What are some things you find attractive/cute/sexy/etc. that others likely don't?

I have an unusual sense of what I find attractive in a potential mate, and I imagine many people have things they find attractive that are rather unique to them as well. Especially permies! (Let's face it, we're a unique bunch.) What are some of yours you are willing to share?

I'll start. Something I find very beautiful on a woman that most people probably wouldn't is the network of veins visible just under the skin, particularly on her forehead, temples, neck, and upper chest. The branching patterns are like rivers or lightning. I've always seen them as being like a natural, built in lace. I like things about a woman that make her unique, and these vein patterns are unique to each woman. Spending time with someone, I find it somehow comforting to gradually learn her unique patterns, and it makes me feel closer (to notice things probably no one else notices), and I find it exciting to always notice new ones (no matter how long you have been together).

Something I find really cute is how many women carry their smart phone in their back jeans pocket and about half of the phone sticks out. I have no idea why it seems so cute. Maybe it's because it makes them seem so petite. Maybe it's because of how utilitarian it is that they can seamlessly grab, use, and replace it in what seems like a fraction of a second while it may take me several seconds just to dig mine out of my pocket. I have no clue; it's just cute.

I once stopped mid-sentence, while talking to a man's mother, when he stood up from his chair. The unfolding of his length and the muscle workings and strength of him were very attractive. Ever check out a person elbows? If they are not ashy, too wrinkly, don't have a giant pocket off fat there, then they can be attractive also. I probably have less 'weird' attractions than I once did, but thanks for the quirky question, it was fun to ponder.

Jewel

I watch a lot of reality shows so here are some things that I have heard from the shows:  honesty and truthfulness, are first and foremost.

Honesty and truthfulness are what women want the most.

Jealousy is really a green-eyed monster, mostly affecting women.  This is not something men are attracted to.

These are just some of my observations.

The one thing that attracted me to men many many years ago is being smart.

I suspect that these are not the answers you were looking for.

Well, I've been happily married/together now for 35 + years.
But back when I was single these are a few of the things I was attracted to.
Of course, the young male, foolish requirement of She must be Hot looking!
Very little or no makeup.
Very little or no jewelry.
Although not required, a girl in blue jeans ALWAYS caught my eye.
Simple clothes that it was ok to get dirty.
A girl that would roll up her sleeves jump in and help with any project.
A girl that would walk off into the mountains and backpack.
In short a  country girl not afraid to get her hands dirty.
And not afraid to put on a dress and go to town!

There I've eliminated 90% of the female population in 1976!

Jordan Holland wrote:....... I imagine many people have things they find attractive that are rather unique to them as well. Especially permies! (Let's face it, we're a unique bunch.) .....

In addition to general attractiveness which probably is a mix of the biological and the psychological, my weakness has always been for women who were athletes and mechanics.  This hit home some years ago when I felt the general attractiveness for a co-worker.  What caused me to really swoon was when she explained to me how best to go about replacing an engine starter on my car, she having spent many hours with her dad underneath the cabs of semi-trucks replacing parts.  The nail in the coffin was when I found out she was an expert Bobcat (skidsteer) operator and was part of a harvesting crew in the area, driving those immense combines that are used on wheat, soybeans, and sunflowers.  To this day with my wife, who was quite athletic in her day, can still impress me in an unusual way:  She was never very mechanically inclined from the start, but over the decades has become self-taught in construction. Her ability in her 70s to construct animal shelters----not only from scratch, but from scrap---is quite impressive and continues to add that element of surprise to our relationship.

My quirks are for girls with scars on their faces or big noses. No idea why. Maybe small "imperfections" make people look more real to me?

Musicians and dancers.  Specifically, morris dancers and preferably long rangy Border dancers, and relevant instruments such as melodeon or drum.  When someone is unconsciously absorbed in the physicality of playing or dancing and has that relaxed power and grace...  Are links allowed?

