I wrote about the unrealistic expectations that some women subscribe to in dating and relationships, but none are more unrealistic and ridiculous than the set of mythical expectations I articulate in this post.
In dating conversations—especially online—there’s a common trope about what women allegedly want in a man: the “six sixes.”
It’s said that the “ideal man” must have:
-A Six-figure income
-Six-pack abs
-Be Six feet tall
-Have a Six-inch (or bigger) penis
-Six months out of a past relationship
-Own six properties or luxury assets (like cars or homes).
The last one is fungible with “own a 600 horsepower car,” which is more about how much the car is worth, as most high-horsepower cars are expensive and is an outward sign of a man’s potential wealth.
While this idea gets thrown around in the manosphere and pop culture as if it represents the universal female standard, it’s mostly a myth—and a harmful one at that.
Why the “Six Sixes” Is a Myth
1. It’s Based on Extremes, Not Reality.
Yes, some women may say they want tall, rich, fit men—but the vast majority do not require all six.
Studies on dating preferences show that women value kindness, humor, emotional stability, and compatibility far more than these superficial “metrics.”
2. It Encourages Men to Feel Inadequate.
This unrealistic checklist fuels insecurity among men, making them feel that they’re never “good enough” unless they hit all these arbitrary marks.
It ignores the fact that many women fall in love with men who are average in height, income, and looks.
3. It Misrepresents What High-Quality Women Value.
High-value women often care more about a man’s character—integrity, ambition, emotional intelligence, and the ability to be supportive—than his income or abs.
A strong emotional connection is far more attractive than a list of stats.
4. It Turns Relationships Into Transactions.
The “six sixes” myth reduces dating to a business deal—men bring status and looks, women bring beauty.
This mindset prevents authentic connections from forming because it focuses on superficial traits rather than shared values.
5. It’s Used to Fuel Resentment.
The manosphere often uses this trope to argue that “modern women have impossible standards.”
While some women have unrealistic checklists (just as some men do), most people just want someone they love, trust, and respect.
What Women Actually Want
Research on long-term relationship satisfaction consistently shows that women prioritize:
-Emotional connection and communication
-Trustworthiness and dependability
-A sense of humor and fun
-Shared values and life goals
-Confidence (not arrogance)
In other words, the qualities that sustain real love aren’t on the “six sixes” list.
The Bottom Line
The “six sixes” is more of a dating meme than a real standard.
While some people may joke about it or claim to want all six, most women are not rejecting good men simply because they’re 5’9” or earn less than six figures.
Relationships are built on connection, compatibility, and character—not a shallow scorecard.
-The Rational Ram
The Rational Ram 