DiscoverHuberman LabEssentials: How Humans Select & Keep Romantic Partners in the Short & Long Term | Dr. David Buss
Essentials: How Humans Select & Keep Romantic Partners in the Short & Long Term | Dr. David Buss

Essentials: How Humans Select & Keep Romantic Partners in the Short & Long Term | Dr. David Buss

Update: 2025-10-02
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Description

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


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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

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Essentials: How Humans Select & Keep Romantic Partners in the Short & Long Term | Dr. David Buss

Essentials: How Humans Select & Keep Romantic Partners in the Short & Long Term | Dr. David Buss

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