy and reproductively successful mates.
Subconscious Processing: The brain seems to be “hard-wired” to respond positively to symmetrical faces, activating reward pathways. This suggests an innate, subconscious component to our attraction to symmetry.
Beyond Physicality: While physical attractiveness, including symmetry, plays a significant role in initial attraction and mate selection, it’s crucial to remember that it’s not the only factor. Personality, intelligence, kindness, humor, and social status are also very important in long-term attraction and relationship satisfaction. The “ick” phenomenon, for example, highlights how behavioral or personality traits can quickly diminish attraction, regardless of physical appearance. - The Role of Slight Flaws/Imperfections:
Relatability and Authenticity: The idea that slight flaws or imperfections can increase sexual attraction isn’t necessarily about finding imperfections themselves beautiful, but rather about the overall perception of a person. A completely “perfect” artificial person might lack the subtle nuances, expressions, and authentic human qualities that contribute to deeper connection and attraction. Imperfections can make someone seem more relatable, genuine, and unique.
“Humanizing” Effect: Minor, non-debilitating imperfections can humanize a person, making them feel more approachable and less like an unattainable ideal. We often connect with others through shared humanity, which includes our vulnerabilities and less-than-perfect aspects.
Individual Variation: What one person considers a “flaw” another might find endearing or unique. Personal preferences play a significant role. - Artificial Persons and Optimal Sexual Attraction:
Hypothetical Optimal Attractiveness: If we were to create an artificial person with an athletic body and perfect symmetry, it might be perceived as highly aesthetically pleasing according to many universal beauty standards. From a purely evolutionary “good genes” perspective, such a being would signal optimal health and developmental stability.
The Missing Element: However, it’s debatable whether such a creation would be optimally sexually attractive in a holistic sense. Sexual attraction in humans is multifaceted, involving emotional, intellectual, and even spiritual connections, in addition to physical allure. An artificial person, no matter how physically perfect, might lack the dynamic, evolving, and sometimes unpredictable qualities that make human interaction and relationships so compelling and sexually stimulating.
Evolutionary Responsiveness to Imperfections: Our evolution has indeed made us responsive to cues of health and genetic fitness, which symmetry often represents. But it has also shaped us to value personality, social interaction, and emotional connection. The very real, lived experience of human beings, with their inherent complexities and minor imperfections, might be what truly drives sustained sexual arousal and attraction, rather than a sterile, flawless ideal.
In conclusion, while perfect symmetry signals health and good genes and is generally considered attractive, the human experience of beauty and sexual attraction is far richer. Slight imperfections, rather than detracting from attraction, can sometimes enhance it by making a person more relatable, authentic, and uniquely human, which are qualities that resonate deeply with our evolved social and emotional needs.