These guys - oh wow.  When you're watching a dance and your eye is constantly drawn to one link in the chain... (well, either the dancer in the bottom left or the drummer in the middle...)

Anne Miller wrote:I watch a lot of reality shows so here are some things that I have heard from the shows:  honesty and truthfulness, are first and foremost.

Honesty and truthfulness are what women want the most.

This is an interesting one. I think if we ask virtually anyone to choose between dating a dishonest person or an honest person, they will say they want the honest person. Though in practice, when presented with true honesty and truthfulness many people seem to run the other way.

The one thing that attracted me to men many many years ago is being smart.

I suspect that these are not the answers you were looking for.

I feel, sadly, that this is one that definitely fits the topic at hand. I get the impression that there is a much higher percentage of women on permies who find intelligence attractive than in the general population, though. I have found that this is one area where first dates and job interviews are starkly similar. If I am told at either how wonderfully smart they think I am, I pretty much know right then that it's over. For some reason people seem to always want to tell you how smart you are right before they treat you like you are stupid.

Hair tied up in a messy bun!!! No idea why I like it so much but I do. There's something very carefree about it.  And no it is not because I have my hair in a messy bun now...I still liked them even when I had my bowl cut

I don't even notice a guy physically for the most part until he says or does something that impresses me. Then I start noticing sexy physical things, like crows feet and that flat spot between the inner elbow and the curve of the bicep.

The thing that first attracted me to my husband was something that lots of women probably like - a stereotypically feminine trait or interest in an otherwise manly man. I already knew from talking online that he liked dirt biking and street biking and brand new asphalt. I knew he worked in construction. On our walk around my neighbourhood the first time we met in person,  I learned that he's really into flower gardens and will never call something green if it's in fact emerald or teal 🙄 That's when I first started thinking he had potential to be more than a friend.

On women, I think treasure trails are super hot - the hair going from belly button to pubic area. I told my husband that once and he looked at me like I was nuts, so I guess he doesn't agree 😆. I also think winking can be a sexy thing for a woman to do.

My husband likes women with bald heads. He also likes super muscular thighs.

I'm not sure specifically what he likes on guys, but for a while he had a major crush on Jason Momoa...so, everything that goes along with that I guess😁  Oh, actually my husband will swoon over a nice beard.

Oh, Jason's mention of lightening reminds me of my stretch marks. Since puberty I've had horizontal stretch marks running from hip to hip just above my butt, so I guess my booty developed over the course of a week or something 😁

Over half the guys I've been in a relationship with have specifically said they liked them. They were one of those spots they'd run their fingers over and kiss, so I don't think they were just being polite. I've got dark skin, but the stretch marks are light, resulting in quite a colour contrast. They've mostly been compared to tiger or zebra stripes, but one guy said they were like lightening.

So anyone who's self-conscious of their stretch marks can maybe get a confidence boost from that.

This is weird. People keep posting things that I think are attractive, that I thought were things most people wouldn't.

Blue jeans
Athletes/mechanics (women)
scars
big noses
messy bun hair
crow's feet

Am I the only one?

Seeing a grown man act tender towards a baby animal.. especially if it's one that needs help at that moment, like carrying a lost calf or helping a lamb stuck in a feeder, or feeding a bottle to an orphan OMG that is a fast way to make me melt, and to move someone's "hotness" score way up the scale by a big margin.

Women in flannel shirts.   Hiking boots rather than heels.   Our honeymoon was hiking the Appalachian Trail ( we made it on the second try).

Big turn off .... people in general who are aggressive and boastful to prove how tough
/ important they are.

Jordan Holland wrote:This is weird. People keep posting things that I think are attractive, that I thought were things most people wouldn't.

Blue jeans
Athletes/mechanics (women)
scars
big noses
messy bun hair
crow's feet

Am I the only one?

No it's not weird. Probably with the people that are responding are of a more "seasoned" group. With "seasoned people", those things show character and growth of the person and find attractive.

