Oh, Boys!

I’m disappointed to report that boys have no idea of the power they have, at least when it comes to girls. But, as they are infamously reputed to have very limited emotional and listening skills, it’s probably because we haven’t told them point-blank.

Admittedly, much of the primping and styling done by almost every female in America (and the world) is done less for boys as it is for OTHER FEMALES. Because honestly, who’s gonna be the one to comment on your hair—which took you about an hour to do—your girlfriends or guyfriends? Obviously, 99% of the time, it’ll be the ones wearing bras.

And THAT, ladies and hopefully currently attentive gentlemen, is EXACTLY why boys wield so much power over us. Not only are we programmed to at least try to attract potential mates, but the fact that they so seldom seem to even notice our efforts makes the times when they do brighten our day.

Vain? Oh, completely. But let’s face it, if we’re going to spend so much time, money, and effort on what we look like, we better get some positive feedback once in a while! Otherwise, the world would have to begin preparations for anarchy.

And so, boys, a simple “You look nice today” or “You have beautiful eyes” would be nice. *Notice the use of the word BEAUTIFUL. This word is the key to your success with the opposite sex.*

Also, it would be immensely sweet of you to pick up on personality traits as well as appearance. A “You know, you’re a pretty cool chick” or maybe just a “You’re so ____” <insert adorable adjective here.

You have no idea how a girl feels after getting a compliment, or maybe just an admiring glance from a boy; some of us start walking on air while others hold their heads a little higher, if only from being a little prouder of themselves for that moment. It’s sad that girls allow themselves to be vulnerable, yes, but it’s been that way in almost every culture for as long as we can remember. My proposition for a cure are those rare and heartfelt compliments from her special someone when she’s home in her PJs, hair messy, and makeup off. These little gifts will last for years, while the compliments she gets, say, at a dance after hours of primping may last only a few days or weeks.

So we’re vain. Get over it. Besides, you guys are too. You just have testosterone thrown into the mix instead of estrogen.

So I think you’ll do well to remember this: shower her with compliments and affection, even when she’s watching TV with you in a big T shirt and boxers, and she’ll give you the same, if not more.      <3 = J