Is it Wrong to Break Up with Someone Because of Their Looks?

Is Wrong Break Up Someone Because Their Looks
Updated:
Dr. Wendy Walsh
Lillian Castro

By: Dr. Wendy Walsh

Editor: Lillian Castro

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Reader Question:

I’ve been dating this great girl for a year and a half. She’s the mothering kind of girlfriend. She takes care of me and it’s awesome. One problem — I never thought she was pretty.

I knew I was settling when I started dating her, and now we’re buying our own place. We’re so stable that there is no question that we’re going to get married. However, I can see problems 20 years ahead. I think she deserves better.

Is it wrong to break up with someone just because of their looks?

-George P. (Florida)

Dr. Wendy Walsh’s Answer:

Dear George,

In a word, YES! I’m sorry that our superficial media messages that place hotness above a beautiful heart have made you confused. Newsflash: Pretty women are more likely to break up with a guy when the going gets rough because they know their value in the sexual marketplace and feel a boyfriend is replaceable.

Here you have a woman you think is awesome. One who loves you, cares for you and is loyal. Those qualities are exactly what you need for a long-term, healthy relationship.

Oh, and by the way, in 20 years, you’ll probably be cured of the “young man’s fascination with beauty.” Hopefully, you’ll be wise and grateful that you married such a gorgeous heart.


No counseling or psychotherapy advice: The Site does not provide psychotherapy advice. The Site is intended only for use by consumers in search of general information of interest pertaining to problems people may face as individuals and in relationships and related topics. Content is not intended to replace or serve as substitute for professional consultation or service. Contained observations and opinions should not be misconstrued as specific counseling advice.

About the Author

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Dr. Wendy Walsh

By: Dr. Wendy Walsh

Women's Dating Expert

Known as America's Relationship Expert, Dr. Wendy Walsh is an award-winning television journalist, radio host & podcaster, and the author of three books on relationships and thousands of print and digital articles. More than 1.5 million people follow her sage advice on social media. She holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and teaches in the Psychology Department at California State University Channel Islands and has been the host of "The Dr. Wendy Walsh Show" on iHeart Radio's KFI AM 640 since 2015. Walsh is also a former Emmy-nominated co-host of "The Doctors," as well as former host of the nationally syndicated show "EXTRA." She was named a Time Magazine Person of the Year in 2017 after speaking out about harassment at a major news network.

See Dr. Wendy's full bio »

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