A man's choice of partner is often a performance to gain social and sexual capital among other men. This is seen when men date only thin, conventionally attractive women publicly, despite porn data showing private attraction to larger women.

Contrary to evolutionary psychology's emphasis on matching 'mate value' (e.g., a 7 with a 7), research shows that mismatched couples (e.g., an 8 with a 5 in attractiveness) are no more likely to break up, be unhappy, or cheat. The initial perceived value difference does not predict long-term relationship success.

Contrary to the popular belief that only men seek younger partners, Dr. Eastwick's research from matchmaking services reveals that both men and women are slightly more interested in a second date when their partner is younger. What people say they want differs from their revealed preferences.

Data shows high-status men practice assortative mating, pairing with women of similar educational and economic standing. The "rich man marries the young, beautiful waitress" trope is a myth; successful men value partners they can relate to intellectually and who understand their world.

While surveys show women rate ambition in partners higher than men do, behavioral studies like speed dating reveal both genders equally prefer ambitious partners, choosing them 60% of the time. What people say they want versus what they actually choose are two different things.

Men often leverage their financial success as a primary tool of attraction in dating. In contrast, successful women frequently downplay their wealth due to a conditioned fear of being pursued for their money rather than their character—a concern their male counterparts rarely share.

There is a significant gap between people's stated preferences (what they say they want) and their revealed preferences (who they are attracted to in real interactions). For example, men and women both claim different priorities, but in speed-dating scenarios, both genders show strong attraction to ambitious and physically attractive partners with no significant gender difference.

Data from a global quiz reveals a strong, sex-specific trend where men are driven by Nietzsche's "will to power"—the desire to be feared or respected. Most men would choose status over luxury items, a pattern rooted in evolutionary psychology.

Men's higher tolerance for risk makes them more likely to take massive bets to accumulate wealth. Conversely, women's typically more developed risk-assessment skills make them better at preserving that wealth, suggesting a powerful dynamic for married couples.