But that study ONLY used looks as a criteria for voting. People are evaluating more than that.

Sure, but you can control for other factors. There's always more going on in an individual case, but that's why you build up stats over multiple observations. And when you do that, including when you control for other factors, you still get the consistent result: better-looking people do better, in everything from winning votes to getting a higher salary to the paramedics spending longer trying to resuscitate you when you flatline.

Well, sometimes you are just too pretty for a paramedic to let you die.

Or for God to let you die.

Are they voting for the dude based on the fact that he's tall and good looking? I think that's a way oversimplification.

remember Dan Quayle? (snerk)

But there have been studies showing that attractive people not only do better socially, but also tend to get raises, promotions, better performance evaluations, and so on. And, being attractive and being treated as being better than the non-attractive, probably engenders a sense of confidence, that amplifies the effect.

Also, Shir - there was an article in the paper's Sunday travel section about street harassment while traveling and there was a mention of Hollaback Israel.

I've kicked enough guys in the nads to know I don't want testicles. No doubt on my part. Punch me in the tits if you want. I don't care.

I would not so much say that I don't want testicles as I don't want to be kicked in the testicles. And I would say that, quite possibly loudly and frantically as circumstances warrant.

Personally, I'd rather not be kicked anywhere.

And I would say that, quite possibly loudly and frantically as circumstances warrant.

Oh, they told me not to do it. But I did it anyway. Not having testicles is probably safer where I'm concerned.

I loved the guy who'd trade me a tit punch for every groin shot (he, by the way, was so good looking that a bunch people treated him like shit because they figure he got everything he wanted). Hello! I'll do this all day. Square up and let's go.

I have never wanted to be a guy, although I would definitely have a penis for a day, if I could. But I think if I were a man, I would also be a woman for a day, just to get the pther perspective.

My looks are average, but I have big boobs and I can be vivacious, friendly and very polite. Have I ever tried to leverage appeal to get something? Yes, of course. People use whatever they have to try to gain what they want/need in certain situations. I've tugged the V-neck lower, leaned over the bar and smiles at the bartender at a busy bar to try to get faster service...but I am also friendly, courteous, and leave a tip.

I know I've had men pull over to help me with car troubles or heavy things, because I am a short, kinda cute woman, but never have I used sexual favors to get something.

At work, as a teacher, I do not accent my attributes. I don't frump myself up, but I am very aware of perceptions from students, parents, administrators and teachers. I've never flirted at work (with co-workers, not students, obviously!) I dress fasionably, but somewhat conservatively. My first year teaching, I wore some things that I didn't think a thing of, because to me, they were cute outfits, but not especially provocative or shocking, but I underestimated teen hormones.

I learned that lesson. I see young female teachers dressed certain ways, and then I hear how students discuss them, and I cringe, knowing that certainly I was the butt of similar convos my first year. I don't try to HIDE my boobs or my hips, but I choose clothes that, while they are flattering, cover up cleavage, bra straps and make it it clear I am wearing panties.

In a social situation, I don't really think about exploiting my body or looks; I think of them as part of the whole package, being appealing, and funny and likeable and polite -- greasing the social wheels, so people will want to be helpful.

And in situations where I HAVE tried to leverage my body, it's been in places, like the aforementioned bar, where being a cute girl/handsome guys is just part of the flirtation game, and people know the call-and-response; it's social networking.

But in anything career-oriented, I only TRY to use my pleasantness and my intellect. If people work with me because they perceive me as attractive, well, all right then. Because I know damn well that that's not my main skill set. And if other people don't realize that after knowing me for longer than 5 minutes, they are damn fools, because I have never, EVER pretended to be dumb.

Huh. Where is the focus to this statement? I dunno. I think I need to eat dinner!

Other people have said things about the biology of attractive people, and sexism and disadvantages to both sexes more intelligently than I have, so I am going to go stuff my face with something.

I have always liked having boobs, always will. I think they're great! But the things I have gotten in life because of my tits/looks are neligible, so I wouldn't be fussed if everyone became look-blind tomorrow. I've been the ugliest girl in the room; I've been the cutest. Usually, I am dead average, and I'm fine with that.

Can't say I felt the same as a teenager, but then, as a teenager, I would have though Twilight was a compelling read, too.

Of course, tales of my exploitative feminine wiles would be greatly enhanced by me being able to get a date...but there you go.

As a quick aside to this discussion: my Dad recently told me that the "I'm cute! Bring me something shiny!" thing was in me from an early age. When I was 9 days old, my parents took me to the local pizza parlor. Showing off the cute baby = free pizza, apparently.