Be Attractive, Don't Be Unattractive

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Part of a series on Saturday Night Live. [View Related Entries]

About

"Be Attractive, Don't Be Unattractive" is an expression typically used as a tongue-in-cheek response to people asking for dating advice on the Internet, suggesting that the only important quality for romantic success is one's level of physical attractiveness.

Origin

On April 16th, 2005, Season 30 Episode 17 of Saturday Night Live aired, which featured a mock harassment training video titled "Sexual Harassment and You." In the sketch, football player Tom Brady demonstrates how to properly ask a woman out at work, ending with the advice to "be handsome, be attractive and don't be unattractive" (shown below).

Spread

On December 14th, 2011, Redditor Brokim submitted a post to the /r/AskReddit^[5] subreddit compiling examples of cliche Reddit advice, which included "Be attractive, don't be unattractive" at the top of the list. Prior to being archived, the post gathered upwards of 2,500 votes (93% upvoted) and 3,700 comments.

Reddit, I've been here for a year. Here's what I've learned from 2171 you guys. What can you add to the list? (self.AskReddit) submitted 3 years ago * by Brokim Be attractive. Don't be unattractive. (thanks earsofglitter) . Don't EVER stick your d--- in crazy. Masturbate before any moderate life event/decision. If you want something, you have to ask for it Delete Facebook, get lawyer, hit the gym, join credit union .Get a f------ tongue screper. (beefytits wanted this nearthe top) No one knows what the f--- they're doing Fake it 'till you make it usually works Buy quality products that you will use a lot. They are an investment. . No one is keeping track of the mistakes you make. Get to know your parents before it's too late. Respect is earned, regardless of status.

On April 18th, 2012, Redditor backgainer submitted the SNL sketch to the /r/videos^[4] subreddit. On May 23rd, 2013, Redditor Cryptic_Spooning submitted a post lamenting the overuse of the "be attractive, don't be unattractive" joke on the /r/malefashionadvice^[2] subreddit. Prior to being archived, the post gained over 2,100 votes (80% upvoted) and 430 comments. On June 23rd, 2014, Redditor anrole submitted an Advice Mallard image macro which refuted the "be attractive, don't be unattractive" expression to /r/AdviceAnimals^[3] (shown below). On April 22nd, 2015, Redditor starman905 submitted the question "How accurate is 'be attractive, don't be unattractive'" to the /r/AskMen^[1] subreddit.