The scientific answer to this question would be an imprecise “it depends”. Although it is difficult to generalize on this topic, it seems that many investigations reach the conclusion that in general they choose a different type of man depending on the relationship they want to maintain, and they do not always opt for masculine traits and dominant character .
The best-known study in this regard was led by psychologist Martie Haselton, from the University of California, Los Angeles. The factor that emerged as decisive was the moment of the menstrual cycle in which they were. In reality, it was a meta-analysis that evaluated other investigations and that detected the origin of the discrepancies of opinion regarding their partner in the same person.
What happens is that, during ovulation, women would prefer supermen, that is, individuals who present a very masculine facial and body appearance – strong and square jaw, broad shoulders … – and with a competitive personality. According to the researchers who conducted this meta-study, they are then attracted to future parents who can give strong and healthy children for the fight for life.
However, during the rest of the days of the month they would look in their partner for characteristics associated with parentage and care of the offspring: rounded face, tender gaze and a tendency to compromise.
The hypothesis defended by this study has found many detractors in the academic field, who claim that the behavior described does occur in the animal world but cannot be applied to that of human beings.