She is spirited and courageous, never timid; always friendly and dependable. This combination gives her a majesty possessed by no other woman.

She has a regal appearance with dignity, strength and well-formed, smoothly muscled body.

Her abdomen is tightly muscled with a well-defined tuck-up. Her hindquarters are strong, broad, muscular and well angulated. Strength and power are embodied in her rear assembly, with strongly muscled upper and lower thighs.

She never appears clumsy, and moves with a long reach and powerful drive.

Her gait denotes strength and power with long, easy strides resulting in no tossing, rolling or bouncing of the body. Her musculature and movement are indicative of strength, stamina and endurance.

Apparently, she is a Great Dane.

Jordan Holland wrote:Something I find really cute is how many women carry their smart phone in their back jeans pocket and about half of the phone sticks out. I have no idea why it seems so cute. Maybe it's because it makes them seem so petite. Maybe it's because of how utilitarian it is that they can seamlessly grab, use, and replace it in what seems like a fraction of a second while it may take me several seconds just to dig mine out of my pocket. I have no clue; it's just cute.

As a woman, I find this annoying! lol

I dream of having big pockets, but then again I'm too petite for big pockets.

Rebecca Blake wrote:

Jordan Holland wrote:Something I find really cute is how many women carry their smart phone in their back jeans pocket and about half of the phone sticks out. I have no idea why it seems so cute. Maybe it's because it makes them seem so petite. Maybe it's because of how utilitarian it is that they can seamlessly grab, use, and replace it in what seems like a fraction of a second while it may take me several seconds just to dig mine out of my pocket. I have no clue; it's just cute.

As a woman, I find this annoying! lol

I dream of having big pockets, but then again I'm too petite for big pockets.

I guess you just have to settle for being cute, then! Hahaha!

I saw a perfect example of this today and thought of this thread. I looked as closely as I dared ("I swear, I'm just looking at your phone, lol") and it was literally half of the phone sticking out. I did notice when she walked, the way the phone moved around reminded me of how tools in a toolbelt move as you walk. Maybe that is why I think it's so cute.

I find watching skilled hands attractive.  Crafting and knifework at the top of the list.  Typing/texting at the bottom.  Just something about the confidence that comes from years of experience.  Infer any innuendo you would like.

I've learned two things from this thread.

What a 'treasure trail' is.

That my near constant attire of jeans and phone in back pocket half out is cute.

I like to see people who are wearing non synthetic materials. I know this is beyond nerd fodder but I hate polyester and spandex and similar with a burning, almost insane, passion. When I see someone in 100% cotton or hemp or what have you, I assume we are on the same page.

And hair that is left alone. By that I don't mean dirty hair or never combed hair, but hair that is left to do it's natural thing, no products in it, and if it blows around messily the person doesn't run to a mirror to hysterically beat down their cowlick lest anyone see that they weren't perfect for five minutes. Especially for men, over grooming to that extent is off putting. Women have been encouraged to be like this from the time they are 12 or so, in fashion magazines and cosmetics ads, with the suggestion that nothing is worse than looking like you don't really care about what you look like. Or don't overly care. It's almost treated like a virtue to re-apply make-up throughout the day and touch up the hair lest it moved since you last sprayed it. Pretty crazy when you think about it but it's hard to convince women that it's unnecessary. If he likes your face, he likes it without you drawing all over it, lol.

It's a hard question for me. It takes me a minimum of a year to find a person attractive.   That said, with no romantic or sexual feelings attached I have been known to obsessively rewatch the moment someone is captured forming a full smile on camera.   Not just a picture but the whole process as the lips stretch wide and the jaw drops to expose teeth and the cheeks bunch up into little balls that push up and narrow the eyes into happy squints.  It always makes me smile and feel happy.

Jordan Holland wrote:

Something I find really cute is how many women carry their smart phone in their back jeans pocket and about half of the phone sticks out. I have no idea why it seems so cute. Maybe it's because it makes them seem so petite. Maybe it's because of how utilitarian it is that they can seamlessly grab, use, and replace it in what seems like a fraction of a second while it may take me several seconds just to dig mine out of my pocket. I have no clue; it's just cute.

