What Makes Him Sexy?

"Hallelujah! It's raining men!" By now we've heard that Adam Levine has been declared the Sexiest Man Alive by People Magazine. I'm not denying the guy's appeal at all. He's got the look. But to say that Adam is the hottest of the hot is going a little far. Are you really telling me that he's sexier than Idris Elba or Superman himself Henry Cavill?! I'm not buying it. People Mag, you obviously didn't tally my vote. Anyway, this got me to thinking... What really makes a man sexy? Is it his biceps? His clothes? His perfect hair? Well it can be all or none of the above.

When you think sexy, of course the first thing you notice is physical appearance. Those eyes. That smile. Oooo girl, look at that body! Phew. Ok, wipe the drool from your mouth. Science tells us that we are attracted to a man due to the need to procreate. We want someone who looks strong and can go out hunting and bring home the bacon. Women are drawn to a protector and a provider. While this may be true, we don't want a guy with all brawn and no brains. If we did, then I'd hope the world would only be populated by super buff male models. Those days of "me Tarzan, you Jane" just aren't cutting it anymore. Give me a guy with intellect and drive. Ever wonder why those New York fast-talking business guys get girls. They're motivated... by money and power, but still motivated. But then the problem with those boys is they are all ego. Yes Don Draper is charming, sucessful and super handsome, but he's really only thinking of himself.

So what do women really want? What makes a man attractive? To find my answer I conducted a poll of not-so randomly selected females between the ages of 22 to 40. In all honesty, I just sent out a mass text to some of my girlfriends. The results were what I expected. Most of the ladies think confidence, intelligence, and a sense of humor are sexy. These responses are a no-brainer, and in fact, when I asked a guy for his opinion on the answers, he called this generic. But unlike men, we require more than looks. And to be completely honest, these basic traits we see in a sexy man are hard to come by. So difficult that one of my friends said "personality, personal style and hygiene" are sexy. HYGIENE! There must be an abundance of dirty boys out there. An interesting thing that came up in my survey were the length and detail of the responses. The girls who are a bit younger and aren't seriously dating anyone tended to have answers that were short and sweet. While the ladies who are in a long-term relationship, have children, and are married or divorced were much more particular about what makes a man sexy.

Here are a few of the notable quotables:

"Intelligence and wit. Sense of humor. Creative. Pretty eyes. Lol. And an accent helps too."
"Humor and wit. Also a guy that actually takes interest in what I do."
"Intelligence, emotional maturity, a great smile, and nice abs. Unwavering confidence, but not haughty about it."
"Physically, the smile, nice teeth, confidence, a style that works for his body, well groomed. Additionally, cool personality, caring heart, and a protector. Don't forget a hug and a kiss that will make you melt."
"Emotional intelligence, empathy, and strong arms."
"His kindness and empathy for others, desire for knowledge as well as open to new things/different people, his sincere love for God, his drive, his ability to be focused and centered on his goals without desiring to tear people down in the process of getting what he wants out of life."
"Intelligence about worldly things, having an abundant passion for what ever it is they do in life. A man who genuinely cares about others and knows what being a MAN really means. If you find one can you please let me know!!"

When I was in college, a guy with nice teeth, pretty eyes, and strong shoulders were all I needed. But now I think humility, kindness, talent, and a passion for something or so sexy. I'll still stare at the guy with a chiseled face and kissable lips, but I'll be even more attracted to the skinny guy who looks up from his computer and smiles at me.

Chime in: What makes a man sexy to you? Who is your sexiext man alive?