9 things that can make you less attractive, according to science

The next time you and your partner are arguing over money, or whose turn it is to clean the kitchen, just remember — a simple thank you can go a long way. (Corbis)

1. Sleep Deprivation

We generally perceive those who've skimped on sleep as less attractive, less healthy and sadder.

2. Being mean

In one study, faces accompanied by the words 'decent' and 'honest' were rated more attractive than faces accompanied by the words 'evil' and 'mean'.

3. Stress

Women with high levels of the stress hormone cortisol are perceived by heterosexual men as less attractive.

4. Contractive body language

Crossing your arms or hunching your shoulders can make you less attractive than holding your arms upward in a 'V' or reaching out to grab something.

5. Looking too happy or proud

Men rate women more attractive when they look happy and less attractive when they display pride. Women rate men most attractive when they display pride and less attractive when they look happy.

6. Not having a sense of humour

Not being funny, or having an average sense of humour, is less attractive than having a great sense of humour.

7. Laziness

Even attractive people can wind up looking less attractive if they act unhelpful and uncooperative.

8. If you smell too similar or too different

We seek out mates who are neither too similar not different genetically - and we make these judgements partly based on body odour.

9. Dishonesty

Dishonesty is a major turn-off for both men and women, more so even than intelligence.