MUNCIE, Ind. -- After President Clinton recently admitted to an inappropriate relationship with a former intern, the public is left wondering what they saw in each other.

The explanation is the 52-year-old Clinton and the 25-year-old Monica Lewinsky were doing what comes naturally, says Michael Wiederman, a Ball State University psychological science professor and relationship researcher.

"There is something in our genetic makeup that makes men and women different when it comes to seeking mates or sexual partners," he said. "We agree on what tastes sweet and sour. My young daughter knows that at age 2. But, when it comes to potential mates, we have totally different opinions."

Wiederman said Lewinsky falls into the category of what men are looking for in a one-time sexual partner.

"A recent survey found that most men said the perfect partner for anonymous sex would be an attractive female about 19 to 25," he said. "Many men with money, power and prestige seek out women in this age range."

When it comes to women's idea of a perfect mate, several studies point out that females would select a male who is famous, rich or powerful, Wiederman said.

"Take Clinton out of the president's office and put him in a fast food restaurant and I don't think Monica would give him a second look," he said. "Someone once said that power is an aphrodisiac."

In an informal classroom study, Wiederman said most females agreed that men would find model Cindy Crawford attractive even if she worked as a waitress or retail clerk. However, women found a movie star like Mel Gibson less attractive if he worked as a garbage collector or factory worker rather than an actor.

"In another study, a male was pictured in an expensive business suit, a fast-food uniform and a simple t-shirt," he said. "Women found the man in the business suit the most attractive. When he was wearing the suit, he was seen as doing well. When he was in the fast food uniform, he was seen as not doing well."

If women disagree with his assessment of male and female likes and dislikes, Wiederman points out the relationships between rock and roll stars and models.

"When you put some of these rock singers on stage, you have all sorts of attractive women trying to meet them," he said. "But, if you put these guys with their long hair and tattoos outside the local convenience store, most women wouldn't even consider talking to them."

(NOTE TO EDITORS: For more information, contact Wiederman by E-mail at mwiederm@bsu.edu or by phone at 765-285-2386.)