When we think about what makes a man attractive, we often jump straight to the obvious: height, muscles, jawline, style. But what if I told you that some of the most powerful traits that draw women in have nothing to do with six-packs or square jaws?
According to YouTuber Courtney Ryan—who’s known for breaking down the psychology of attraction—science has uncovered five unexpected things that might be boosting your attractiveness without you even realizing it. And the best part? These are all things you can improve starting today.
Let’s dive in.
1. Strong, Well-Defined Hands (Yes, Hands)
You might not think twice about your hands, but women definitely do. Courtney points out that vascular, well-groomed hands are a subtle signal of health, fitness, and masculinity. It’s not just about aesthetics either—hands that show veins and muscle tone often signal low body fat and high cardiovascular fitness.
And it goes deeper. A firm handshake, the way you use your hands when you talk, and whether your nails are trimmed can shape first impressions faster than your face does.
Takeaway: Start treating your hands like a first-impression tool. Groom them. Train them. Use them with intention.
2. A Clean Diet That Shows (and Smells)
Turns out, you really are what you eat—and people can tell. Studies cited in Courtney’s video show that men who eat more fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins have brighter eyes, better skin, and even more attractive body odor.
Yes, women can subconsciously pick up on your scent, and a clean diet makes that scent more pleasant. One study even found that men with high fruit and veggie intake were rated as having a more appealing, almost floral scent compared to guys who ate processed junk.
Takeaway: What you eat is shaping your vibe—and women notice. If you want to upgrade your attraction, upgrade your meals first.
3. The Deep, Focused Gaze
Forget being overly talkative or flashy. Sometimes, the strongest attraction comes through your eyes. Sustained eye contact—done right—can make a woman feel seen, valued, and drawn in.
The trick? Hold eye contact for 3–5 seconds at a time before naturally looking away and coming back. Too much can feel intense; too little can seem disinterested. Natural blinking helps keep your gaze inviting.
Takeaway: Master the art of focused, genuine eye contact. It’s a silent language that speaks volumes.
4. A Slightly Messy, Effortless Look
Think stubble. Rolled-up sleeves. Tousled hair that says, I woke up like this—but better. This look taps into the “Pratfall Effect”—a psychological phenomenon where minor imperfections actually make you more attractive because they make you seem more human.
Courtney notes that this slightly undone look signals natural masculinity, confidence, and effortlessness. The key is balance: too polished looks try-hard; too messy looks sloppy.
Takeaway: Stop obsessing over perfection. Confidence in casual presentation often speaks louder than a perfect outfit ever could.
5. Controlled Stress (Yes, Really)
This one might surprise you: a little bit of stress can actually make you more attractive.
According to research, men with slightly elevated cortisol levels—aka, those dealing with manageable pressure—are often seen as more appealing. Why? Because it signals ambition, drive, and resilience.
But here’s the kicker: it only works when you handle stress well. If it shows up as anger, exhaustion, or emotional instability, it backfires.
Takeaway: Pressure is part of purpose. Don’t avoid stress—just learn how to manage it and channel it into your goals.
Final Thoughts: Attraction Is in the Details
It’s easy to think attraction is all about looks, money, or status. But often, it’s the little things—your presence, your energy, your grooming, your habits—that do the heavy lifting.
From your diet to your gaze, from the way you roll your sleeves to how you manage pressure, these traits are low-key power moves that can boost your appeal without changing who you are.
So the next time you’re looking to step up, remember: real attraction is built in the details.
Which of these traits surprised you the most? Drop a comment below and let’s talk about it. And if you’re serious about building your best self—beyond looks—stick around. A Man’s Way is built for that.
