Ask the ladies...

Guest

Allene and I humbly volunteer our services (er, not those kind of services) to answer questions about the "fairer" sex. Keep in mind that Allene and I, being wonderfully awesome and lovely ladies, may not be indicative of the greater female population.

170, Katie (as in Tom's Sister), ruinedangel, SNSA, Jupe, and any other lovely females I'm forgetting are free to jump in.

I'll start by dispelling a myth: not all females care about shoes.

Joined: 13 Apr 2005 Posts: 22

Hey, it's really great that you dispelled that myth. I just wanted to ask: How come women have so many shoes?

Joined: 07 Mar 2005 Posts: 974

Why do girls say things like "I'm PMSing" to explain their behavior during "that time of the month" when the P obviously stands for pre?

Posted: Sat Apr 16, 2005 2:53 am

I am aware that many female public restrooms contain a chair or couch or something. This is for breast feeding, I do believe. The idea of a chair or couch in a public restroom is pretty mind blowing for a male. My question is, do any women hang out there? I do know how you often seem to enjoy going to the restroom together.

Posted: Sat Apr 16, 2005 2:58 am

Chris wrote:

Why do girls say things like "I'm PMSing" to explain their behavior during "that time of the month" when the P obviously stands for pre?

Well I know I'd say it just because what else am I supposed to say? "I'm moody and have cramps because I'm having my period" doesn't roll off the tongue quite as nicely.

I could call it DMS but then people would need me to explain anyway! Besides, just cause it's called PMS doesn't mean that the symptoms don't persist beyond the "pre" time!

Guest

Rabidazell wrote:

I just wanted to ask: How come women have so many shoes?

Well, a lot of women do like shoes. I hate the process of shopping for them, and yet I've purchased three pairs of shoes in the past six months, all because of my job. (I'm required to dress up almost all of the time.) If it were up to me, I'd wear my blue Sketchers every day of my life. Still, there are a lot of us who don't give a damn about shoes, and we resent the stereotype.

Chris wrote:

Why do girls say things like "I'm PMSing" to explain their behavior during "that time of the month" when the P obviously stands for pre?

If there is one thing I detest about my own gender, it's using "PMS" as an excuse for any irrational, emotional behavior. I'm not saying that a woman's hormones are not affected by her menstrual cycle; there's certainly enough evidence to suggest that we get a bit off every 28 days or so. But some women seem to take an entire week off from their rational side, and this I can't understand.

That being said, women are somewhat affected by their menstrual cycle (though a lot of studies suggest that diet has a lot to do with how keenly the effects are felt). Some women feel it a few days before their period begins, some during the menstrual process, and some afterwards. "PMS" seems to be a good catchphrase to explain the crazy emotions without going into too much detail. Would you really want a woman to say, "I'm sorry, I'm a little bit wacky because I am currently menstruating?" "PMS" seems a bit more tactful, if not entirely accurate.

BizRodian wrote:

I am aware that many female public restrooms contain a chair or couch or something. This is for breast feeding, I do believe. The idea of a chair or couch in a public restroom is pretty mind blowing for a male. My question is, do any women hang out there? I do know how you often seem to enjoy going to the restroom together.

Huh, I never thought about the couch being for breastfeeding, though I suppose that's possible. The two women's restrooms in my office building have couches in them, but I don't really see women hanging out there, per se. I do see women taking quick catnaps there on their lunch breaks, but it's not like my workmates schedule their breaks together so they can hang out on the couch and gab.

I don't really get the going-to-the-restroom-together thing, either. Maybe one of the other ladies can explain that. (I have precisely three female friends in town, all of whom I suspect would laugh at me should I suggest our going to the loo together.) I can say that I detest making small talk in the restroom with my coworkers: why can't we just ignore each other and go back to the office? WHY?

It should be noted that I hate small talk in almost every situation.

Posted: Sat Apr 16, 2005 3:19 am

Beth wrote:

Huh, I never thought about the couch being for breastfeeding, though I suppose that's possible. The two women's restrooms in my office building have couches in them...

Ok, I had just heard that's what they're for. Now, if they're NOT for breast feeding... then why do you get them then? What would be the reason, seeing as I have never in my life seen one in a male restroom.

I think... that this is a startling revelation.

Guest

BizRodian wrote:

Ok, I had just heard that's what they're for. Now, if they're NOT for breast feeding... then why do you get them then? What would be the reason, seeing as I have never in my life seen one in a male restroom.

