Research shows that men are more likely to become friends if they are attracted to different types of women.
Researchers recruited male and female college students to complete an online survey in which they listed their preferences for ten characteristics of a potential partner.
These include physical attractiveness, friendliness, work ethic, intelligence, sense of humor and income.
Participants were also asked to rank photos of the opposite sex in terms of attractiveness.
They then took part in a ‘speed-friending’ session – held separately for men and women – and at the end of each interaction they evaluated their new friendship.
Pictured: Students walking to class at California State University
Study author Professor Kelly Campbell (pictured), from California State University, San Bernardino, said: ‘We found that men experienced more interpersonal chemistry or connection with those who had different partner preferences’
Analysis found that men were more likely to befriend other men who had different tastes in women, but this was not the case for women in the group (stock image)
Analysis showed that men were more likely to befriend other men who had different tastes in women, but this was not the case for women in the group.
Study author Professor Kelly Campbell, from California State University, San Bernardino, said: ‘We found that men experienced more interpersonal chemistry or connection with those who had different partner preferences.
‘Men need to be sure that any child that comes from their relationship is their own, otherwise they risk investing a lot of time and resources raising someone else’s child.
‘That’s why they would prefer to have male friends around them who don’t find their partner/wife/girlfriend attractive!’
The researchers said preferences for women were not discussed during the ‘speed friendship’ encounters – suggesting there is some instinctive knowledge of the type of woman another man might find attractive.
Professor Campbell commented: ‘Our study tested a potentially evolved preference for friends who have different mate preferences, something we can detect without even knowing we are detecting it.’
The findings were published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships.