In an attempt to avoid seeming shallow when it comes to dating, people often claim that they are looking for a partner with intelligence rather than good looks. They proudly claim that they’re not shallow because they can see past what a person looks like.
This may sound like the “right thing to do,” and it is a small step in the right direction, however, to me it seems like it is just trading one type of superficiality for another.
Sure, smarts have their benefits, but I do not believe that their value outweighs an attractive appearance. Brains and beauty are both fairly straightforward and ephemeral. As humans grow older, outer appearances always change and intelligence follows shortly behind. Instead of initiating attraction based on one of these factors, I believe that an individual’s personality should be the central component.
The Myers-Briggs Personality Test
Encased behind the guises of others’ outer appearance and intelligence levels lies what truly defines people and makes them unique. It is their personality. It cannot be precisely measured, ranked, or easily organized into categories. It is as original as a thumbprint and arguably even more fascinating. The most interesting quality of a human personality is its ability to captivate others completely, without relying on physical means. This, unfortunately, can also seem unappealing to people because there is no ranking in personality. Therefore, there isn’t any status or hierarchy that comes with having a mate who has a certain personality type. The lack of competition turns many away from pursuing character.
Despite how obtuse someone may be, looking at their character as opposed to their GPA could give you an entirely new perspective. They could have an irresistible sense of humor, an exuberant and irrepressible happiness, or a quiet and demure charm.
None of these qualities require any adept intelligence or breathtaking good looks, they are simply all about the true essence of a person.
Ultimately, beauty and brains fade, and all a person is left with is the core of their personality.
Eternally In Progress 