Perhaps people think our feminine delicacy necessitates couches in our powder rooms? We need things upon which to swoon?

Seriously, I don't know man! But if there were a couch in the men's room, would any man use it?

Posted: Sat Apr 16, 2005 3:39 am

Beth wrote:

Perhaps people think our feminine delicacy necessitates couches in our powder rooms? We need things upon which to swoon?

Oh, I would love to entertain such fanciful thoughts!

Quote:

Seriously, I don't know man! But if there were a couch in the men's room, would any man use it?

So women do use the restroom coaches fairly often, I assume?

I think if women do, then men would as well. Like, we'd think of something to do with it anyways. Perhaps, like, build a fort or something? The hand dryers could be like, turrets... we could pretend anyways, I mean.

Guest

BizRodian wrote:

So women do use the restroom coaches fairly often, I assume?

Well... I dunno! Lately I've been getting really bad headaches at work and have taken ten minute breaks to lie down on them. But I've only seen two other women using them... so... I don't know. Maybe?

I hereby give up trying to explain them. Anyone else want to jump in?

Posted: Sat Apr 16, 2005 3:58 am

Well, I can't really see many men going "Oh man, I have such a headache, I'm just going to go have a lay down on the couch in the bathroom for ten minutes."

I hope your headaches get better, regardless!

Joined: 07 Mar 2005 Posts: 974

I go to the bathroom with my male friends all the time!

M-Maybe I've divluged too much?

Posted: Sat Apr 16, 2005 4:14 am

PRETTY HOTT

Joined: 07 Mar 2005 Posts: 974

Oh, ALSO.

What's the deal with girls and their openness with each other about gender-specific issues? It seems like most guys would, for example, feel uncomfortable talking with each other about strange, un-fun things going on in their nether-regions, but ladies seem to be quite open about such things.

IN ADDITION:

Pregnancy - what's the deal with that?

Posted: Sat Apr 16, 2005 4:27 am

I hear some ladies like to take 'scented bubble baths'.

Can any of your ladies confirm/deny this for me?

Joined: 16 Feb 2005 Posts: 874 Location: Winnipeg, Canada

BizRodian wrote:

Beth wrote:

Seriously, I don't know man! But if there were a couch in the men's room, would any man use it?

So women do use the restroom coaches fairly often, I assume?

I think if women do, then men would as well. Like, we'd think of something to do with it anyways. Perhaps, like, build a fort or something? The hand dryers could be like, turrets... we could pretend anyways, I mean.

Man, I don't know. Maybe spending my formative years cleaning restrooms at a fast food joint has given me a bit of bias here, but I'm fairly certain that a couch in a guy's restroom would be a heinous piece of furnature that I wouldn't touch with a ten foot pole.

ALSO: What is the allure of potpourri and other such scented things?

Guest

Chris wrote:

What's the deal with girls and their openness with each other about gender-specific issues?

Again, I'm not the lady to ask about this sort of thing! I have very few female friends, and I don't find myself sharing much in the way of details with any of them. However, perhaps the alleged openness of women about such matters is healthy: they may be more likely to consult a physician about problems if they feel comfortable discussing themselves with their friends.

I don't know very much about pregnancy! All I know is that I really, really, really don't want to be pregnant at this point in my life.

YarnIsland wrote:

I hear some ladies like to take 'scented bubble baths'.

Can any of your ladies confirm/deny this for me?

Oh, man, bubble baths are the best things ever. I like to put on a mix of girly music (Joni Mitchell, Tracy Chapman, Ella Fitzgerald, the Devics, and assorted girly artists), light candles, and read Neruda in a tub filled with ylang-ylang and myrrh-scented bubbles. It's absolutely glorious.

Joined: 16 Feb 2005 Posts: 874 Location: Winnipeg, Canada

ALSO AGAIN: According to 170, every girl loves the film "My Fair Lady". Is this the case?

Posted: Sat Apr 16, 2005 4:46 am

YarnIsland wrote:

I hear some ladies like to take 'scented bubble baths'.

Can any of your ladies confirm/deny this for me?

mmm!! I'm totally with Beth on this one... scented baths are where it's @! In fact, I had one today. For the most delicious-smelling bath stuff, visit www.lush.com and check out their "bath" section. Their bath bombs are so wonderful (and they "explode" in the bath water! PRETTY EXTREME) and their bubble bars make the best bubbles ever.

