I was riding in the car this past weekend with several friends. We were trying to find a happening place to spend the evening; and, upon discovering none that provided any satisfaction, our conversation invariably led to some rather interesting subjects. Seems to be the case time and time again when outside stimulation wanes; we find our own entertainment in revealing conversation.
I found this particular conversation rather amusing, as our thoughts and words somehow (I really don’t know how) led to the topic of personal hygiene and grooming. It was a mixed group, male and female, but it seemed we all agreed on several key points. However, I wonder if there is a certain etiquette or unspoken standard we go by these days in regard to personal grooming. What is preferred and what is considered acceptable?
We all agreed, with much laughter, that ball hair is disgusting. It seems even straight guys are shaving their scrotums these days, as the girls in our group proclaimed their refusal to go down on the guy or play with his balls if he’s got the little squigglies going on on his sac. I tend to agree. I’m sure there’s a few out there that wouldn’t mind a little fur, maybe even think it was manly; but more often than not, I’m finding that people would rather it not be there these days. When you have to pull a hair out from between your teeth, it tends to ruin the mood a little. And hygiene is a key as well. “A Sweaty ball sac has a smell like no other,” and it isn’t appealing. Hell if I wanted something with an odor, I’d go straight for the tuna taco. (Although, one of my straight friends insists that a women’s private parts don’t really smell like fish. I’ll have to take his word for it).
As far as the rest of it goes, I agreed with my friends that there should be some grooming in the general pubic area. Heck, girls seem to go to great lengths to properly groom; and it seems there a hundred ways to do it, from shaving to full on Brazilian waxes. I’m glad that waxing hasn’t become popular for men down there, though. Eeek. I don’t think that completely removing the hair is really all that attractive on a man, though. Unless your into really, really, young, say illegal young men. I did it once (the shaving, not the illegal young man). I looked like a prepubescent fool. There should be something there at least to signify that you’re at a an age capable of growing something down there.
I was walking back from getting my mail the other day, saw what seemed to be a straight man with the smoothest legs I’ve seen in years. They had to be shaved. I found it unnatural. Unless you’re training for the summer Olympics in the backstroke or butterfly or you have a genetic inability to grown hair at all, you should leave it. At least in my opinion. It seems that hairless chests and shaved pits are becoming more popular as well. I never minded a little hair on the chest, although, the pits should be kept to a reasonable length. I’d prefer not to notice it while you’re arms are down, bushing out like an out of control fur-ball under there.
As far as hygiene is concerned, cleanliness is an absolute key. If a man is dirty, forget it. Ok, I’ll admit it, every once in a long while the moment will hit and be so strong that there’s no time to clean up, you just have to go for it, sweaty as you may be; but for the most part, I’d like to know that you take care of yourself and shower daily, if not more often than that. Cologne is a good thing, too. Sometimes I wonder if in fact the industry is supported solely by gay men and women buying scents for their fellows. I’ve never met a straight-man cologne whore. Actually, I’ve never met a straight man that had more than two scents in his collection. On the other hand, most gay men I know can recognize at least half a dozen scents and have several at home for various occasions.
Of course, I could ramble on for hours about the ins and outs of cleanliness and personal grooming. Everyone you talk to is going to have a different taste, a different preference. It’s just like hair styles and fashionable shoes. At least it seems that the word is getting out there: take care of yourself, not just for you, but your partner as well.
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