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Eastwick Study Reveals Women Select Younger Partners as Often as Men Do

Huberman Lab · Science of Attraction, Compatibility & Romance | Dr. Paul Eastwick · June 22, 2026
Eastwick Study Reveals Women Select Younger Partners as Often as Men Do
Huberman Lab
Huberman Lab
Science of Attraction, Compatibility & Romance | Dr. Paul Eastwick
"We saw that the younger folks appeal to the men more. And by the way, it's not a huge effect. Women are doing the same thing. They're a little bit more interested in the younger guys. They don't say that on paper. In fact, sometimes they're like, don't set me up with the younger guys. And then they do. And they say, huh, that was interesting. I enjoyed that. I would like to see him again."
Dr. Paul Eastwick's research using matchmaking data from 4,500 participants found that both men and women prefer younger partners when given a choice on actual dates, contradicting the widespread belief that only men seek younger partners. Women stated preferences for older men but behaviorally favored younger ones, revealing a gap between what people say they want and what attracts them in real interactions.
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Huberman Lab
Huberman Lab

Science of Attraction, Compatibility & Romance | Dr. Paul Eastwick

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