My boss Carries hers in her sock even though she is not as attractive as agent 99.

This is an interesting thread.   Independent of sexual or romantic interest I find a *lot* of unusual details about people, animals, landscapes, clouds fascinating.   I have a touch of synaesthesia which may play into that.  It mostly exhibits around "textures" which can range from visual patterns to patterns under my feet or hands to aural "textures".  

What Jordan said about veins in women's (and men's) hands/forearms is very familiar.   It is in fact sexually attractive to me in women...  which ties into being attracted generally to women who are strong/rangy and sometimes strong/stocky.   Similarly, tendons, bony protrusions, and concavities also have a special place.   The hollow of the throat, the ones above the clavicles, behind the ears (let me just leave it there)...   Some of the women I have most been attracted to might have been described by some intended slight or another like "horsey" or "rangy" or "butch".    I'm not in any way against traditionally feminine attributes, but suppose I put practical matters ahead of that.   A good set of calloused hands and a sunlined face are not something I want to pass over!

I am also someone to whom there are few "bad" smells or tastes even.   I have a range of preferences of course, but just a puppies and children want to put everything in their mouths, I find my tastebuds and my nose to be a very useful 'chemical sensor' and letting any emotional reaction to smells and tastes get too involved undermines that.   When others use words like "nasty" or "disgusting" to describe a smell or taste (especially something known to be wholesome like fermented foods, etc.) it puts me off because even though I might not seek those tastes/smells out, I feel like they tell me something.  I'm an intuitive cook, and this ability has made it easier for me to evaluate things I am preparing (raw ingredients and finished products) more objectively...   I do believe I am pheremonally aware of women when they are attracted to me...  it may be an illusion, but it has played out well a few times in my life.

In my life I've had to endure too many "Locker Room" discussions about women's features, all armatured around the "basic standard" model with T&A measurements/styles at forefront.   While I haven't been outrageously promiscuous in my life, I've enjoyed the intimate company of more than just a couple of women, and I can say I've enjoyed the carnal attractions to a wide range of proportions and details, in the macroscopic as well as the microscopic.   I'm a particular fan of body hair on women, so the "treasure trail" comment (though new to me) was particularly apt.   When I first saw an image of Frida Kahlo, I really jonesed on her unibrow.  I kinda like a woman with a latent mustache and am never put off by hairy pits, legs or arms.   I defer to women's grooming choices, so if they prefer to shave/pluck/wax various body parts I try to appreciate the results they achieve but the raw, unadulterated versions are probably my favorite!   Similarly, my favorite perfume is that which the female body produces naturally.  

Jordan Holland wrote:...... it was literally half of the phone sticking out. I did notice when she walked, the way the phone moved around reminded me of how tools in a toolbelt move as you walk. Maybe that is why I think it's so cute.

Possibly.  It some ways, it also reminds me of commentary I saw once from a Hollywood costuming professional.  More specifically, as an adolescent, I recall watching the original Star Trek series and crushing on many of the women on that show, dressed in what would be called 'very modest' attire by today's standards.  But so much of the adornment seemed terribly provocative (not the crews uniforms as much as that of the 'alien' encounters).....and in an interview, the costumer for that show explained why.  He mentioned that nakedness may be titillating, but clothing that is one stitch away from falling off is far more enticing due to the "what if..." factor.  In other words, it may stay in place or it may fall off.....we can't know for sure.....and the "not knowing" is more tickling to the senses.

If the cell phone is half-pocketed bouncing playfully on gyrations of your fixation's derriere (lyric break: "world moves on a woman's hips..." --Talking Heads), then it's half possible of falling out....all of those 'secrets' within potentially falling to the dangers of unknown hands and eyes.  Now you *might* be the one to see it happen--and this would immediately lead to a simultaneous 'damsel rescue' moment as well as a necessary opportunity to engage with the (likely and profusely) thankful maiden.  So perhaps a subconscious "what if..." is at play here along with the more obvious fascinations....?

