LOL, Maverick!
In many ways I agree with you. I considered myself pretty much of a stumblebum with women when in my teens, but after I married a wonderful, little frecklefaced gal and had five daughters, I had to get over it. (Grin) So I understand your feelings as a father.
I think it depends on how it's done, and the motive behind it. I've known times when a fellow can be almost as much in the doghouse for NOT acknowledging her beauty as he would be for being lascivious about it. Nearly all the gals I've met want to be treated as a human being first, but also like to know that "all systems are go."
I remember when we were in the dress rehearsal for my highschool graduation that we were all goofing off and slouching around when the dean yelled, "Heads up! Shoulders back! Chests out!", and we all snapped to attention. My eyes flicked to the left to make sure I was in line and caught one gorgeous sight. The girl standing next to me was tall and well built and her profile was quite memorable! Another instant and it was eyes front, then I softly intoned, "That's not fair......" She cracked up, along with anyone else that could hear it.
A little humor goes a long way. This instance I mentioned on one of Simon's threads about a year ago, so my apologies for repeating myself: My wife and I were driving down the street and this tiny little gal was tripping down the sidewalk looking for all the world like a movie star. My head didn't move, but my eyes flicked over quickly, then back. I didn't even have to look to know that my wife was looking at me with a raised eyebrow and knowing grin.
"Darlin', I wouldn't dare."
She looked surprised. "Why?" She asked.
'Cause, honey, if I ever tried to make love to a little gal like that --- why, heck! --- I'd go clear through her!"
She laughed so hard the tears were rolling down her cheeks! Even today, years later, we'll see a little gal like that, I'll look at my wife and grin, and she'll start laughing.
Even in the work place there are ways that can be nonoffensive, if not beneficial.
I was hauling Christmas mail from Oregon to San Francisco in an 18 wheeler, and a little levity can help tremendously on those packed --- and very tense --- docks. I was in Oakland where there was a little gal trying to push a heavy mail cart around and was having a hard time of it. I lent a hand, then said kindly, "Ma'am, it would be a little easier if you were to gain a little weight." She looked at me in astonishment, then saw the twinkle in my eyes and the twitch in the corner of my mouth. "No way!" She shot back, laughing. That set the tone for that and future trips. It was one of gentle teasing and easy laughter.
About two trips later it was the height of the season and the trucks were coming in so fast that there wasn't enough dock space, so they set up a large tent out on the tarmac and unloaded some of the trucks out there without ramps. She used a forklift to lift a handjack into the back of the truck, then went to scramble up into it herself. She was a little short for that job though, and was about halfway in and hollared "Push!" Such an assignment would be a delight for any man!
But I hesitated. "But ... but Ma'am", I stammered, "there ... there are certain things in this world that I'm not ... not 'sposed to touch!!"
She collapsed with laughter half in and half out, too weak to go either way. Finally came a strangled yell. "PUSH!!!!!!"
"Yes'm." And I did.
She slid in easily enough, scrambled to her feet, and turned only to see me staring in awe at my own hand that was held up in front of me. "Daaang!!" I drawled. "I ain't gonna wash that hand for a whole month!" And she was gone again!
Why did this work? Because she knew full well that I wasn't "after" anything. Rather, I found pleasure in her company and a delight in our "differences", and I wanted her to be glad that I was glad.
The season ended shortly thereafter, and in some ways I'm glad of that too. Chemistry can be dangerous. (Grin) Like fire, such things can make life more healthy and enjoyable, but if allowed to get out of control, it can do phenomenal amounts of damage.
To me, pretending that there are no differences at all is not only a denial of reality, but an insult to those we associate with, as these differences are meant to be acknowledged, enjoyed, treasured, and respected.
Them's mah sentiments. (Grin)
LoneWolf
