This Is the Most Attractive Trait in a Partner, New Study Says

Sure, conventional good looks and a boot-camp body can be mighty useful tools when it comes to the dating game. But outward appearance is far from the only characteristic that attracts people to a mate—and keeps them attracted. In fact, the top priorities when it comes to romantic relationships have nothing to do with looks at all, according to respondents of a new survey of Americans in relationships. You might even be surprised to learn what qualities round out the top three spots on the list. Read on to learn what traits people say win their attraction most of all.

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The new study, conducted by OnePoll on behalf of the nonprofit Life Happens insurance, polled 2,000 Americans in relationships to find out what they think are the most attractive traits in a partner. Nearly half of the respondents (44 percent) cited a sense of humor and intelligence at the top of the list. Who doesn't want someone who can tell a smart joke?

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If the top two priorities don't seem too surprising, the third one down the list just might: Nearly as many respondents (42 percent) cited financial security as a key quality for attraction.ae0fcc31ae342fd3a1346ebb1f342fcb

Further, eight in 10 respondents agreed it's now more socially acceptable for women to earn more than their male partners, and 77 percent said it's no longer important for a relationship to have a breadwinner.

And two-thirds of respondents, 66 percent, said they're comfortable bringing up finances with their partner. But interestingly, those same people said they would feel uneasy if their partner turned the tables and brought up those same topics in conversation.

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The survey also revealed just how long it takes people to get comfortable with talking about various weighty topics with their partner—and the results here might surprise you, too. 

For instance, respondents reported needing five months to feel comfortable talking about their salary and overall financial status as a couple. But conversations around money are actually far easier for many than saying "I love you," survey respondents said. Respondents took an average of nine months to say those three little words.  

While the study revealed that it takes people far longer to say "I love you" than to talk about the dicey topic of finances, many of the survey respondents said they knew quickly, or expect to know quickly, exactly what they want out of a relationship. A full 70 percent said they discussed or plan to discuss getting married with their partner less than a year into a relationship.

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As well, the survey asked respondents to specify their self-identified love languages. It found that material gifts were less important to people than heartfelt conversations: Respondents reported "words of affirmation" as the top love language when showing how they feel (34 percent), as well as receiving love from a partner (40 percent). Men were also more likely to prefer receiving love through words of affirmation than were women (46 percent versus 36 percent)."

Quality time came in next on the list as a way people choose to show their love (27 percent), and gifts came in after that at 17 percent. (Something to think about before you hit the stores for Valentine's Day gift shopping!)

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