"I don't like men bulky"

I have been hearing this for 20 years. My wife just sent me an article on how women find dumpy Dad bod's sexier than fit men.

My basic take on this is that it doesn't have a chance of being true. At best it is an attempt at "no those jeans don't make you look fat", at worst it is either jealously or dread-induced fear that other women will compete for you.

Even if your particular gal just had a thing for undermuscled guys (for whatever reason), several things remain true: The attention you get from other girls raises your SMV to your wife, more than your muscles detract from it. The higher testosterone, lower cortisol, lower estrogen, increased ability to carry yourself and intimidate, and increased confidence all raise your SMV way more than muscles could ever detract.

Muscles turn you into a higher valued male, regardless of whether they are more aesthetic
(even though they are). They help transform you into a more attractive person "on the inside."

If Chris Hemsworth were standing in front of your wife giving her the look, there's zero chance that she'd be complaining about how bulky he is.