Why personal development is sexy

[Zukin]

I was reading through some research papers on Google Scholar - particularly looking at research on human mating - and found this paper:

SpringerLink - Journal Article

Check out the abstract:
Two studies (Ns = 1,113 and 98) examined University men and womens’ differing preferences for singles ads as a function of the values declared by ad-writers, using Kasser and colleagues’ distinction between extrinsic values (financial success, status/fame, and image/attractiveness) and intrinsic values (emotional intimacy, community contribution, and personal growth). In general, participants preferred writers espousing intrinsic values. Women, compared to men, especially preferred partners espousing intrinsic values. They also expressed less interest in partners espousing extrinsic values, with one exception: compared to men, they were more interested in partners espousing financial success values. Implications for debates regarding the evolved versus sociological origins of gender differences are discussed, as well as implications for theories of attraction based on the matching hypothesis.

Personal growth and contribution is sexy!

[The David]

Well, I know I wouldn't date someone who wasn't into it.

[Plato]

Hmmm. I wonder if internet dating is representative of real life interactions.

[Akashic_Librarian]

Well I am not too picky. Just as long as my girlfriend has a good degree of intelligence, common sense, and who has a passion for or at least a curiousity towards conscious growth.

[Addict]

Making yourself a better person generally makes you more attractive to others.

Unless people are looking for a Marla Singer.