The physical risk takers in life are men, apparently.
And apparently, they are mostly doing it to get us into bed!
80% of skydivers are men, and two thirds of rock climbers are men. Why? Are they simply more adventurous? Do they seek more adrenalin than women? Are the braver?
Researches from Florida State University used the game of blackjack to see if men and women thought differently in terms of risk: and the possibility of sex.
Men, who were provoked by the possibly of sex and/or a relationship, were much more likely to take risks with blackjack if they saw pictures of beautiful women right before the game. Men with no motivation for sex or a relationship with a woman did not increase their risk taking. This result, to researchers, shows that men will take bigger risks if sex is the reward.
The women in the study did not increase their risks playing blackjack, regardless of any images they saw beforehand.
Back in our hunter/gatherer days, women were more attracted to the men who took huge risks out in the hunting grounds, than men who either stayed home, or came home without meat. The man who returned with an animal - the perceived greater risk-taker - was considered a better provider, and thus was more appealing.
Has little changed?
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Do you find adventuresome men more attractive? Is a risk-taker a turn on for you?
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I have to admit to a giggle at the thought of men risking it all at blackjack because they saw a picture of an attractive woman right before they played cards! But I guess jumping off a cliff is the same behavior whether it's a card game or an actual cliff -- it all has to do with the experience, the perceived win and, I imagine, testosterone. It's the human equivalent of the male peacock showing off his plumage in the wild, perhaps -- all the better to attract a mate.
Funny, though, I think of "adventuresome" men and risk-takers in two different categories. An adventuresome man might ride a motorcycle; a risk-taker would do it without a helmet. An adventuresome man might go rock-climbing; a risk-taker might do anything to be the first at the top. I'm very attracted to the former, but not at all to the latter.
I also think it probably differs if a woman is looking for a fun date or a life partner. An adventuresome man will also venture out into malls and chick flicks; a risk-taker would probably rather bungee jump than be seen being vulnerable in a movie theater.
All this, and to think how much further they'd get if they'd give up control of the remotes, change the baby more often, do the dishes and run us a bubble bath, lol!
December 26, 2008 - 4:46pmThis Comment
Yes, I think testosterone has a lot to do with it! And I agree with you about the risk-taker -- that type doesn't seem all that smart. And brains as well as intuitiveness are a major part of the whole attraction thing. Not to mention that the ability to cook adds major bonus points....
December 27, 2008 - 11:20pmThis Comment