Science of Attraction, Compatibility & Romance | Dr. Paul Eastwick
Dr. Paul Eastwick, PhD, is a professor of psychology at the University of California, Davis, and a leading expert on the modern science of mate selection in humans.
June 22, 2026
2 hr 50 min
286
Full
417 of 417
Episode 286 · June 22, 2026
Science of Attraction, Compatibility & Romance | Dr. Paul Eastwick
0:00 / 2:50:15
Excerpt playback isn’t available for this episode — use the full-episode link.
Search the Record
Moment search isn’t open for this episode yet
When it opens, you’ll be able to type any phrase and jump straight to the second it was said.
Andrew Huberman Episodes Around June 22, 2026
Episode 417 of 417 — walk the feed in the order it was published.
Tools to Bolster Your Mental Health & Confidence | Dr. Paul Conti
Science of Attraction, Compatibility & Romance | Dr. Paul Eastwick
Summary
Dr. Paul Eastwick, PhD, is a professor of psychology at the University of California, Davis, and a leading expert on the modern science of mate selection in humans. We discuss what people actually look for in a partner, including surprising findings about age preferences, finances, and physical attractiveness. We also discuss why dating apps often lead people to select for traits that don't support lasting partnerships. We discuss how initial attractions form and evolve and which factors best predict romantic relationship stability and satisfaction. We also explain activities that can expand your dating pool, as well as practical tools for building and sustaining healthy romantic relationships. This episode is for anyone currently in or wanting to be in a relationship.
Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab.com.
Thank you to our sponsors
AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman
David: https://davidprotein.com/huberman
Lingo: https://hellolingo.com/huberman
LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman
Function: https://functionhealth.com/huberman
Timestamps
(00:00:00) Paul Eastwick
(00:03:25) Evolutionary Models of Dating, Mate Value
(00:08:57) Initial Attraction, Maturity
(00:12:56) Sponsors: David & Lingo
(00:15:21) Dating Apps; Shared Moments & Developing Attraction
(00:24:17) First Impressions & Early Relationships; Partner Bias
(00:31:41) Friends & Family Support; Relationship Research, Attachment Theory
(00:42:15) Sponsor: AG1
(00:43:34) Couple Friends, Advice from Others
(00:47:35) Social Support, Women vs Men
(00:55:05) Dating App Algorithms, Distrust of Men & Women
(01:05:29) Activities & Dating, Observing Date Social Behavior
(01:11:25) Texting, Verbal Skills
(01:16:15) Sponsor: LMNT
(01:17:36) Partner Actions, Dating vs Relationship
(01:22:57) Dating & Asking Good Questions; Genuine Connection
(01:29:36) Attraction, What Qualities Men & Women Want
(01:36:18) Homosexual Dating & Relationships
(01:40:08) Finances; Job Loss; Men vs Women, Ambition
(01:46:28) Sponsor: Function
(01:48:05) Age Difference, Men vs Women Preference; Wanting Children
(01:54:58) Church, Activities, Small Groups & Dating; Work; Perceived Similarity
(02:07:10) Social Media, Attraction to Alternative Partners, Infidelity
(02:19:13) Stranger Attention, Mate Value
(02:24:58) Past Relationship Value; Relationship Duration, Breakups