While few women enjoy hearing about a man's exes, research shows we're more attracted to those with some dating experience—but not too much. A recent study published in the journal Human Nature reveals that 1 to 4 past girlfriends is the sweet spot for desirability.
Australian researchers presented photos of men to 123 female university students, each labeled with the man's number of previous romantic relationships.
The results? Men with 1-4 past romances topped the ratings. Those with zero fared poorly, as women saw them as lacking validation from other partners. Meanwhile, men claiming more than five appeared less reliable.
"We realized these women were judging suitors based on their partner count," explains lead researcher Ryan Anderson. Younger women, in particular, favor men whose romantic history signals proven appeal and value in the dating market.
