I always marvelled at how some men don't let female beauty deter them when I was younger; wondering how they did it -- perhaps it's experience?

I would say it's purely based on what we prioritize, I was always busy in sports and even though 2-3 girls tried to openly convince me that they love me so much, I never let that relation start even - I don't need a girl in my life, I am good. So I guess it's more on self control, but if you loose self control, then it's a free fall :)