"One of my theories is that men love with their eyes; women love with their ears"

Zsa Zsa Gabor’s observation draws attention to a perceived difference in how men and women typically experience romantic attraction and connection. By suggesting that men love with their eyes, she alludes to the idea that visual cues, appearance, physical attributes, and outward style, often play a central role in how men initially feel drawn toward someone. Visual stimulus is prioritized, and first impressions may be guided by physical beauty, expressions, or fashion. This implies that for many men, what is seen can ignite feelings of attraction or affection, perhaps even before other traits are considered.

On the other hand, the assertion that women love with their ears points to the importance of words, communication, and emotional resonance. For many women, the content and tone of what a potential partner says, their compliments, promises, expressions of affection, displays of vulnerability, and wit, can carry significant weight. Words have the power to evoke emotions, build trust, and foster intimacy. Poetic confessions, attentive listening, and heartfelt conversations might cultivate affection by creating a sense of being understood and valued. The theory suggests that hearing loving words, receiving reassurance, and being engaged in meaningful dialogue are central to how women develop and deepen feelings of love.

Underlying Gabor’s witty aphorism is a reflection on traditional gender norms and courtship rituals, where men have often been culturally encouraged to value beauty, while women have been socialized to appreciate flattery, charm, and verbal affirmation. However, while her statement captures a popular cultural sentiment, it simplifies complex human motivations. The boundaries between visual and verbal attraction are not strictly divided by gender; men can be moved by words, and women by looks. Attraction is multifaceted, influenced by personality, cultural context, and individual history. Yet Gabor’s remark endures because it succinctly captures a pattern observed in many relationships, sparking conversation about how people connect and what makes them fall in love.