Here is the thread: https://archive.today/j5577

Here is the article in question that led to the discussion: http://washington.cbslocal.com/2014/12/02/study-women-with-more-male-friends-have-more-sex-because-partners-fear-sex-rivals/

/r/science brings up the obvious reverse situation here (men showing he has lots of female options, resulting in more sexual attention from his main plate). This is shocking to the comment section.

The white knights and hamsters of course try to pretend that being in a relationship makes men more confident...because women only respond to confidence in men, which would make women seem more virtuous:

You also exude more confidence when in a relationship, and that confidence is what is attractive

But of course reality sets in:

...but when I'm out by myself or with guy friends, I'm rarely approached by women. When I'm hanging out with my female (just) friend that most people would assume I'm in a relationship with, I get approached by women all the time. To the point where she feels insulted. They're technically not asking me out, but still...So in my opinion, it's definitely more than a confidence thing.

More stuff the comment section doesn't like:

A study done by Tracy and Beall concluded that when confronted with pictures of men who looked prideful (arms raised and smile, think "I just accomplished something!"), happy, shameful, or neutral, women routinely rated the prideful men most attractive (and, oddly enough, the happy man less attractive.)

Interestingly, when shown four pictures with a woman in the same positions, the men rated the "happy" image most attractive, and the prideful woman less attractive.

It's always funny when science "verifies" RP truths we've known for years: Pre-selection, social proof, abundance, dread game. And it's even funnier to see redditors reactions when they realize it ("but...but...I thought being supportive and always emotionally available will win her heart?!")

For those who are new: Women value what other women value. They want to keep what others want. They protect what they can easily lose to other women.