Quite right, Bob, I was just thinking that, after reading the previous posts. Mostly women appreciate men who are willing to show their true inner colour. Whether it be manly or any nuance other than that. Although men may be attractive in a sexual sense if they show how much testesteron they have, probably in being what I would call Macho, super manly, which isn't always found to be pleasant. People, men included are I think more apreciated when they open up, dare to be vulnerable, show a less agressive, more friendly, "soft" nature, character. I think that when men openly show their body ( and inner character ) by means which were otherwise only done by women, are very welcome as those men are possibly less ( sex) driven to prove that they are men. It is difficult to put in words, so I hope readers will understand. Women have a culture of being dressed "vulnerable" and unpractical, paying attention to details, making themselves attractive, which is not ONLY for the sake of sex driven men, and when done of free choice must be wonderful. That is a way of living that most men don't even seem to realise exists, let alone even think about venturing into. I am not into makeup but can understand the deeper meaning of doing such things as nail polish. It is natural for people to want to show off, and just like many people now have piercingsBob wrote:They were shorts, not a skirt. And no nail polish at the time. I was relating to how sometimes fashion-conscious women will compliment you, and how that can feel affirming.
nail polish can be fun too. It is nothing only for women, but something men are not used to doing. There is no shame in it, and it is not un manly. Once more men start to realise that, as I see it, it will even for the diehard macho not be "threatenig" or a sign of some mental lapse, whatever. Understanding the workings of our male / female society helps to break down any barriers that we thought were there but were actually only in our minds. Once we can talk more in a person sense instead of a male / female sense then many issues will dissappeer. I am glad more people think that way, see crfriend's quote. It is a very intense learning experience at the present, and for some seems very difficult to break loose from years of manly indoctrination which may impede that persons openness in thought. Not saying that how somebody thinks should be any thing else.
Quote Crfriend: So, let's drop it with labelling things like colours. It's divisive, it's pointless, and it's needless. For that matter, let's drop the notion of labelling things "masculine" or "feminine" period.
One thing is a fact, men who dress any thing other than men in pants, but do it with respect, and do it proudly are in turn respected by most ("normal") people. Just like walking with your toe nails done, if it is done well, you look the part, healthy, proud, self confident, then who could think otherwise than it is OK for you to walk that way. That means "acceptance" from strangers, the public, something that makes it easier to go skirted in public with pride and not be ashamed or scared to show it.
Note I am not saying that anybody "should" get his nails done, but for those who were unsure, go ahead, but do it goed, make sure your total look is always correct and personal enjoyment should be yours.
Many of you have done a very admirable job of stating why men 'can' wear fashions that others might consider for women, and I applaud you.
