8 things you can do to make you more attractive to the opposite sex

We all want to be appealing to the opposite sex, unless you’re gay, in which case you’re probably wanting to be more attractive to the same sex. My point is – everyone wants to impress somebody. We all know that surgery is an option, expensive clothes are littering the windows of every nearby store and your mother always has helpful tips as to how you could be living your life more efficiently – but are there some simple, easy ways which we can harness to make ourselves more attractive – instantly?

#1: Have perfect teeth

A recent study proved what you had probably been thinking all along – that white teeth make you more attractive to the opposite sex. Two universities recently got together, Leeds and Lancashire and they took a series of photos of models, then they photo-shopped their teeth to change the shade.

According to the Daily Mail, “Three shades were used, a yellowish brown, healthy white, and startling white, which can only be achieved by bleaching.” After they did this they showed the shots to 150 people, men and women. “Unsurprisingly, yellow teeth were unpopular, while widely spaced teeth were also deemed less attractive. However, the state of women’s teeth was particularly important,” the study says.

Colin Hendrie, a psychologist from Leeds University was quoted as saying, “When males are looking at females and when females are looking at females, there is quite a strong effect.”

#2: Dress confidently

Paige Parker of Your Tango is pretty clear with her biggest tip. “When you look your best,” she says, “it changes your whole demeanour.” I have to agree with Paige here.

“When you’re proud of how you look,” she explains, “your posture will straighten up, you’ll feel more confident, and you’ll be much more likely to make eye contact, smile, and possibly even strike up a conversation with someone new.” Whatever you are “rocking” make sure that you rock it with confidence, even if it’s pair of shorts and flip flops.

#3: Be emotionally available

I originally found this piece of advice on a website that was geared towards men, but I feel that it’s just as relevant to women as well. When we make ourselves emotionally available we set a high standard for living and are able to connect more fully with those around us.

“If you’re someone who shuts down every time someone asks you how you feel, that’s a.) unhealthy, and b.) not grounds for a good relationship,” explains Verity Trent on Thought Catalogue.

She suggests that by working on your emotions and communication skills you will develop as a person. “It is nothing to be ashamed of,” she says, “it’s healthy, attractive, and a sign of self-respect.”

#4: Use someone’s name

Originally a tip from How to Win Friends and Influence People, this is a tip that makes a lot of sense. A good trick to remember someone’s name is to think of a friend or colleague you know that has the same name as them, and visualise that person standing next to the person you just met. This can work wonders.

“The sweetest and most important word to your ear is…your name,” says Emily Filloramo in Life Hack. “Have you ever used this tactic? If not, give it a try and watch their reaction and level of engagement with you,” she suggests.

#5: Stand up straight

It may seem like a small thing, but practising good posture will help to give you confidence and may make you more attractive to the opposite sex.

“By standing up straight, you’ll automatically look leaner with a more defined musculature,” says Ask Men. “You’ll also project more confidence, an attribute that most people find very appealing.” The trick can work if you are a man or a woman, whether you are short or tall. Stand with your shoulders back and your heels firm and see how your attractiveness soars!

#6: Have a good attitude

Really, attitude is everything when it comes to being appealing to the opposite sex. When you have a good-as-gold attitude it can set you apart from your peers and make you an attractive person that others want to listen to and take notice of.

“Pleasantness means being happy, positive, and friendly in attitude,” according to The Date Report. According to them, “You’re already way hotter than you probably give yourself credit for!” They suggest that it’s fairly simple to maximise your sexiness by changing just a few small things. “And as for the things you can’t change?” they ask, “They really don’t matter.” Whew!

#7: Be honest and authentic

Love is a game, and it should be fun and you will need to play by the rules, break the rules and also learn what you can get away with – but it’s always important to be authentic and to never bullsh**t your way into a relationship

“If you trick someone into liking you by being full of sh*t, you end up dating someone who wants to date a bag of sh*t,” rightly points out XO Jane. She says, “Honesty is so great! Here’s what happens if you’re completely honest about yourself with people you might want to date: You end up maybe dating people who actually like you instead of people who like that weird character you made up.” I like her style and this is a fair warning!

#8: Show your skill

This is a great tactic I found online, this one site suggesting that if you are a guy, it’s a great idea to play guitar. However, I think that this would work for just about any skill, provided you had the confidence to look good while doing it. “A quarter of the UK’s population (25 per cent) openly admit to dating someone purely because they can play the guitar.”

So brush up on your favourite skill, whatever that may be, and see if it makes you just a little bit more attractive to the opposite sex – hey, it’s worth a go!