John Krasinski has been honored as People’s “Sexiest Man Alive,” and I’m thrilled about it.

However, I felt a quiet frustration when some colleagues expressed their disagreement with this choice. What do you mean he isn’t attractive? He’s charming, hilarious, and appears to be a great husband to Emily Blunt and a devoted father to his daughters. Did I mention he’s attractive?

I resonated with many on social media who expressed similar sentiments: “Anyone criticizing John Krasinski today will be blocked immediately. Consider this a warning.” “Finally, people recognize that funny men are the most appealing.” While some voices were critical, they can speak for themselves.

The title of “Sexiest Man Alive” has always been open to interpretation and could embrace greater diversity—acknowledging more people of color or celebrating the LGBTQ+ community. What one person finds attractive, another might view differently. Labels can muddle things and create disagreements. Yet, what if we recognized that attractiveness is subjective and took a moment to reflect on what this choice reveals about us?

John Krasinski, Jeremy Allen White, and Attractiveness

People have always been drawn to attractive men. But what should this fascination mean? The topic gained intense traction this year with Jeremy Allen White shining in FX’s “The Bear” and a suggestive Calvin Klein ad.

This kind of advertisement draws on the admiration of the male physique that goes back to ancient Greece. While this admiration is often justified, it can also be highly sexual, as University of Vermont’s expert Paul Deslandes noted.

Over the 20th century, erotic and sexual imagery has surged, especially with the rise of social media. “The distinction between what some consider pornography and what others label as mainstream culture has become increasingly blurred,” Deslandes explains.

Although photos of Krasinski are more subdued, they still generate interest. If you see him merely as a sex symbol rather than a person, it might be a good idea to step back and reassess your perspective.

Understanding ‘Sexy’ and How to Approach It

The allure of celebrities like Krasinski is harmless—enjoy it! Appreciate the men you find appealing! Nevertheless, it’s essential to consider how these representations can shape our own body image standards.

Increasing exposure to such content often leads to a cycle of unrealistic body expectations. As Deslandes mentions, there’s a tendency for younger and older men alike to compare themselves to these “ideal” men depicted in advertisements, which can trigger discomfort and self-reflection on perceived inadequacies.

Moving forward, audiences should engage with images of all body types and ponder: What am I observing? Why am I observing it? Do I find this person attractive? What do I gain from this? What do I lose?

And if you’re my boyfriend reading this, just ignore it.