In re the patriarchy
Lots of wimmens believe they have to stay fit, dress attractively, dye and style their hair, wear makeup, even have extreme makeover type plastic surgery sometimes, for men to respect/notice/like them.
We aren’t totally wrong. I get more attention and respect when I am put together.
But from women and men! It’s about putting your best foot forward, confidence, caring about how you present yourself. Like anything it can be taken too far.
If you go out gray and chunky with a tired face and drab/ill fitting clothing, most men will not acknowledge you, hold the door, serve you as well if a cashier or clerk or waiter, etc. You just get sort of devalued.
Thank you, and I could surmise what the woman meant, but your point above goes both ways. It has nothing to do with any perceived "patriarchy." We all--men AND women--get more attention and respect when we present ourselves in a put-together manner.
I feel the "patriarchy" comment was a hit-and-run at males and was out of line for the article.
It’s no different with men. Beer gut hanging over the belt, slouching, tee-shirt, unshaven, messy unwashed haiir, puffy face and eyes, rude — do those guys get perceived as alpha males? Do they get much respect? Do the women (and men) notice them)? No way.
Here we are in the dead of winter, a few days away from the shortest day of the year, snow is coming down right now, and I’ve been known to have my PJ bottoms on at 9 am. Ah, retirement!
Pride can be a sin but a little pride in oneself is not. I’m not going to dye my hair but I sure as heck trim nose hair & ear hair, shave even when I’m not going anywhere and comb my hair. Heck, I even make my bed after getting up.
If I dress like a slob, I’m treated like a slob. I work to stay fit both because I enjoy outdoor activities that require a little athletic ability AND because I’m in my 60s and can’t stand old FAT slob men waddling around with stubble on their face.
As you said, “It’s about putting your best foot forward, confidence, caring about how you present yourself. Like anything it can be taken too far.”