The attractive person walks into the room and everyone assumes they’re competent, trustworthy, intelligent, and kind. They haven’t said anything yet. They haven’t demonstrated any of these qualities. But the assumption is already made based purely on facial symmetry and good bone structure. When they speak, people listen more carefully. When they make mistakes, people forgive more easily. When they need help, people volunteer eagerly. They navigate through life on easy mode while less attractive people with identical or superior qualities face constant resistance. This is the halo effect, the cognitive bias where one positive trait creates a generalized positive...