Approachability is attractive.
A heartening start; it pays not to be too handsome. Of course, men blessed with symmetrical features, chiseled jaws and great hair will always score higher in the attractiveness stakes, but several studies have shown that women tend to be more attracted to approachable, average looks when looking for a long-term partner.

Selflessness wins out.
In another happy revelation, it turns out that most women will still choose kind and considerate men over ‘bad boys’. In a 2016 study, led by the universities of Worcester and Sunderland, over 200 women were asked to assess a dozen online dating profiles, and the majority preferred the more altruistic men over the traditionally handsome, but less generous options.

An older man is a more attractive man.
Worried that you might be ‘past it’? Gladly, your fears are unfounded. Several studies have discovered that women, of any generation, tend to prefer men a couple of years older than them. Dubbed ‘The George Clooney Effect’ by researchers, this hard-wiring is allegedly a legacy from our cave-dwelling days, when older men would have more resources, connections and respect.

Personality (and humour) counts.
Don’t act like you’re surprised. For generations, women have been telling man that a sense of humour not only matters — but might even be the most important and attractive quality a man can possess. We, the more sceptical sex, have raised our eyebrows at the claim. But it checks out.

Show your sensitive side — and get a dog.
That’s right; adopt a dog and you’ll immediately be perceived as more attractive by the fairer sex. It’s a popular myth, but there have been a handful of studies that actually back up the claim, and prove the positive effect man’s best friend can have on his chances with women. Chief among these; dog ownership makes you appear a more caring person.

A light beard is your best bet.
We’re trying to steer clear of physical qualities here. After all, telling people that women find men over six-feet-tall more attractive (spoiler; they do) isn’t going to help the shorter gents out there. But, bar the follicularly-challenged, almost every adult man can grow some sort of facial hair — and a light beard can do wonders in the dating game.

Be a risk taker.
Not all risks, of course. There are certain levels of daredevilry that’ll get you noticed for the right reasons; but being cavalier with your health, or the safety of others for example, likely won’t get you a second date. In 2006, Evolutionary Psychology split these risky activities into six categories; Recreational, Ethical, Gambling, Investing, Health, Social.