
healthOct 2, 202536:00pending
Essentials: How Humans Select & Keep Romantic Partners in the Short & Long Term | Dr. David Buss
About this episode
In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, my guest is Dr. David Buss, PhD, a professor of psychology at the University of Texas at Austin and a pioneer in the field of evolutionary psychology.
We explore the science behind human mate selection in both short- and long-term relationships. We discuss universal traits valued in long-term partners along with key differences between women and men in what they prioritize when selecting a mate. We also discuss the darker aspects of mating behavior, such as deception, the evolutionary function of jealousy and the motivations behind stalking.
Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab.com.
Thank you to our sponsors
AGZ by AG1: https://drinkagz.com/huberman
LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman
Function: https://functionhealth.com/huberman
Timestamps
(0:00) David Buss
(0:21) Mate Selection, Preferences & Competition
(3:26) Desirable Qualities of Men & Women, Universal Traits for Long-Term Mates
(4:38) Women’s Preferences; Men’s Preferences; Age Differences
(8:58) Sponsor: LMNT
(10:32) Mate Deception & Online Dating, Tool: Travel, Stress & Emotional Stability
(13:41) Short- vs Long-Term Mates, Men vs Women Preferences
(15:58) Sponsor: AGZ by AG1
(17:27) Jealousy, Mate Value Discrepancy, Vigilance to Violence
(20:58) The Dark Triad, Sexual Harassment & Coercion
(22:18) Stalking, Motivations & Outcomes
(24:57) Sponsor: Function
(26:38) Childhood Attachment Styles & Relationship Stability
(27:43) Self-Assessment for Mate Value, Self-Esteem
(31:20) Evolutionary Psychology & Neuroscience
(32:05) David Buss’ Books; Acknowledgements
Disclaimer & Disclosures
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Get every episode summarized
Each time Huberman Lab publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from Huberman Lab

How Mitochondria Control Your Metabolism | Dr. Jared Rutter
Huberman Lab
Sep 7, 20262:03:46completed

Essentials: Use Sleep to Enhance Learning, Memory & Emotional State | Dr. Gina P...
Huberman Lab
Sep 3, 202634:11completed

How to Accelerate Learning & Improve Education | Joe Liemandt
Huberman Lab
Aug 31, 20262:33:57completed

Essentials: Diet & Nutrition for Mental Health | Dr. Chris Palmer
Huberman Lab
Aug 27, 202638:33pending