The great seduction
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From Monica Belluci, Penelope Cruz, Sophie Marceau and Kristin Scott Thomas, these women represent between them the four quintessence of the European charm. Luscious women, confident and seductive.
They have that little ‘something’ that leaves no man indifferent, and this, the world over…Doesn’t the last film of New Yorker Woody Allen « Vicky Christina Barcelona » put great emphasis on love in Europe?
Always a sense of humour
But, is seduction seen in the same manner all over the Old Continent? Are the qualities like having a sense of humour, culture, athleticism as important in London, in Seville and in Berlin? A study published by the famous dating site Meetic and Harris Interactive last September, attempts to draw up a portrait of the ideal woman from a sample of 5090 people from the age of 18 to 64 in France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain and Germany.
It seems clear that humour is THE characteristic that comes out as being one of the essential qualities for many Europeans in their quest for the ideal partner. «There are three qualities that we look for in a woman » says Gérard Mermet, a sociologist who participated in the Meetic poll, in the Doctissimo site. « It’s the sense of humour first…» After, comes the level of culture and tenderness. And, surprise, surprise, physical attributes only comes in last: a woman’s fitness is considered as the top of the list for only an average of 8% of the interviewees, 9% for thinness… Is the wind of modernity blowing over romantic relationships? Let’s give it the benefit of the doubt.
The Spanish fall for the « superwomen »
An attractive woman appear to be, first of all, a modern woman (25% of the result), this means, she should exercise a professional occupation, but she also have to be sexually liberated (21%). The national stereotypes appear to be strongly diminishing. Down with the cliché of the Iberian macho, the characteristic Spanish men appreciate the most in their partners is tenderness (40%) and the « superwomen » (32%), those who are not afraid of head-on confrontations, family life and professional career.
But, what of the image of the French woman in Europe? For 38% of the people interviewed, she would be the most elegant and the most cultivated in Europe! But, watch out, her Latin neighbours are close on her heels. The Spanish and the Italians, demonstrate, a great sense of humour, charm and tenderness… Because in Europe, we do not take love so lightly.
Enquête Meetic - Harris Interactive (September 2008)Photo credit: Gregana/FlickR
Johara BOUKABOUS
Translation by Joanna Cordero