Bad boys aren't always the most attractive, according to new research.

Most girls and guys think that the ladies go for men who are speed-demons, thrill-seekers and all-round tough guys.

But in fact, the guys are more impressed with this in their peers than the girls are when it comes to choosing a date.

A study undertaken by the University of Maine in Orono found that girls actually find crazy lads a turn-off and prefer the nicer ones.

Dr William Farthing, who led the research, said: "Men thought women would be impressed by pointless gambles, but women in fact preferred cautious men."

The study, which was reported in New Scientist magazine, showed that girls preferred guys with more altruistic and safe tendencies.

"Previous studies have shown that women are attracted to someone who acts in an altruistic way," said Dr David Lewis of the British Psychological Society.

"Saving someone's life shows a degree of empathy and sensitivity and this is an attractive trait in men."

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