Most of us would believe that we each have our individual preferences for what we find sexually attractive in the opposite sex, however according to evolutionary psychologists, "many of the traditional and universal qualities which we link to sex appeal are grounded not merely in assimilated social and cultural traditions as we have been told, but are deeply rooted in our basic physiological make-up" (Norman, 2003). The interest in sexual attraction and mate selection began with Darwin 1871. Donald Symons (1979, cited in Hatfield and Rapson 1996, p.38) believed that, "in the course of evolution, men and women became programmed differently from one another and to desire very divergent characteristics in a mate". .
According to evolutionary psychologists the fundamental reason why we are sexually attracted to people is based on reproductive and parenting potential and the ability to pass on our genes. It is argued that "falling in love is just a practical means to an end" (Norman, 2003). For a man because it is all about ensuring his genes are passed on to as many people as possible, it is important for the women to be fertile and healthy, as this is not initially obvious the physical cues such as "clear skin, shinny hair, full lips and ultimately youth" (Cunningham 1990, cited in Hatfield & Rapson, 1996, p.33) are relied on, but this assumption may not always be able to be made. It is implied therefore by the evolutionary perspective that if you are infertile you are not sexually attractive and furthermore would fertility be an important factor in a one-night stand situation or a short-term relationship?.
For a woman although there are certain physical attributes a man can have that are desirable, such as "big eyes, prominent cheek bones, strong jaw and chin" (Cunningham 1990, cited in Hatfield & Rapson, 1996, p.33), they are not however one of her main priorities in choosing a mate; wealth and security are much more important.