If you hear any guy say that he doesn't care about the way he looks from head to toe, they're lying! Everyone cares, even a little, about whether or not their look/style is aesthetically pleasing to other guys, and probably more importantly, women. I recently had a debate with a friend about how the two sexes initially view each other at the moment of visual exposure. Just like how men are initially drawn to aesthetically pleasing women, women have the same mindset. She won't want to get to know you and your presumably kick ass personality if you look like Sasquatch, banging your chest and throwing fecal matter. In my case, I'm probably just sick of the sight of guys' asses hanging out of their pants and their general lack of respect for the opposite sex. I really don't need to know that you wear Scooby Doo patterned underwear or that you think you're hot shit.
Whether or not you're aware of it, you send a message with how you put yourself together on a daily basis. This includes grooming and hygiene, wardrobe, health, and attitude among others.
- Grooming and Hygiene: I think most guys overlook this. Monthly haircuts, daily showers and shaves, and massive amounts of cologne aside, there isn't much else that guys do to keep their bodies (seemingly) clean. I've never been a personal fan of facial scrubs and moisturizers, but they do do wonders for your skin. It's especially important for those athletic types who sweat a lot. Grab some cleanser and keep those pores clear. Nothing is less attractive than a huge pimple on your face. When I do use cleansers, I use Aveeno.
- Wardrobe: As you age, your style preferences evolve and mature, and hopefully your disposable income grows, you tend to start scaling up your clothing purchases to high-end brands. It's classic American Dream; more money = more things. I think here is where the debate between what's perceived as "cheap" and "expensive" really starts. Any average college student hoping to pay off $200,000 in student loans within the next 10 years can agree that money is tight, especially in this economic downturn. From experience, building my wardrobe from full retail purchases is simply out of the question in this day and age. Back in high school, I used to buy items at full price (shamed). But in retrospect, I always complain about how much money I would have saved if I didn't care as much about having the words "Abercrombie & Fitch" printed on a hoodie. It wasn't until college that I started asking questions about fashion and developing my personal style. Luckily, I had my cousin who showed me the ins and outs of smart shopping. Sample sales, outlet malls, and online offers (www.giltman.com/invite/feeelipy, TheTopSecret.com) are great places to start looking for your personal style on a budget. To this day, I still browse these events for pieces to add to my wardrobe. Unfortunately, often times there is a premium on quality. It's okay to splurge once in a while on a piece that you truly love, but try not to burn a hole in your wallet that you can't afford. Holes only help you lose things. Remember, expensive doesn't mean stylish and cheap doesn't mean trash. Find a style that you personally love and develop it over time by adding not only large purchases, but small ones as well. And don't ever be afraid to ask questions. Do your research on high-involvement purchases and shop around. Take care of your clothing. A properly cleaned and stored suit can last years. A poorly managed wardrobe is money down the drain. Guys should care just as much about what we put on our backs as our more stylish gender counterparts. GQ explains it best: "Dressing well is not about labels—it's about developing personal style.
And that's something you learn, not buy" - Health: America is the land of the obese. The temptation to overeat is more prevalent today than it was 30 years ago as new crops of fast food restaurants emerge across the country. As college students, we're susceptible to this temptation, which can be heard from worrying mothers: "the freshman fifteen" (and in some cases, freshman 30"). Our health is definitely something we take for granted, but it does serious numbers on our appearance as well as overall message. Being HEALTHY isn't about hitting the gym 1 month before beach season or starving yourself to meet your goal weight. Being healthy is a state of mind as well as a lifestyle. If you take care of your health by exercising and eating right, it really shows. You'll be more confident, have more energy, and be able to do things you thought you couldn't before. And people will notice the change (woot!). If you're looking to lose weight, start small and set realistic short-term goals. Once you meet that goal, set another then another until you meet your desired result. Instead of always buying food to eat, cook a healthy meal once in a while and hit the gym at least twice a week for 30 minutes. If you have the mindset of living a healthy lifestyle, your body will seriously thank you. Find what motivates you to stay healthy whether it's for family or friends, but remember that in the end it's really for your sake.
- Attitude: Please show some respect guys. I don't know if it's a front or your real personality, but respect is universal. The right attitude starts with one: you. Attitude is what ties it all together. People can think whatever they want about you, they can talk behind your back or even disrespect you directly, but knowing who you are is what really matters. Becoming a gentleman isn't an overnight process, but it should be something us guys aspire to be as we continue to mature. Your attitude should be an extension of your real personality. It can be the bridge to a real conversation with a women or the cause of a drink in the face. Nothing is more attractive to a woman than a man being himself (at least to a woman that matters). From relationships to the work place, attitude and body language speak volumes of who you truly are and who you are aspiring to be.
So guys, it's okay to care about the way you look and feel. Be comfortable in your skin both inside and out and also from head to toe.
-friendly:)fears
