We' ve read how babies stare longer and cry less when held by pretty people, and heard tales of handsome children doing better in school, given special attention by their teachers. In life, as in love, beautiful people seem to have it awfully easy. But what if we told you that when it comes to online dating, good looks could actually hurt you?

According to a recent survey of 43,000 users by OK Cupid, an online dating site, the moremen disagree about a woman' s looks, the more they end up liking her. What does that mean for ladies looking for a match? " We now have mathematical evidence that minimizing your weaknesses' is the opposite of what you should do," says the site's co-founder, Christian Rudder. "If you' re a little fat, play it up. If you have a big nose, play it up. Statistically, the guys who don't like it can only help you, and the ones who do like it will be all the more excited. "

The results of this study end up highlighting an idea that recent scientific research does indeed support. Which is this: the beautiful may have it good, but online, as in work and life, women who are too attractive don't always have an advantage.

Beauty creates more competition--among women, taught they must out-look each other for men and jobs and everyday satisfaction; and among men, who are competing for the most attrac- tive prize. All of which might help explain why 47 percent of corporate recruiters believe it' s pos- sible for a woman to suffer for being "too good-looking" ; why attractive women tend to face heightened examination from their female peers; or, finally, why men on OK Cupid end up con- tacting women who may ultimately be less attractive--because it removes the opposition. "If you suspect other men are uninterested, it means less competition," explains Rudder. "You might start thinking: maybe she's lonely., maybe she's just waiting to find a guy who appreciates her. at least I won' t get lost in the crowd. "

In the end, being beautiful will always have its blessings--but sometimes, there' s more to an advantage than meets the eye.

51. It is generally believed that beautiful people_______

A. have less difficult in life B. are less worried about love C. pay less attention to others D. like to gaze at lovely babies

52. The OK Cupid survey found that men' s arguments over a woman' s looks

A. have little meaning B. benefit online dating C. will actually hurt her D. add to her popularity

53. Christian Rudder advises women to_______

A. play up their physical advantages B. view their popularity scientifically C. highlight their physical weaknesses D. accept guys who are willing to help

54. The attitude of women toward their attractive peers is_______

A. critical B. friendly C. conservative D. straightforward

55. The main idea of the text is that a woman' s good looks_______

A. help to shape ideas of beauty B. can put her at a disadvantage C. end up with blessings for her D. will always appeal to the eye

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