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“What are your body-type preferences for your mate?”

Aha, another Mr. Obviousman question.

Mr. Obviousman

The choices for the answers to this 1st stage question are:

A: Thin and very lean
B: Muscular and athletic
C: Average – height and weight proportionate
D: Larger than average

If photos are available

A few possible answers are:

  1. “Someone with your figure, obviously!”
  2. “Your type, obviously!”
  3. “I’d love to answer this, but first, are your photos recent?”

If photos aren’t available

A few possible answers are:

  1. “C.”
  2. “I’d say C, but I have also found other types attractive before.”
  3. “Aha, so that’s why you don’t have photos posted! Alright, D.”

How do you answer this question? And, shudder, do you send this question to your matches?

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Comments 10

  1. Scott Grey wrote:

    IMHO, anyone who sends this is probably either:

    - Awfully insecure.
    - Gamey as hell.

    Asking this question is a “strike”. (And I only gave two strikes to women I hadn’t met.)

    If she’s got a picture, and a little bit of a reason to be insecure, but you REALLY think you might like her anyway – go ahead and give a little bit of reassurance. Otherwise you’re looking at a “sour grapes” meltdown.

    Otherwise, I just answer “C.” Giving a more complete answer isn’t worth the effort.

    And, no. I don’t ask this question. (And I’ve rarely received it.) I put up pictures. :-)

    Posted 23 Jul 2009 at 6:35 am
  2. Wyatt Williams wrote:

    I have noticed that the “fat chicks” would almost always send me that question. Even if they do not have a picture posted, I can surmise that they are a “fat chick.” Why would a thin woman ask that question?

    Posted 20 Oct 2009 at 6:36 am
  3. jewleyp wrote:

    Wow, maybe the “Fat Chicks” should ask if you are as ugly as you sound…. Since I haven’t seen your picture “I can surmise ” that you are…..

    Posted 20 Oct 2009 at 2:08 pm
  4. Wyatt Williams wrote:

    Gee, sorry jewleyp, I wasn’t politically correct. My post was mostly aimed at the humorous side of this. By the way, only a “fat chick” would probably comment as you did. I know most guys probably got a good laugh since most guys want a thin or average weight woman-average NOT being 30lbs overweight….

    Posted 22 Oct 2009 at 7:48 am
  5. Wyatt Williams wrote:

    I have to agree with Scott Grey. If I am asked that question it is 1.5 strikes against the match if she doesn’t have a picture or the picture is ONLY a headshot. One strike if she has a picture recent or not. Answer “c” is very sbjective: everyone has a different definition criterion for what is “average.” I have met some women who claimed to be average, but were in desperate need of Jenny Craig-in fact, if she lost weight, could have been on the commercials that show the women who have lost 50-60 lbs or more.

    A dietician I know suggested that average should be a calculation of 100lbs @ 5′ tall and 5lbs more for every inch of height over that. This being for a woman, of course and it can vary by 10-15lbs depending upon muscle mass, bone density, etc.

    Let’s face it, weight is a “large” consideration for most of us when deciding if a match is worth pursuing. Most people won’t admit that, and like juley, are easily offended when the subject is broached in humor or otherwise.

    I am a long distance cyclist, track cyclist and road racer in great shape. I would prefer my partner to have the same sensibilities, and her weight is an indication of this (not the only one though). If she is 30+lbs overweight, I am thinking the only exercise she gets is lifting a spoon of ice cream to her mouth.

    Posted 22 Oct 2009 at 8:16 am
  6. jewleyp wrote:

    Well, your posts speak for themselves. You show that you are unreasonable when it comes to people and your standards. Hope you find what you are looking for. Oh and by the way, it is jewleyp or just Julie, not juley. I guess being able to spell or wanting a woman with a brain is not an option for you. Good Luck!

    Posted 22 Oct 2009 at 2:42 pm
  7. Scottk wrote:

    jewleyp wrote:
    I guess being able to spell or wanting a woman with a brain is not an option for you.

    Jewleyp,
    So are you suggesting all skinny women are stupid?
    That only fat women have the brains?

    I am sure there are a lot of smart skinny girls out there that might have a bone to pick with you.

    Perhaps you would like to rephrase your comment?

    Posted 22 Oct 2009 at 4:52 pm
  8. Wyatt Williams wrote:

    JewleyP,

    I intentionally misspelled your nick just to see how sensitive you are, and it is obvious by your posts that you are VERY sensitive. Let me ask you something: is it wrong to want a certain body type for your mate, or want a like minded person that shares the same tenets as you regarding fitness and living a healthful life? Being overweight is a choice for most people-it is not “glandular” for the vast number of overweight people-that is reserved for only about 2-4% of the population. The choice to overeat and not exercise rests with each of us as individuals. I choose to be fit and watch what I eat and I want a mate who shares and believes in that lifestyle. Why do you perceive this as being a terrible mindset? Furthermore, why do you perceive me as being some “unreasonable” person with ridiculous standards? My original post was meant to be humorous and commentary about something that is obvious when this question is asked.

    Honestly, you come off as being a disgruntled, and lonely woman who has probably been jilted a number of times…I am just deducing this from your posts because, it seems, my original post rattled your nerves. The best of luck to you too!

    Posted 23 Oct 2009 at 8:13 am
  9. SincerelyEthical wrote:

    To me, the above comments show that body type is an extremely important aspect of mate selection for many individuals.
    The body type question should be in the questionnaire. There’s nothing wrong with being honest and stating your current body type, as well as the body type you find attractive in a partner, if you sincerely have a particular preference, or a ‘range’ of preferences excluding some options. Ultimately, this will save time and spare people’s feelings.
    What good is it to receive numerous matches each day if the vast majority of them will be ignored? Why not admit that such characteristics do matter to many people, and deliver matches that a member is more likely to want to pursue?

    Consider this… every body type has its admirers. If eHarmony would improve its matching system by including this and other characteristics in the questionnaire, matches would likely be mutually desirable, and time would be spent more efficiently by everyone. I’d rather get one match a day worth pursuing instead of seven or eight that are far off track. Most of us lead very busy lives, and would be better served by providing fewer, more desirable matches.

    Posted 10 Nov 2009 at 11:38 am
  10. Anonymous wrote:

    I just got this question for the first time today from a girl. My response: “6th finger, broken teeth, and a uni-brow. Seriously though, I’ve read your profile and I’ve seen your pictures- if I wasn’t interested, I wouldn’t have initiated. Let’s keep the conversation going.”

    Posted 21 Feb 2011 at 6:14 pm

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