Men 'prefer pretty female face over curvy body for marriage'

Researchers have found that men are instinctively attracted to women's bodies if they are keen on a "no strings" sexual relationship, but they pay more attention to a woman's face in case of settling down and starting a family.

This is because a woman's face provides strong clues to her "reproductive value", say the researchers.

In fact, the study by University of Texas looked at the reactions of 375 men and women who were asked to consider dating a member of the opposite sex whose face or body had been obscured, the 'Daily Express' reported.

Women proved consistent, opting for facial features whether they were interested in having a fling or finding an ideal husband.

But the male volunteers went for sensual bodies in what was termed "the short-term mating condition", and faces in "the long-term mating condition", according to the researchers.

The findings have been published in the 'Evolution And Human Behaviour' journal.