I think it matters. If you are absolutely not attracted to someone, it isn't fair to lead them on. That said, I think you should be open to people--for instance, I used to think I was turned off by short men and red heads and have dated and found both to be attractive (my stbx was a redhead and boyfriend before him was short). In fact, aside from extreme obesity, I no longer have a lot of physical "deal breakers." So much of it is personality, so I would maybe go on a first date if you like their personality and aren't totally turned off. Also, don't base your tastes on what you think women will find attractive about you! That's low self esteem thinking. FYI, many women don't have a problem with shorter men (I don't). Personality is a big part of the attractiveness equation.

I think it matters too, but I have found that after I get to know someone that they can become more attractive. If it is all based on the physical you can miss out on some pretty awesome people. But you have to find what is right for you.

Obese is not something I can get over. Anything short of that I can.

My wife never had the best body, or was the best looking (though now that she has grown up she is very pretty), but my love and compassion for her changed how I looked at her.

Im willing to give most women a shot as long as they are not obese and have an ounce of intelligence.

I believe that all of us go by first impression's and the first thing we notice can only be the physical part of a person, and then like phoenix stated we tend to over look that as we grow closer together. So do I think your wrong? no not ar all

It will be amazing to see how differing the opinions are between the women and men. ;)

Looks are somewhat important, true inner beauty matters most. Some of the most drop dead gorgeous l people I have known in life have wound up being the ugliest.( I did say some).

There's nothing ever wrong with a preference. For me, I have to fit into my own preference.

I am a little overweight, so would make that allowance in my preference.

I am also bald, again, an allowance in my preference. (Just kidding, although I would not be opposed to dating a bald woman)

Physical attraction is a starter. My first attraction teeters between intelligence, and physical preferences.

I would date someone that's intelligent, but is less physically attractive, but I wouldn't date someone who is physically attractive, and dumb as a brick.

I hope this has not confused you more.

It's important that I be physically attracted to the person. Strangely my dating history follows a trend where each successive girlfriend is more attractive than the last. It's hard for me to imagine a relationship with someone I'm less attracted to than a past girlfriend. I'm painting myself into a corner, probably.

I won't date a guy under 6' so......just what ya like. Short guys hit on me right and left though.......kinda cute...

I agree with Phoenix... while some physical attraction is important, being too rigid with only going after "your type" will close doors on a lot of people who would likely become better looking the more you get to know them...

The inverse is true too... if someone isn't beautiful to you on the inside... they'll start to look worse to you on the outside too, even if you once thought they were your "ideal"...

Boy, my ex has turned into a dog btw!

It is very important to me! Other things definatly matter also, but physical is what catches your attention in the first place usually. I am an eye girl I love pretty eyes, can't stand messed up teeth, prefer a taller man. Although I have dated guys shorter than myself. But I think once you get to know someone there personality can make them seem more attractive to you. There is a guy at work who normally I would find "nerdy" and unattractive. But I have become attraacted to his funny intellegant personality.