My favourite bombs are honey bee and butterball. Y'know. Cause you were wondering. ^_^

Doug wrote:

ALSO AGAIN: According to 170, every girl loves the film "My Fair Lady". Is this the case?

I own this movie and love it to bits. Although, I saw the musical first, and I'd say it's more fun onstage than onscreen! That being said, Audrey Hepburn is ever so charming.

Posted: Sat Apr 16, 2005 4:57 am

Well I am glad to have learned this information. I have cucumber melon buble bath which I use occasionally. I even put music on, it's rather swell.

And my girlfriend LOVES Audrey Hepburn, like not even joking. She also loves My Fair Lady. Pretty cool.

New question before I go to bed-

How come it is okay for girls to hold hands and go to the bathroom in groups but if guys do that it is either considered gay or weird?

Posted: Sat Apr 16, 2005 4:58 am

Sometimes I want to buy some bathbombs, then run a bath, then throw them all in, and watch them. But then I'd be like "Well, that was a laugh, wasn't it?" and then have a shower... most likely.

Also, my bath tub doesn't have a plug in it.

Guest

Doug wrote:

ALSO AGAIN: According to 170, every girl loves the film "My Fair Lady". Is this the case?

Apparently not, since I hate the Pygmalion myth in all its incarnations. I like Audrey Hepburn, I like Rex Harrison, but I've never been able to sit through My Fair Lady without wanting to hurl things at the television. I hate the idea of a woman having to change to be acceptable to a man. Look at Grease for another example: both people change to be acceptable to the other person, but as soon as the guy realizes the woman's changed into what he wants her to be, he takes off his letter jacket (the symbol of how he's changed for her) and embraces her new incarnation. That's hardly romantic.

I might overthink musicals too much.

I do, however, think it'd be interesting to do a version of My Fair Lady where Henry Higgins was trying to cure Eliza from speaking in Ebonics. (It sure would give an interesting connotation to the title of the musical.) Except in my version, she'd tell him to hug off and she'd be with someone who loves her just as she is.

Did I mention I have numerous problems with the Pygmalion myth?

Out-Talled Joined: 11 Nov 2004 Posts: 4580

Are diamonds really a girl's best friend?

What is with bags that are literally too small to fit anything in?

Posted: Sat Apr 16, 2005 10:21 am

I have the hots (or the loves?!) for a girl who looks like Gillain Anderson and happens to know Ancient Greek, Latin, and is a literature student.
Beth, how should I try to conquer the heart of this clone of yours?

Guest

Chris wrote:

Pregnancy - what's the deal with that?

Apparently it's a 9 month duration after a women has unprotected sex. She will most likely vomit a lot, and eat a lot and stuff. Then after 9 months, she gives birth, which is quite painful, and results in a child. Not every woman can get pregnant. All in all, it sucks and children suck so use protection.

Guest

John wrote:

Are diamonds really a girl's best friend?

What is with bags that are literally too small to fit anything in?

No. Diamonds are nice and all but they don't make me swoon. Hello Kitty and Louis Vuitton are my best friends.

Well, I own at least 37 bags, from handbags (mostly Hello Kitty) to backpacks (mostly Hello Kitty). Those tiny little handbags actually carry a lot.They are just soooooooooooo cute! I cannot resist them!

I am also a shoe fiend. I own over 17 pairs so far. I used to have more, but I had to give half of my collection away, though.

Joined: 01 Mar 2005 Posts: 390 Location: Detroit, MI

Dancing: I hate it, but girls seem to love it! What is the point of moving around in funny circles, anyhow? I'm much more comfortable in the mosh pit of a rock concert- but my girlfriend would rather be ballroom dancing in a swooshy dress. THIS PRESENTS CONFLICT

Guest

I dunno, it varies with different girls. I like the Disco! And the Twist! Damn I could dance all day and night...

Um yeah.

Dancing is a way for one to be creative and free, just move around and be loose and crazy and feel good!

Christmas came early Joined: 16 Feb 2005 Posts: 9225

mr vsbro, have you tried alcohol?

it is like magic dancing shoes.

Joined: 01 Mar 2005 Posts: 390 Location: Detroit, MI

the baber wrote:

mr vsbro, have you tried alcohol?

it is like magic dancing shoes.

I never have, actually!

Your statement leads me to believe that women have some sort of alcohol-producing something-or-other. This is most likely false, though!