I think both sides are often looking for the top percent, but with men usually concerned with looks, since women aren’t typically raised to be the breadwinner. Just look at memes about men and their ideal women — it’s all about how attractive the cashier is, or the prettiest girl at school, etc. There aren’t that many stunning women in the world, and those who are, are aware that for, many men, their value is often based on their appearance — but that value is fleeting before they’re “too old.” Powerful men don’t usually end up with regular people, and it’s a common trope that once a man settles down, he’ll “upgrade.” When men have money and options, they can afford to be picky, often seeking out someone gorgeous, and if there’s a deeper connection, that’s just a bonus.

Of course, memes aren’t a scientific reflection of reality, but it’s interesting that you rarely see memes like “model vs. woman I vibe with” instead of "pretty woman VS woman I think is prettier.“It’s not that men shouldn’t have standards — there are definitely some wild women out there. But I don’t think it’s as simple as women just chasing the richest, most handsome men for no reason other than greed. For a long time, marriage was a woman’s only form of security — finding someone who could support her, possibly offer freedom, and ensure safety, all while staying within a timeline before she was seen as ‘bargain goods.’” I think that mind set still lingers with a lot of women because there are always worse things for a woman than being single. As women gain more financial and societal freedom, they start getting picky because now no one really needs a partner. Women are now free to choose on looks, charm, sexual prowess, like men have in the past, but some women still hold that standard of the man being the main backbone of the house. So now, men have the same standards they put on women, plus the burden they (culturally) have put on themselves by being the head of household and main provider.

I think both sides need a lot of work.