Wow, there appears to be very passionate views on both sides of this topic. I wouldn't really expect otherwise. Vanity has always been an issue, especially in the airbrushing age. I think what is really important to remember is physical attraction isn't always a visual thing. I agree with LL that a person should always groom themselves to present the best of themselves and should attempt to pursue health and wellness (that doesn't always have an "attractive" appearance though). They should carry themselves with confidence, and actually be confident. Intelligence and the humble display of it can be very attractive. There are SO many things that make a person attractive.
Personally, I've never been drawn to men who would be a successful male stripper
or be on the cover of GQ magazine. As MB points out, looks change. That is actually why I have to disagree with her stance that looks matter as much as she states. Of course, anything major can make a big difference in the way you see someone with your eyes, but the way you see them with your heart is what truly matters, and I believe is the whole point of this initial post.
I am attracted to older men. They don't typically have the body of the younger men who tend to be attracted to me; however, older men generally (not always but generally) know how to treat me, speak to me, understand the dynamic I am most drawn to, and I adore them. Wrinkles, gray hair, some hair, no hair, short, tall, overweight, thin....it is in how they treat me and look at me as a woman and even more importantly how they touch and kiss me. If I can feel desire and later love in that touch and kiss, I'm smitten! Taken! DONE! What I see is physically attractive. The way my body responds to him is unbelievable.
Of course, we all are motivated by so many different factors, but I think what is true for so many of us is when someone captures our heart, the physical appearance becomes less of a priority because we are looking deeper than the surface. Meeting in an anonymous community much like this one where you control when someone is able to see you gives an opportunity for the people to get to know one another before the physical appearance becoming a primary concern.
I realize there are some people who the physical is of primary importance, and to them...it most likely wouldn't matter how closely they get to someone. It is really why I prefer to show photos right up front. If I am looking for a partner that is. If not, then I could care less what someone thinks about the way I look. As long as my Daddy or Master loves me, the rest of the world could not stand to look at me, and I would be perfectly fine with that. As someone else said (can't remember who), if they aren't attracted to me, it's their loss. I am far more than what you see. The body that I have is only a house for the spirit that is responsible for truly lighting you up.