A new study from Northwestern University has found that selectivity in a partner is sexy. The researchers organized seven speed-dating sessions of a total 156 undergrads, who took part in four-minute speed dates with 9-13 people of the opposite sex. A short questionnaire followed each date with questions "did you like your partner" and "were you sexually attracted." Later, thru the study website, participants put down whom they would like to meet again, with double-matches given the ability to contact each other. The result, those who only picked a few people had a much higher probability of a double-match than those with checkmarks across the board. "Potential partners who seem undiscriminating are a definite turnoff, and those who evoke the magic of feeling special are a big draw," said Paul W. Eastwick, psych grad student and author of the study, while Prof. Eli J. Finkel clarifies: "People who like everyone, unlike in a friendship context where they generally are liked in return, may exude desperation in a romantic context." This study is interesting in a social context, as it explains some of the motivations behind our need for individuality and uniqueness, as well as supporting that evolution tends towards diversity even in sexual selection. So, instead of giving twelve people a single rose each this Valentine’s Day, better off to risk the whole dozen on one. It might just be that extra edge.

Selectivity is ultimate aphrodisiac, Northwestern.edu
Selectivity in speed dating podcast