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[title]It’s not you, it’s New York. “People in large cities have the same sexual motivations as everyone else,” says Buss. “But you have greater anonymity here, which increases the short-term mating and infidelity.” Hope you like cheaters and one-night stands!
Women: It’s complicated. “Female sexual motivations are very complex,” explains Buss. (Guys, we know. You’re shocked. Shocked!) “People had assumed women have sex for pleasure, to get emotionally intimate or to have a baby. But we found that there are a lot more intricate reasons, ranging from altruistic to borderline evil, like having sex to get revenge or to give someone a sexually transmitted disease.” No glove, no love, friends.
History repeats itself. “Men place a greater premium on physical appearance, while women tend to place a greater importance on financial resources and the qualities that lead to those resources over time— [like] clear goals,” says Buss. “Is his ambition to play video games with a can of Budweiser on his belly? Women don’t find that attractive.”
We’re all looking for the same thing. “In long-term mating, both sexes want someone who is intelligent, dependable, kind and emotionally stable,” says Buss. “At the top of the list is displaying a good sense of humor, and that’s true for men and women.” Bottom line: Embody the qualities you wish to have in a partner and you’ll most likely find your match. Eventually. Well, maybe. (God, we hope.) This is New York, after all.—Cristina Velocci
LET’S TALK ABOUT SEX! “Valentine’s Day 101: Why Humans Have Sex”: American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th St (212-769-5315, amnh.org). Wed 3 at 7pm, free.