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Women are turned off by stressed out men: study

We are all said to have a certain "type" when it comes to a romantic partner. A certain appearance or personality type that we look for that's consistent in all our partners. Well apparently, the one thing women seem to consistently want in a male partner is low stress, according to a new study published in the journal Nature Communications.

Science has long proven that certain facial features characteristic of men with high testosterone, such as a chiseled cheek bones and a pronounced jaw, are considered attractive to women.

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However, this new study brings to light the fact that high testosterone, when coupled with low levels of the stress hormone cortisol, increases the attractiveness of males even more. As well, low levels of cortisol translate to an overall stronger immune system.

"This is the first study to see a correlation between attractiveness and a strong immune system," reports Medical News Today.

Psychologist Brad Reimann suggests ways men can reduce stress and boost their immune system (and perhaps their attractiveness.) "It is really about thinking style and how people actually cope and adapt to the stress and the demands of the mind," says Reimann.

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Since many of us catastrophize our current situations, making them a lot worse in our heads than they actually are, Reimann suggests taking care of the mind by maintaining a healthy perspective on the stressor. This may include socializing with friends or keeping busy so as not to ruminate on your problems.

"Self-esteem is based on essentially what makes you feel good. Some people have work, some have leisure, some have family. Do what you're good at and what you enjoy and do more of it," says Reimann. "Internalize your successes by making note of what you're doing right, not how you're not measuring up."

This mental approach alone can change your relationship with stress, boost your immune system and make you a more attractive partner, he suggests.