I saw an interesting sight on the metro this week that brought up some childhood memories. There was a young man in his early 30s who got onto the metro dressed in a suit and carrying a backpack. As soon as he sat down, he quickly pulled out something that looked like lip balm. It wasn't for his lips, though. It was a special balm for extremely dry skin, and he began working the balm between each finger with extreme care and attention. My eyes were fixated on him and as I glanced around, other folks were watching this young man moisturize his hands, too. I immediately noticed his wedding ring and quickly assumed that his wife had given him this lovely product. My husband has caught flack from his friends for some of the products he uses thanks to me! Now, this does not have to be the case with this young man, perhaps he has a strong dislike for ashy hands?
Which brings me to my childhood memory... When I was about 6, I would play tennis with my dad at the courts down the street. I remember seeing my dad's ashy, gray legs and telling him to put on some lotion. He simply told me, "Men don't wear lotion." I remember wondering to myself, could this be true? It became a family joke that we would all desperately urge my father to put lotion on to no avail! One summer, my grandfather came over from Uganda to visit for a month, and my dad saw him using lotion. My grandfather was the coolest and most respected dude EVER, and this is what it took for my father to start using lotion on his legs. As silly and ignorant as his statement might seem to some, I'm sure there are many men who think like this. Nonetheless, it was a beautiful day when my dad started using lotion. It's really a good look for him--and for ALL! In fact, I don't leave home without lotion.
Do you have a funny story about men and lotion? Or, if you are a man reading this post, let me hear your thoughts about lotion. Join the debate.
