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Aussies Most Want A Date With A Sense Of Humour, Not Looks

Are You Funny? You'll Probably Get A Date, Then
couple kissing.
Betsie Van der Meer via Getty Images
couple kissing.

A good sense of humour, and not looks, ranks as the top factor for Aussies looking for a date, new research finds.

The research, released Wednesday by dating site RSVP, found 26 percent of singles polled ranked sense of humour as the most appealing factor in a prospective date.

Physical looks ranked second, with 16 percent nominating it most important, while sexual chemistry ranked third on 15 percent.

Intelligence (14%), social and friendship networks (8%), manners (7%) and personal style (4%) also made the list, which was based on a survey of 3,300 Australians in February this year.

Psychologist and relationship expert, John Aiken, said the research reinforced how important humour was in landing a date.

Sense of humour has topped the list of most appealing attributes in a date

"We know that initial attraction is largely driven by sense of humour and looks ... this research identifies the qualities and standards men and women consider essential for someone to be dateable,” he said.

"The first date is really a chance to test the chemistry, learn about the other person and see if they meet your expectations before getting any further involved."

While humour topped the list, he cautioned singles not to neglect other considerations.

"For someone to have dating potential it is essential that their presentation, manners and social skills are up to scratch," Atken said.

"These three factors rank well above body shape or height and higher than standards of personal hygiene, smoking habits, body shape, fashion choices and habits.”

Personal style was way down the list for dateability

Humour was most important overall, but it was slightly more important for women (33%) than men (21%).

Nineteen percent of men rated looks as the most appealing attribute in a date compared to 11 percent of women.

Intelligence was close to a tie, with 13 percent of men and 14 percent of women saying it had most appeal.

The research follows the dating site's 2014 survey, which found single women were most hampered in finding a date due to limited opportunities and a lack of eligible singles near where they lived.

For men, fear of rejection was the biggest challenge.

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