Being embarrassed is good for your sex life

Being a bashful goofball may not be as completely and utterly awful as you'd be forgiven for thinking.

While being embarrassed is, well, embarrassing it could actually be beneficial for your sex life.

According to a study conducted by Matthew Feinberg while at the University of California, Berkeley, people who are easily embarrassed and prone to blushing are more attractive than those who are calm and collected.

Feinberg set up an experiment in which he filmed people recalling a cringeworthy incident, and a panel then judged them on how awkward they appeared.

The more easily embarrassed they were, the more likely they were to express compassionate views in a subsequent survey... Additionally they were also more likely to play honestly in a game with a cash prize!

In a following experiment, Feinberg showed participants pictures of embarrassed-looking people asking them a selection of questions, including:

If this person were a fellow student, how likely is it that you would ask her to join a study group that you were a part of?

People who looked a little flustered were more likely to be included.

In sum, going bright red and feeling completely awkward around someone you fancy could actually up your sex appeal.

If they are looking for a long-term partner, it could show that you are prosocial, cooperative – someone who isn’t going to cheat.

So people might find embarrassment attractive in that way.

• Feinbery

H/T BBC