4 panel comic of two people holding drinks, talking
1
Blue: You wear too much makeup.
Pink: You consume too much oxygen
2
Blue: It’s just my opinion, you’d look better withou-
Pink: So would you. Without oxygen
3
Pink applies lipstick
4
Pink: Fuck your opinions.
I have to admit there’s a dimension to this I don’t get. I absolutely agree that whatever makeup you choose to apply is your business and no one else’s. But every single woman in my life, from my mother, to girlfriends, cousins, platonic friends, and my wife has expressed their opinion to me (often disapprovingly) at one time or another about my decisions with regard to my clothing, facial hair, regular hair, etc. I feel very sure this is an experience many other men have also had. It annoys me, but I don’t see it as an issue in my life.
What makes this any different?
What makes this any different?
Systemic oppression
Mothers telling their sons how to dress should not factor into how equals talk to each other.
Most of the phenomenon you describe that I’ve seen came from teenagers. My wife is an emotionally aware 30-something, so she knows better.
Also, if you straight-up look like a slob, that’s not gender-specific like the comic. Comic guy has never been a woman, doesn’t know why comic gal wears makeup, and yet he feels like his opinion should matter (it shouldn’t).
That’s the thing the “It’s just my opinion man” crowd hasn’t gotten yet (with a few exceptions): If you are allowed to speak out whatever “opinion” crosses the two braincells in your skull when they aren’t occupied with keeping you from falling over, so is everyone else.
Ok, but what if the guy respects the women and her decisions. What if he has seen her without makeup, and thinks that she is beautiful either way. How would one tell a woman that, without it being oppressive? I genuinely want to know, as I don’t see that as being evil. Please tell me if I’m wrong on that.
The following answers are for talking to your partner. Adjust for friend/date/acquaintance.
You just tell her she’s gorgeous. No need to make a comparison.
If she asks if she looks better with or without, tell her that you know when she has makeup on, it means she put in effort, and effort is sexy (that is true, and it doesn’t contradict your opinion, and it’s a compliment).
Also, you can’t go wrong with picking whichever aspect of the makeup looks best and telling her she nailed it.
What’s the joke here?
The guy’s a loser? Ha ha?
You, maybe?
