Final answer:
Men often find new partners attractive as a way to regain care and emotional focus after a spouse's death, while widows might augment their dowry to enhance attractiveness. These perceptions are influenced by emotional needs, societal expectations, and family stability considerations.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the studies referenced, what often makes a partner attractive after separation varies based on gender and circumstances following events like the death of a spouse or divorce. For instance, men may feel a loss that makes them seek out a new partnership as a means of regaining care and emotional focus, making a potential new partner particularly attractive for fulfilling these needs. On the other hand, a widow might offer a larger dowry to compensate for any perceived decrease in her attraction due to preceding events, whether it be the death of a spouse or a previous divorce. Factors such as a strong parent-child relationship post-divorce can also influence a child’s well-being and by extension impact what each parent may find attractive, potentially steering towards someone who would be a good role model for their children. Hence, attractiveness after separation can be influenced by a combination of emotional needs, societal expectations, and the desire for stability both in oneself and family.