Putting The MAN in Manicure

There are no two ways about it: some of you will undoubtedly request that I turn in my "Man Card" ID immediately. But please wait and allow me to justif... er... explain...

See, yesterday, I got a manicure and a pedicure.

Yes. At one of those nail places. Yes. It was in a mall. Yes. The kind run by our friends of the Asian community. And yes. I was the only male client (though there were two guys there working - one seemed to be the manager and the other one, a lackey).

I won't lie, it feels kinda girly and un-mannish. And maybe it's from watching too many episodes of Queer Eye and other various make-over shows that drove me to do it. Truth is guys - the ladies have been holding out on this little secret pleasure. The whole process - particularly the pedicure - is quite relaxing really and to top it off - your hands and feet look and feel great afterwards!

Listen, I am assured by many a woman that well-manicured hands are a desirable trait in a man (usually comes right after "good teeth"). Because let's face it - if you're with a girl and your hands start traveling south - neither of you is gonna benefit from a hangnail or an unplanned scratch. And while sleeping (or other extra-curricular activities), you don't want to jab your partner with a well-sharpened big-toe nail. It's just not, how-you-say? "sexy."

Like most guys, I tend to be a "do-it-yourselfer" when it comes to general maintenance. Oh sure, I get the job done - usually begrudgingly and half-assed - but it gets done.

But isn't it usually always better to pay a professional to a job for you? You know it will be done in half the time. You don't have to do it. And the professional does this sort of thing FOR A LIVING. That's all they do all day. The thing you are paying them to do. Chances are high that they've seen it all and know how to take care of business. Whether it's car repair or plumbing, it always behooves you to call the professionals. This same argument holds true for routine hygiene.

As for myself, I have the basics covered, what with the soap and the shaving and all... but if there's some sort of skin issue I cannot identify, I call the dermatologist... When my hair gets too long, I go to a professional to cut it in a pleasing manner. So when the nails get too long (btw, they are made of cellulose just like your hair) why not have them groomed by a professional?

Plus fellas, think about it: You get to relax in a massaging chair, your feet in a warm water spa while a woman meticulously grooms and massages your feet and calves then gives the same treatment to your hands and forearms. Seriously, the only thing missing here is someone with the grapes and a palm frond fan (though I bet there are places out there).

Why not give it a try? Maybe go with your girlfriend or wife? (you know they would just love to get you in there) Single types can bring your iPod to listen to... a magazine to read... play a level or two on your latest PSP game... listen to the 'big game' on a portable radio... Or simply relax and enjoy the feeling of someone catering to you... If you truly don't like it - then you don't have to tell anyone...

And no, you don't have to get nail polish or French tips (though some guys opt for the "clear coat")

Lastly, in a word: MILFs

So please, guys... let me keep my "Man Card" - in fact, I think I deserve some sort of upgrade for finding a new form of laziness for us fellas to exploit. Whaddaya say?