#1270 Paul Eastwick: Evolutionary Psychology Is Wrong About Mating
RECORDED ON JUNE 17th 2026.
Dr. Paul Eastwick is Professor of Psychology at the University of California, Davis. Dr. Eastwick’s research investigates how people initiate romantic relationships and the psychological mechanisms that help romantic partners to remain committed and attached. One of his research programs examines how the qualities that people say are critically important to them in a romantic partner—their ideal partner preferences—direct romantic partner selection and retention. He is the author of Bonded by Evolution: The New Science of Love and Connection.
In this episode, we start by criticizing the three pillars of the evolutionary psychology of mating. We discuss whether pursuing a “short-term strategy” influences someone’s long-term relationship prospects. We discuss whether dating apps are realistic. We talk about the association between evolutionary psychology and the manosphere, and we speculate on the traits of evolutionary psychologists. We talk about the contemporary issues of loneliness, sexlessness, and singlehood, and the causes behind them. Finally, we give advice to single men looking for a relationship.
Time Links:
Intro
Criticizing the three pillars of the evolutionary psychology of mating
Does pursuing a “short-term strategy” influence someone’s long-term relationship prospects?
Are dating apps realistic?
Evolutionary psychology and the manosphere
The traits of evolutionary psychologists
What do we want in partners?
Loneliness, sexlessness, and singlehood
Advice for single men looking for a relationship
Follow Dr. Eastwick’s work!
Follow Dr. Eastwick’s work:
Faculty page: https://bit.ly/3hzXk8T
Website: https://bit.ly/34zmReC
ResearchGate profile: https://bit.ly/32sEkmj
Bonded by Evolution: https://tinyurl.com/bdf8359n
Twitter handle: @PaulEastwick