(Hmmmmm....I'm wondering now if my plum jam fermented on the stove overnight and has affected my evening musings.... :-)  )

I really like men that are humble, which is not a trait that they are often taught. I had a co-worker in a restaurant that had previously been an executive chef but came to work as a line cook. He was looking to get away from all the stress. He didn't like it when people found out his background. He just wanted to be one of the cooks. He was so unlike other chefs, he was kind and humble and beautiful.

Stacy Witscher wrote:I really like men that are humble, which is not a trait that they are often taught. I had a co-worker in a restaurant that had previously been an executive chef but came to work as a line cook. He was looking to get away from all the stress. He didn't like it when people found out his background. He just wanted to be one of the cooks. He was so unlike other chefs, he was kind and humble and beautiful.

I agree, it's very telling sometimes when someone brags extensively vs. a person who has a lot they could brag about, but they have no interest in proving their greatness or being seen as 'the greatest'. Often that person is the greatest.

John Weiland wrote:
If the cell phone is half-pocketed bouncing playfully on gyrations of your fixation's derriere (lyric break: "world moves on a woman's hips..." --Talking Heads), then it's half possible of falling out....all of those 'secrets' within potentially falling to the dangers of unknown hands and eyes.  Now you *might* be the one to see it happen--and this would immediately lead to a simultaneous 'damsel rescue' moment as well as a necessary opportunity to engage with the (likely and profusely) thankful maiden.  So perhaps a subconscious "what if..." is at play here along with the more obvious fascinations....?

(Hmmmmm....I'm wondering now if my plum jam fermented on the stove overnight and has affected my evening musings.... :-)  )

Plums have some great effects on cognitive ability, even if they didn't become 'make you drunk' plums.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3902533/

While it seems to be a moment of overthinking, your conclusions make perfect sense.

John Weiland wrote:

Jordan Holland wrote:...... it was literally half of the phone sticking out. I did notice when she walked, the way the phone moved around reminded me of how tools in a toolbelt move as you walk. Maybe that is why I think it's so cute.

Possibly.  It some ways, it also reminds me of commentary I saw once from a Hollywood costuming professional.  More specifically, as an adolescent, I recall watching the original Star Trek series and crushing on many of the women on that show, dressed in what would be called 'very modest' attire by today's standards.  But so much of the adornment seemed terribly provocative (not the crews uniforms as much as that of the 'alien' encounters).....and in an interview, the costumer for that show explained why.  He mentioned that nakedness may be titillating, but clothing that is one stitch away from falling off is far more enticing due to the "what if..." factor.  In other words, it may stay in place or it may fall off.....we can't know for sure.....and the "not knowing" is more tickling to the senses.

If the cell phone is half-pocketed bouncing playfully on gyrations of your fixation's derriere (lyric break: "world moves on a woman's hips..." --Talking Heads), then it's half possible of falling out....all of those 'secrets' within potentially falling to the dangers of unknown hands and eyes.  Now you *might* be the one to see it happen--and this would immediately lead to a simultaneous 'damsel rescue' moment as well as a necessary opportunity to engage with the (likely and profusely) thankful maiden.  So perhaps a subconscious "what if..." is at play here along with the more obvious fascinations....?

(Hmmmmm....I'm wondering now if my plum jam fermented on the stove overnight and has affected my evening musings.... :-)  )

I don't think that's it, at least for me. I'm not one to gawk, and usually when I see this sight the woman is rather far away, just close enough to register on my radar to garner a look. Even If I was right beside her, I would definitely not be looking at her backside intently enough to notice the phone if it fell, and if it did, my hand would be pretty much at phone level if it happened to be as low as it could naturally reach, so if it fell, it would be unlikely I could move my entire body faster than gravity to catch it.

