A new study shows that women are happier when their significant other is uglier than them, Maxim reports.
Researchers at Florida State University observed 113 recently married couples, and sought to find out how the respective attractiveness of the two individuals affects the overall level of happiness in the relationship.
Study participants answered a series of questions regarding lifestyle choices, specifically a desire to be healthy and in good shape. Concurrently, the couples were rated based off of face and body attractiveness.
Previous findings have shown that men are happier in relationships in which their wives are attractive, but it remained unclear whether this trend was reciprocal.
The study confirmed that women are happier when their partner is less attractive. Women who had attractive husbands were more likely to diet and obsess over their own appearance.
On the other hand, women whose husbands were less attractive were less inclined to attempt to improve their desirability, and generally more content with their body image.
“The results reveal that having a physically attractive husband may have negative consequences for wives, especially if those wives are not particularly attractive,” said researcher Tania Reynolds.
She continued, “The research suggests there might be social factors playing a role in women’s disordered eating.”
The next time you think she’s “out of your league,” just know that she’ll be happier in the long run with an Average Joe over Prince Charming.