Metro Makeover: Insane or Inspired?
Before you reject your partner's metro man request, consider the perks
By Karen Sherman, Ph.D.
www.hitchedmag.com
Updated: Jul 3, 2008
Question: My gal wants me to try being a metrosexual. I say no way!
Answer: You're sitting around one night, watching the game, and your partner is reading one of her girly magazines. You know the ones: "How to Change Him in Five Days" or "20 Tips to Satisfy Your Man." She leans over and says, "Honey, what do you say we shave your chest and dress you like a sophisticated gay man?" You wipe the buffalo wing sauce from your cheek and sit there, wondering if the publishers of these magazines are out to get you.
At first glance, I can understand why you might be put off by your woman's request to turn you into a "metrosexual." It may seem that she's telling you she isn't pleased with who you are anymore. But
since I always like to give someone the benefit of the doubt, I think there's a lot of positive spin that can be put on her request
since I always like to give someone the benefit of the doubt, I think there's a lot of positive spin that can be put on her request.
The
Urban Dictionary offers, among others, these definitions:
- A metro often appreciates the finer things in life and enjoys making himself look good.
- An American metrosexual is like your average European male. In France or Italy, men can be manly and work on cars and know about art and fashion at the same time. They don't need some special name for the less "masculine" side; men who dabble in vanity or in lofty romantic concerns seem less like men when in fact, they are probably better lovers to women than their traditional counterpart.
You may not be comforted by the thought of being compared to an art-loving Frenchman, but I think your partner is proud of you. I think she is able to see your physical beauty and is proud to have you show it off. Clearly, she's secure in her relationship with you because she's not afraid to have you flaunt it! She's also letting you know that you work hard and you deserve a little pampering --
it's okay to spend a little money on yourself in this way
it's okay to spend a little money on yourself in this way. I bet a lot of guys would be thrilled to have a gal with this attitude.
If, however, you're not quite comfortable doing the whole metro schtick, do the aspects of it with which you are comfortable -- try a striped button-down shirt or put a little gel in your hair.
Of course, as a relationships specialist, I can't miss out on an opportunity to suggest that you might ask your partner why she's made this request. Openings for communication and better understanding of one another comes in all shapes and sizes -- even as a hairless metrosexual!
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