I have heard that if there were 100 people in a room naked, and one in underwear, then all eyes would be on the one in underwear. I think there's something to what you're saying, but I'm not really sure how I personally fit into it. If a woman dresses or acts in a way in public that screams, "All eyes must be on me!" then I am going to do my damndest not to oblige her. Modesty is extremely sexy, and if a woman were to choose to share more of herself in private, then it makes such a gesture all the more flattering. But even in private, I've never understood the use of things like lingerie. I would personally prefer a woman in her birthday suit in such situations. I think the oversize tshirt dress is both cute and sexy at the same time, far better than just about any lingerie. Then again, sheer fabrics are quite sexy. Especially when there are small panels of a translucent fabric in the middle of normal fabric. Like some exercise outfits I've seen lately. They have patches of geometric shapes of translucent cloth say, on the calves. Shorts would show far more skin, but these long pants with windows are far more titillating like in your example. Maybe we're all just a hodgepodge of likes and dislikes, lol.

Freckles.

No idea why, but when women's ears poke out through their hair it can be a real turn on to me....go figure.  I don't really have a thing for ears otherwise.

I become , near, speechless over freckles and sun spots on the face and body , reminds me of the stars and constellations
a little gap between the front teeth is cute..
I dig a bit of hair under the pits and if it’s not to much , on the legs as well.
A la natural , for me , I don’t even mind a bit of body odor , unless it gets that wang to it

So many people strive for their idea of perfection,  thus they remove or cover the little things that bring out individuality .

Taking initiative is attractive to me. When a man just jumps in to help someone out says a lot about his character.

Work clothes lol if a man comes home or out working in the yard and he’s all dirty I find that sexy.

When a man blushes or gets embarrassed. It is so cute!

Baseball cap (especially with ponytail) on a woman is far cuter than logic would dictate.

Dc Stewart wrote:She is spirited and courageous, never timid; always friendly and dependable. This combination gives her a majesty possessed by no other woman.

She has a regal appearance with dignity, strength and well-formed, smoothly muscled body.

Her abdomen is tightly muscled with a well-defined tuck-up. Her hindquarters are strong, broad, muscular and well angulated. Strength and power are embodied in her rear assembly, with strongly muscled upper and lower thighs.

She never appears clumsy, and moves with a long reach and powerful drive.

Her gait denotes strength and power with long, easy strides resulting in no tossing, rolling or bouncing of the body. Her musculature and movement are indicative of strength, stamina and endurance.

Apparently, she is a Great Dane.

HAHAHA LOL I thought you were describing a horse, but Great Dane, so close.

Ben Child wrote: I become , near, speechless over freckles and sun spots on the face and body , reminds me of the stars and constellations
a little gap between the front teeth is cute..
I dig a bit of hair under the pits and if it’s not to much , on the legs as well.
A la natural , for me , I don’t even mind a bit of body odor , unless it gets that wang to it

So many people strive for their idea of perfection,  thus they remove or cover the little things that bring out individuality .

LOL. Except for the gap in the teeth, I am your perfect physical match.
Never thought Id hear a guy say he likes women  "A la natural ". To bad I'm a Pagan and a vegetarian.

A tall man 5'10" and taller, strong square jaw line, nice sparkling eyes and the weirdest thing I think, is bulging veins on the inside of the forearm, so sexy.

Opal-Lia Palmer wrote:A tall man 5'10" and taller, strong square jaw line, nice sparkling eyes and the weirdest thing I think, is bulging veins on the inside of the forearm, so sexy.

Ha, and I have bulging veins in my forearms , too..f I wasn’t a Christian , I would be a pagan ..nature is my church..it’s the perfect artful expression of the Creator ..

Ben Child wrote:
Ha, and I have bulging veins in my forearms , too..f I wasn’t a Christian , I would be a pagan ..nature is my church..it’s the perfect artful expression of the Creator ..

OMgoddess that is too funny! and..........I tell people all the time, "nature is my church"