At the end of the study, researchers found that regardless of sexual orientation, the majority of individuals studied prioritised intelligence and kindness over physical attractiveness, health or socioeconomic status in a partner, proving that gentle personality traits reign supreme when it comes to relationships.

“The main takeaway of this study is that intelligence and kindness are the most desired traits of a partner, even in comparison to beauty, money or health,” the study’s author Joao Francisco Goes Braga Takayanagi told PsyPost. “This is true for both men and women and across the sexual orientation spectrum – although heterosexual men do place a premium on their partner’s physical attractiveness.”

These are the two most valued traits in a partner, according to science