The Subtle Differences Between Handsome and Good Looking Men

The Difference Between Being Handsome and Good Looking

In today's image-obsessed world, physical attractiveness plays a major role in how people are perceived and treated. Studies show that good looking people tend to have advantages in many areas of life, from dating and relationships to hiring and promotions at work. But what exactly makes someone good looking or handsome? Is there a difference between these two terms?

The words "handsome" and "good looking" are often used interchangeably, but there are some subtle distinctions. Handsomeness generally implies striking physical features and a pleasing overall appearance. It also has an element of masculine charm and swagger. Good looking is a broader term that simply means someone is attractive or nice to look at.

So in essence, all handsome men are good looking, but not all good looking men are considered classically handsome. Let's explore the characteristics and advantages of being handsome versus just good looking in modern society.

Traits of a Handsome Man

When people describe a man as handsome, they are usually referring to a constellation of features that make him stand out for his charm and attraction. Some key qualities include:

• Strong, chiseled facial features - A handsome man often has a rugged, sculpted face with a square jawline, high cheekbones, and an overall rough look.
• Tall height - Being taller than average is considered a marker of handsomeness as it denotes good genes.
• Athletic build - A muscular, V-shaped physique appeals to traditional notions of masculinity and virility.
• Confident personality - Handsome men tend to have an air of confidence, self-assurance and masculine energy that makes them magnetic.
• Style and grooming - He likely puts care into his hairstyle, facial hair, wardrobe, and overall presentation.

While objective beauty standards change over time, these archetypically handsome traits have endured in many cultures. Think of famous heartthrobs like Brad Pitt, Idris Elba, or George Clooney who epitomize the handsome appeal.

Traits of a Good Looking Man

Good looking is a more inclusive category - it simply means a man has an attractive appearance. Some characteristics of good looking men:

• Pleasant features - He has reasonably attractive facial features such as nice eyes, smile, bone structure.
• Good physique - He may have an average body type, not necessarily muscular.
• Well put-together - He styles himself nicely and wears flattering clothes.
• Good hygiene - He practices proper grooming and cleanliness.
• Decent personality - He's personable, kind, and approachable in social settings.

Many celebrities like Ryan Gosling, Chris Evans, and Zac Efron are considered good looking heartthrobs even if they don't fit the archetype of rugged handsomeness. Their softer, boyish charm still makes them desirable and aesthetically pleasing.

The Advantages of Being Handsome

Research has uncovered many perks and privileges afforded to handsome men in society. Attractive people in general are more likely to:

• Get hired and promoted - In the workplace, handsome men are seen as more competent and qualify for more prestigious jobs.
• Make more money - Handsome professionals on average have higher salaries compared to less attractive counterparts.
• Attract romantic partners - Handsome men have their pick of partners and valuable mate choices in the dating scene.
• Be perceived as kind and intelligent - We tend to judge handsome people as smarter and friendlier.
• Get help from strangers - People are more inclined to assist an attractive person in need.
• Be successful leaders - Handsome politicians and CEOs are favored as they inspire trust and admiration.

But being handsome isn't all positive - unattainably good looking men may struggle to be taken seriously intellectually or worry about people liking them for shallow reasons. Still, the perks typically outweigh the downsides.

The Advantages of Being Good Looking

Good looking people benefit from many of the same biases, just to a slightly lesser degree. They are more likely to:

• Get chosen for job interviews - Especially client-facing and public image roles.
• Appear competent and likable - Within limits, beauty positively influences judgments of skill.
• Have an active dating life - Good looks confer advantages on dating apps and in social circles.
• Feel confident and happy - Looking good bolsters self-esteem and life satisfaction.
• Enjoy preferential treatment - Doors open through subtle preferential bias toward attractive people.

However, the perks are not quite as pronounced as they are for extremely handsome men. Good looking folks may still struggle with biases based on race, age, gender identity, or body type even within the realm of general attractiveness.

Key Differences and Conclusions

While both handsome and good looking men enjoy advantages stemming from their looks, a few key differences emerge:

• Scope - Handsome relates to robust masculinity, while good looking has a broader applicability.
• Rarity - Truly handsome men represent the top tier of aesthetic genetic quality.
• Advantages - Greater biases exist toward handsome men versus good looking ones.
• Treatment - Handsome men inspire more deference and romantic/sexual interest from others.

However, it's important to note that attractiveness is subjective. Cultural standards evolve, and inner qualities ultimately matter more than outward appearance. While handsome and good looking men may benefit from certain societal biases, putting too much stock in looks is shallow and limiting.

The healthiest mindset acknowledges that appearance plays a role in how people are treated, but focuses on cultivating inner character and perceiving people as whole, complex beings. With self-awareness and empathy, we can counter harmful biases based on superficial qualities.

In the end, being a kind, motivated, and interesting person is far more important than an accident of genetic lottery. Rather than fixating on advantages afforded to handsome vs good looking men, we are better off nurturing qualities that actually make someone a good partner, friend, and human being.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.