Dear Annie

I don't often read the section of the newspaper titled "Annie's Mailbox" [an advice column], but did this morning. It made me realize that no matter how tired I am or how I often say to myself, "I'm not going out today anyways, why bother," or whatever the reason...to take the time to continually take care of my appearance by trying to look presentable; not only for my own sake, but to honor my husband [yes it's okay to have pajama, no makeup days here and there too].  It was brilliant and I got a good laugh out of it. 

As printed nationally in the newspaper on September 28, 2011 to Annie's Mailbox:

"Dear Annie: I know you won't print this, because your column is all about badmouthing men. Hollywood does the same thing.

Why is it terrible when a man belittles his wife, but funny when she belittles him? Explain why Brad Pitt and Ben Affleck are "sexy" when they don't shave, but women complain about us for the same thing. Some of us have nose and ear hair, and women call us slobs. Maybe we don't change our clothes every day. So what?

This is for all the wives and girlfriends: When was the last time you shaved your legs, underarms or even your face? Do you really think a moustache or two-inch hair sticking out of your chin is an aphrodisiac? It's not. When was the last time you used makeup or put on some perfume? Do you really think wearing sweatpants on your 300-pound body makes you look like an athlete? 

I try to appreciate the finer, nonphysical things about women. A beautiful heart and personality are much more attractive than a pretty face. But an ungrateful attitude is many times worse than some extra hair. Why don't you try to appreciate us for providing a decent home and working hard all our lives to support our families? When you change your attitude, a little extra hair won't seem important. — Sloppy Old Man"

I wish he would have added something to the effect of how men and women act before they are married, how they dress and look presentable most of the time before they are married and generally carry a grateful attitude before they are married...then years down the road complacency sets in.  Why is that?

What I got out of this was-it doesn't matter what you look like; you could be thin, average or heavy set...you can still take care of yourself, make yourself attractive and have a grateful and beautiful spirit [which matters the most].  That's what spoke to me.