In the fairytale books, movies, and folklore... the Princess is always infatuated with the "Prince"....
How does an average guy with no looks whatsoever and with no palace or money get with a Princess? Besides Shrek. All the young girls and women look for their Prince Charming and have this image of a disney character in their head from an early age. Even in the movie Shrek, princess Fiona was looking for the other Prince... NOT Shrek.
Do they really by-pass all the other guys? Just to meet a Prince Charming?
As a guy growing up I'd read into GQ magazine, brush up on Men's Health, and even take advice from Dr. Phil... Just to become Prince Charming. But to my recollection, these very things didn't do much but fit that perfect stereotype of being Handsome. Do women really look upon that as a good character attribute? Or has that gone down hill since we live in a world where "MONEY" is a sole motivator for people.
Therefore do looks matter in a relationship?
You have to have personality! If you can not strike a conversation, humourous, witty, and/or friendly you will not meet that princess.
As for looks, you can be average looking but if you clean yourself up with a nice pair of jeans, button down shirt, and hair you will find a great woman who will see your great personality. Us females tend to go for personality vs looks. All those magazines and shows will not help if you don't change within yourself.