Study Shows Men Do and Don’t Want to Date Someone Smarter Than They Are

Well, we're off to a confusing start! Allow me to explain!

A University of Buffalo study recently found that men prefer dating women who are smarter than they are, but only if it is a long distance relationship. The same study shows that when dating face to face, men prefer women who are not as smart.

Coming from a guy, I have to point to the second part of that finding as intimidation. I honestly think a lot of men are intimidated by a partner who is smarter. That's just my thought though, back to the study.

Researchers say the reason is men like the idea of a smarter partner, but they are intimidated by intelligence (BOOM! I was right!! Keep in mind I'm writing this as I'm reading the study, so I'm as surprised as you are).

Psychologist Suzana Flores explains:

If you perceive someone as superior in any way, you tend to be a little more on your toes or feel that you have to be careful with what you say. If someone is less intelligent . . . you may feel more comfortable around that person.  People are looking for more of a comfort in their personal lives.

One of the things I didn't get from this study was how old the respondents were. I find as I get older I prefer someone with similar intelligence to myself, if not smarter.