I don't do this. Ever.
The response I got from wearing the dress was ... well, overwhelming ... in a lot of ways.
Don't get me wrong. I like boobs. I like them a lot.
The thing is, I like looking at them (on others) more than I like dealing with my own. I'd rather strap them down and keep them out of the way.
Come on, women. Boobs can be a pain -- a few days every month they are sore to the touch, it's nearly impossible to lie comfortable on one's stomach, and sliding into second base head first is completely out of the question.
And aside from the physical problems, there's always the aesthetics. Women are constantly complaining -- "Mine are too small." "Mine have gravity issues." "Why do they always have to be lopsided?"
Yesterday, I felt like everyone was staring at mine. All day. I TOTALLY get the objectification thing. It's really uncomfortable, and probably the reason I would rather be wearing T-shirts and jeans rather than a low-cut dress.
Even my friends were looking. Not at my eyes.
It was really disconcerting.
The problem is, I realize I'm just the same. Girls is low-cut shirts and dresses are hot. But I don't like being to one that is stared at, and now I feel horrible about being the starer.
Nice write-up. I've embraced mine now... after slouching and hiding in middle school. Try developing in 5th/6th grade. People will look, even if there is zero cleavage, so really it's a matter of feeling good in one's skin, and dressing for oneself, primarily. My two cents.
ReplyDeleteYou DO look beautiful in the dress! And I'm looking at neckline and face, so there. :) The necklace is a good touch - draws the eyes up. LOL
Your friends were probably staring in part because they were so surprised.
I would agree that the staring comes from the surprise.
ReplyDeleteThere is talk from many quarters about objectification and the "male gaze," and there's something to it sometimes, but there's a more basic psychology going on. The first shape humans learn to recognize is a circle ... it helps us identify where security comes from (our mother's face/eyes) and where food comes from (boobs). And because we find food and security in that shape, it pleases us. Studies show that the circle and curves are the most aesthetically pleasing shape to the human eye in every culture. And since boobs are where that circle-philia came from, all people -- men and women regardless of orientation -- like to look at boobs just because we're bred to find them pretty, not because we covet them or are leering at them.
Personally, I take the opposite approach from your same standpoint. Since I find cleavage to be pretty, and boobs in general to make a profile much nicer looking, I don't mind if people look at mine since I look at theirs. Plus, I like the way I look so who cares if others look or not. It's a general aesthetic, not a sexual stance, on my part.
Also, on an unrelated note, I figured out how to get my Google to notify me when you post something new. I think.