Definitely about gauging one’s audience, and THAT’S about “social intelligence.” (Which, I notice, is one of the things here NOT being “ranked”.)

I did it once (mentioned my MENSA membership – hey; the guy asked me) after I was invited to join in grad school, on a date. The guy was a PhD and attorney, so I figured it was not a big deal. Never heard from him again.

So never mentioned it on a date again either (among other “social intelligence” lessons from that particular statistical random sample).

I think there’s another thread altogether in here about which “rankings” are relatively VALUED by either gender, but we’ve got several topics in here already and as important as I think it, I have no intention to unduly derail.

Looks: 5-6 I’m average to slightly above average in appearance, though when I take greater care (ie, makeup, hair, etc) then I’m more like a 7. On facestat 2 out of 3 pictures qualified as good looking, and 1 as not bad.

Intelligence: 9 In school I was in the gifted program which required an IQ of at least 130 (ie, 98th percentile). Of course, I can always become more knowledgeable, but I have a good brain with which to work.

Personality: 7-8 I’m tactful and get along with most everyone, but it takes me awhile before I warm up to people enough to let them see the more fun, witty, and lively me.

Career: 6 As a teacher I’m in a professional field that earns relatively little money. But when compared with national medians for a family of 4…then it looks like I’m raking in the big bucks.

The guys I’ve dated:

Looks: 4-7
Intelligence: 6-10
Personality: 5-9
Career: 5-10

Of these 4 categories intelligence & personality issues are the top reasons why I’ve broken up with guys, followed by looks, and last career.

I bet most women know their ‘looks rating’ pretty well (whether they want to admit it or not), whereas I bet most men don’t have a clue.

That’s because you can pretty well gauge the impression you’re making by the guys coming on to you.

For men it’s a little trickier because women don’t pursue men as rabidly, and when they do they’re more subtle about it and don’t typically choose their targets strictly on the basis of appearance.

I have been told, women with low self esteem get into relationships at a young age and stay there. Most don’t realize what they have done, until they turn 40 or 50 years of age.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1036795/The-beauty-prescription-Why-20-cent-attractive-think-are.html

Perhaps it’s true for women with body dysmorphia, but i’m not sure it’s true for men. Who knows.

It actually doesn’t look any more scientific than the freakonomics post. I’d love to see the actual ‘research’ which they cite.

..so tell us men, how does one approach a woman of your caliber, and make a good impression?(leading to a first date)…

Congratulations……You had a bright, intelligent, smart, dad…..