10 benefits of being attractive, according to science

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• It turns out, being conventionally beautiful has its benefits. 
• According to science, people who are perceived as attractive are more likely to get hired for jobs and seem trustworthy. 
• They are also thought to be healthier and lead a happier life. 

It's no secret that people who are conventionally attractive generally make for more desirable romantic partners. No matter your individual preferences, you're probably more likely to have a crush on your good looking neighbor than someone you don't find physically alluring.

However, there may actually be perks to being seen as pretty that extend beyond the dating scene. Here are a few benefits to being beautiful that are backed up by science.

Beautiful people might be smarter.

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Researchers at the University of New Mexico found that there may be a link between general intelligence and body symmetry.

Physical symmetry is thought by some scientists to indicate developmental stability, or an organism's ability to turn its genetic blueprint into a strong body despite the influence of harmful stuff like toxins, genetic mutations, injuries, parasites, and inbreeding. Developmental stability has also been positively linked to body symmetry.

After administering an intellectual test to a group of study participants, researchers found that participants who exhibited greater body symmetry received higher scores.

Companies with attractive CEOs might make more money.

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A study out of the University of Wisconsin found that S&P 500 companies with more attractive CEOs were more likely to have higher revenue than companies with less attractive leaders.

The researchers found that companies with CEOs who rated higher on a Facial Attractiveness Index experienced high stock returns immediately following a TV appearance of that CEO. When the same CEO featured in a news article without images, stock returns didn't see the same boost.

It's possible that attractive people are more likely to be hired for a job.

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The perks of being pretty extend into the working world, according to several studies.

In researching the effect of attractiveness on hiring decisions, one study found that both male and female applicants were more likely to be given a job by potential employers than unattractive applicants with the same credentials and resume.

However, one study from the 1970s found that attractive females only had an advantage when applying for non-managerial positions. When attractive female participants applied for a "traditionally masculine" role, they were less likely to be hired than both males and unattractive females.

See the rest of the story at Business Insider

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