Men's predictability gets the girls

From hogging the remote control to leaving socks on the bedroom floor, there are male traits that many women would agree are more than a little familiar.

But according to science, it is this very predictability that helps the male of the species to find a mate.Researchers at the University of Exeter found that men tend to find their defining characteristics, whether reserved or outspoken, early in life and stick to them thereafter.

As most men know though, the girls tend to be more changeable, adapting their behaviour to new circumstances.

But even a fickle lady seems to appreciate consistency in a partner and will find themselves attracted to a predictable man.

Dr Weibke Schuett, who led the study, told the Telegraph: "Our study suggests that, while males tend to exhibit more pronounced personalities, including more predictable behaviour, in a range of different contexts, females are more receptive to these traits in males.

"We found a surprising level of similarity across a range of species."

Scientists believe that this could have evolved from competition between males as they vie for female attention.

Dr Sasha Dall, who was involved in the research, said: "Females like predictability in their males as it allows them to make good long-term decisions, and to deal with changing circumstances if they know their male is consistent.

"It is not one personality trait, such as being aggressive, it is the fact that they always exhibit that trait that matters."

We, however, can think of several consistent traits that we'd happily change.