Basics

One of the basic tenets of thriving as a single person is learning to become more attractive. The two are interrelated and synergistic. The more you learn to thrive the more attractive you become and the more attractive you become the more you thrive.

So, how do you get that ball rolling? How do you become more attractive? I’m glad you asked. Here are a few basics.

Physical Attractiveness

We tend to think of physical attractiveness as something we are either born with or not born with. And while it is true that when it comes to body type and facial features some people are more genetically blessed than others, thank God, that is not the entire story.

Even for those of us not born with great genetics, there are things we can do to become more attractive.

Healthy

It almost goes without saying, but I have to say it, staying in good physical health helps you look and feel more attractive. Do not underestimate the value of giving your body nutritious food, exercise, and enough good, sound sleep.

Like I mentioned a few weeks back, out of shape and sleep deprived is not a good look. You might need to rearrange your schedule to work in more home cooking, some exercise, and a good night’s sleep. It takes a little time and effort and perhaps forming some new habits, but it is both doable and worth it.

Well Groomed

It does not matter how genetically blessed you are if your grooming habits are lax. There is no excuse for habitually going out in public smelling like gym socks or looking like someone just roused you from your winter hibernation.

Here again, I feel like this should go without saying, but for God sake, bathe, brush your teeth, and style your hair – every day. Who knows? Your next trip to the grocery store you could find yourself talking to someone on whom you would like to make a good first impression. I’ve been told that you never get a second chance to do that.

For those of us not as genetically blessed, these things are especially important. But even if you have a killer body, piercing blue eyes, and those supermodel high cheekbones, bad breath is still a major turn off.

Properly Dressed

I cannot emphasize this enough. Even if you are indeed going to Wal-Mart, do not dress like someone from a ‘People of Wal-Mart’ video – ever.

Dress for the occasion. You don’t show up at church in a mini skirt. You don’t wear flip-flops to a dinner party, maybe a barbecue or a luau, but not an actual dinner party. And you never wear a sport coat to the zoo in August south of the Mason Dixon Line. In other words, dress right for the season, the location, and the occasion.

It’s also important to dress modestly. I’m not saying to always wear boxy, unflattering clothes. To the contrary, you should dress to deemphasize your weaknesses and enhance your strong points, but not to the point of showing off. Remember, if you dress to show off your body the interest you get will mostly be from people who are interested in your body.

Aside from that, some of my best advice about clothing would be to go through your closet. If there is anything you don’t feel super attractive in, get rid of it. And when you go clothes shopping, only buy clothes that make you feel attractive and confident when you wear them.

Emotionally

Ah, confidence, that brings us to the second area of attractiveness, emotional attractiveness. Physical attractiveness is important, but it is not all important. Equally important is learning to be more attractive emotionally. Even the most physically attractive person is unattractive if they are an emotional wreck.

Confident

The ancient saying is exactly right – Faint heart never won fair lady.