I went to my family's lake house this weekend to do some of the traditional pre summer work. Since it was 80 degrees, I had my shirt off cutting grass and carrying chairs down to the dock. Walking past a neighbor's cottage I hear a female voice yell, "nice chest." Now, she's about my age, I've known her for years and I was anything but offended. We talk a while and I'm thinking maybe I should I should have returned the compliment. Would it have been appropriate to have said, "nice rack" or is their still a double standard in our society?
__________________ 'I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day. ' ~Frank Sinatra
WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may create the illusion that you are tougher,
smarter, faster and better looking than most people.
Well considering that guys find comments like that complimentary and knowing that most women find statements like that crude I wouldn't exactly consider that a double standard.
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Yeah, really. We men, especially those approaching or past the 40 mark, are always so thrilled to get attention like that! As tight-lipped as women usually are about compliments, it makes it that much more important that she spoke out. You should be proud of your results!
most women find statements like that crude I wouldn't exactly consider that a double standard.
Perhaps, "you're looking well today" would have been a better choice.
__________________ 'I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day. ' ~Frank Sinatra
WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may create the illusion that you are tougher,
smarter, faster and better looking than most people.
Well, a woman's chest is a far more sexual subject than a man's. But yeah, sometimes it seems strange how it happens. I guess it is a dobule-standard, but one that's founded on a legitimate difference in perspective and experience.
First of all, it's a psychological difference, like GG300 mentioned. Most men wouldn't mind getting a "nice cock!" comment... in fact, we'd probably tell all our guy friends about it. But women, for whatever reason (I suppose it's just natural), interpret those things differently. Based on those two "truths" (not universal, but a "common" truth), you can see why.
Secondly, it's less predatory (again, most of the time) for a woman to throw it out. Firs tof all, a woman can genuinely compliment a guy's "parts" without intending/thinking anything sexual. While there are of course exceptions, every guy in here knows that 90% of the 'admiring' of a female body is based in a sexual drive.
Plus, on a strictly primal basis, if Ms. 5'4", 140 lbs says "Nice chest", most men are not going to be physically intimidated by it. But if, say Bill2380, 9 feet tall and 200+ lbs. says "Nice rack", it can momentarily feel like a growl from a bear to the smaller woman. (I'm not saying all men are more intimidating than women, but you have to admit it's a factor. Hell, I'd be intimidated if Shaq walked in and pinched my butt and said, "Nice ass".... HELP!)
__________________ 'I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day. ' ~Frank Sinatra
WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may create the illusion that you are tougher,
smarter, faster and better looking than most people.
I went to my family's lake house this weekend to do some of the traditional pre summer work. Since it was 80 degrees, I had my shirt off cutting grass and carrying chairs down to the dock. Walking past a neighbor's cottage I hear a female voice yell, "nice chest." Now, she's about my age, I've known her for years and I was anything but offended. We talk a while and I'm thinking maybe I should I should have returned the compliment. Would it have been appropriate to have said, "nice rack" or is their still a double standard in our society?
I believe the key difference here is that you had your shirt off. I'm guessing she had her top on. If she was standing there topless when she commented on your chest, I believe a "nice rack" comment would have been more than appropriate.
__________________ Yankee by Birth, Rebel by Choice
I believe the key difference here is that you had your shirt off. I'm guessing she had her top on. If she was standing there topless when she commented on your chest, I believe a "nice rack" comment would have been more than appropriate.
I believe the key difference here is that you had your shirt off. I'm guessing she had her top on. If she was standing there topless when she commented on your chest, I believe a "nice rack" comment would have been more than appropriate.
Good point. Public display leaves one open for comment.
__________________ 'I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day. ' ~Frank Sinatra
WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may create the illusion that you are tougher,
smarter, faster and better looking than most people.
Bill, I think this whole thread is just a subtle pretext for telling us all about the compliment without you appearing to be on an ego trip. Not buying it, dude!
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Well, you say you've known this woman for a long time and obviously have a comfortable friendship. This isn't some generic woman you've never seen before.
That said, I'll admit it... I'm a woman and I LOVE any and all compliments. Well, let me rephrase that. I don't love inappropriate comments from slimy guys. Had someone said to me in that situation, "Nice legs!" or whatever, I'd have enjoyed it but probably hoped my husband didn't hear it because I wouldn't want him to think anything untoward was going on between me and said guy.
it's not harassment under the law unless it's unwelcomed ... bill, sounds like you were just asking for it, struting around all shirtless and everything.
Sexual Harrassment or Double Standard
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