Are sex symbols realistic?

When considering romantic interests we instantly conjure up an idealistic image of our dream guy/girl. For guys we consider a light flawless skin, slim, comparatively shorter, elegant eyes and meticulously accentuated curves. We tend to be attracted to girls that have these characteristics, before we get to know their personality and character. Ladies may be more character-oriented (I heard), but I also hear, tall, dark and handsome. By handsome there is that broad shoulder you can lean on, there are those sexy side-burns and, of course, at least a six pack but preferably an eight-pack.

So, with the ground standards established we dive into the real world to look for these symbols. We have read about them in books, we have seen the in the TV serials and soap operas. We have seen them on big billboards and on commercials passing everything they sale as a means of enjoying the company and/or the attention that comes the sex symbols. We want to compete with symbols. We hit the gym and cut on diet. We even get some pills downtown or online that promise instantaneous results that may or may not be used complementarily with the other methods.