Why do women seem more attracted to a man with a hot wife?

Just something I’ve noticed. Over the years, I’ve really improved my physical appearance and have subsequently made a name for myself as a fitness model / swimsuit model.

I’ve noticed that as my appearance has improved, more girls / women are outwardly giggly around my husband (who has ALWAYS been super fit and hot) and stare more.

But when I was an ugly duckling? Even a lingering gaze from a woman was rare - and I notice EVERYTHING. Now, hostesses at restaurants group together and giggle while staring at my husband (NO attempt to shield their embarrassing behavior), service workers say “have a good night” - but only while looking at him, and women in general act very giggly and strange around him, some flirting innocently. A very noticeable change from what used to be.

I understand the theory of “pre-screening” - that women can be attracted to a married man because the hot wife he’s with has vetted him. Her mere presence with him stands as proof that he’s a quality mate - which makes him that much more appealing.

But why do some girls / women act so blatantly strange and embarrassing around married men with attractive wives? I will make it clear again - I used to be an ugly duckling. When I was in that stage and when I was even average, women rarely were openly disrespectful and flirty. Four years later, both my appearance and their behavior have done a complete 180. They just don’t care anymore.

I take it as a compliment and reminder of what I have, but I also can’t help but to wonder what correlation exists between the wife’s attractiveness and the level of outward attention from random women. While I know where I stand and my husband and I laugh at them, I sometimes wonder if these girls are being purposefully disrespectful towards me.

And for those of you who will reply to this only to complain that I sound “conceited” - stuff it. This is a genuine trend, and I’d like honest thoughts, anecdotes, and some critical thinking here.