From brooding heroes to con men: Generational differences in what women want in men
Key takeaways:
- Some 34% of Gen Z women prefer brooding heroes like Dr. House, while 38% of millennials prefer con men like Danny Ocean. However, only 6% of Gen Z and 14% of millennials would choose the classic heroes like James Bond.
- Some 52% of Gen Z women prefer to date a challenging man, while 56% would prefer someone safe and caring.
- However, long-term, 68% of Gen Zers and 71% of millennials are looking for safety and security in a life partner, with confidence (88%), emotional availability (87%), and kindness (69%) the most desirable traits.
Netflix’s latest brooding villain, the quiet type with a dangerous side that BookTok’s raving about, the boyband heartthrob serenading up with love songs, or the dependable guy who works hard and keeps life running smoothly. What does a woman’s heart truly desire?
Gamblizard surveyed 2,000 heterosexual Gen Z and millennial women on what they find attractive in a man. The results show that while con men and anti-heroes may turn our heads, it’s safety and security that really win our hearts.
Bad boys > nice guys: The archetypes that spark attraction
From Heathcliff to Gatsby, Christian Grey to Rhysand, tastes change from generation to generation, but one thing remains constant: women love the dark and the dangerous.
Classic clean-shaven heroes, such as Superman, only do it for 6% of Gen Zers. Likewise, just 7% of millennials are into quirky villains like The Joker.
What 34% of Gen Z women really want is a brooding, depressed hero such as Peaky Blinders’ Tommy Shelby, while its con men, such as Lupin, who give 38% of millennials butterflies.
The perfect date? For 52% of Gen Z women, it’s someone a little rough around the edges – someone who will keep them on their toes and who they swear they can change.
But for millennial women, their greater experience shows. Having been there and done that, 56% would rather spend their time with someone who makes them feel safe and cared for.
Longing for the thrill of a romcom and the spice of a racy novel, both generations agree that boring doesn’t set their hearts racing. Only 25% of millennials and 18% of Gen Zers find safe, predictable men “very sexy”, while 31% and 43% respectively say those traits dampen the spark.
Love that lasts: What women look for in a long-term partner
Bad boys may steal our hearts, but they also have a habit of breaking them.
While whirlwind romances and cinematic breakups may be thrilling in our teen years and early twenties, the attraction fades with age – 71% of millennials and 68% of Gen Zers say that when choosing a life partner, they want someone who offers safety and security over danger and drama.
For both Gen Z (20%) and millennials (35%), rule-breaking and risk-taking still have their charm. And, yes, 13% admit that chiseled abs and a strong physique don’t hurt either. But that isn’t what really attracts.
Some 71% of millennial women seek a kind soul, and 88% of Gen Zers want a partner who isn’t afraid to show and share their feelings. But the one trait that really sets men apart? Confidence. For 85% of millennials and 91% of Gen Z, it’s the ultimate green flag.
So, men, forget desperately trying to be the funniest, fittest, or most emotionally fluent guy in the room. Millennial and Gen Z women alike love the self-assured, so just own being yourself.
