Are we supposed to believe that Cassidy is more attractive than Aimee?

Pretty sure that it actually does come down to personality. Attitude, has a surprising effect on how we perceive one another. Cassidy, was the fun party girl. Although, as she's introduced to us, she appears to grown-up and calmed down a lot. Aimee, on the other hand, while beautiful, was awkward and insecure. This, in turn, can make surrounding individuals feel insecure, as well. As a result of this, people tend to be deflected by this kind of personality. After all, the world is full of beautiful faces, it breaks down to that which sets them apart from one another.

I WAS FROZEN...TODAY!!!

Both girls were attractive. It's probably equally shallow to scrutinize every physical detail and think Sutter's preferences for them hinged solely on that. People are driven by the accessibility of another person more than the looks. After break-ups (or even during relationships) people will often go for someone nothing like the previous mate. It wasn't like Sutter had much of a choice with Cassidy because she was complicated and confusing with the break-up, but people often think there are easy chances at rekindling.

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Aimee looked really rough to me. Very blotchy skin, hair was never done, and I don't think she was ever wearing makeup unless it was the "no makeup look". I mean, I appreciated her appearance because it made it more authentic (high school kids are never as polished as they are in movies) especially if she was supposed to be a girl boys didn't really notice, but compared to Cassidy, yes, she wasn't as pretty, IMO. You said Cassidy was "thick" like high school boys don't like hips and boobs as much as the next person. She wasn't fat by any means, so I don't even know why you pointed that out like it matters that she's slightly bigger than Aimee.

He was in no way more attractive than her. Plus - he was an azzhole to boot!

I was more bothered by how Aimee was portrayed as the below average looking girl and Sutter was portrayed as the popular attractive guy.

It is all based in personality. Cassidy is vibrant, outgoing, and seems to have it all together. Aimee is shy, quiet, and passive. Based on that alone, Cassidy would have been a more attractive match for the outgoing Sutter.

As for looks, Sutter points out in the book that Cassidy is "fat" but quickly notes that he doesn't mean this in a derogatory sense--more that she has a real body and not is not a stick figure like models boys are supposed to lust after. He says Aimee is cute as well as falls for her harder and harder the more she opens up.

Also, I don't think Sutter was meant to be the "hot and attractive" popular guy. It was more his outgoing and friendly personality that made him the center of attention among his peers and drew girls to him.

I think Cassidy looks better. Aimee just looks weird to me. As if her eyes are messed up somehow. Not very pretty at all to me. That said, she isn't ugly by any means but I'm not really attracted to her. Cassidy I'd do.