In this world of sleek supermodels and shiny movie stars, beauty and good looks are rewarded with money, respect, praise, and reverence. While models and actors only make up a miniscule segment of the population, a far-reaching media may seem to threaten to infiltrate the minds of the rest of us. While people may impose pressure on themselves to be as beautiful as the figures in the high fashion magazines, those seeking a mate are not so judgmental. Looks are mildly important compared to personality.
Physical attributes mean nothing if the person is mean or rude.
I don't really compromise in this area, I usually start with an attractive person and then get to know their personality, and then decide to continue or not. Looks and personality are equally important. Neither one will carry the show by itself. By looks I'm talking about what I find attractive myself, not society's idea of attractiveness. If I have to err, I'd rather err on the side of looks, because the right personality can make someone attractive, but it doesn't work the other way around.