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Is it girlie for boys to have their toenails painted? What if the name of the polish is Girlie or Totally Tangerine? And what does it mean to be girlie anyway?
I like to have my toenails painted. It is something that I regularly do for myself. I try to hide from the kids when I’m giving myself a pedicure otherwise everyone wants their nails done. By everyone, I mean Alyssa, Alex and Andy. And yes, sometimes Tim. OK, I’m kidding about Tim or am I?
A few days ago I was unsuccessful in concealing myself from the boys. They begged and pleaded, “Mom, would you, please, paint my nails?”
“No.”
“Please, Mom. Why did you paint Alyssa’s?”
“Guys, boys don’t usually get their nails painted.”
“But you’ve done it before.”
BUSTED! I finally agreed to paint them. They wear socks and shoes to school so no one will see them anyway. Although, there was this time several months ago that Alex had to take off his socks and shoes to show his teacher his beautifully painted toenails.
I know some men that would throw an absolute fit about having their son’s toenails painted because of the stigmatism that is associated with painted nails. I’m quite sure that there isn’t some mysterious substance in nail polish that turns you into a girl or makes you gay for that matter.
Like all kids, the boys aspire to be like their parents, at least while they are young anyway. Since I am the primary caretaker, the boys want to be just like me. And that means having painted toenails, like Mom. So sometimes I break down and just do it. It truly isn’t worth the argument and gives us an opportunity to spend a little time together.
I don’t worry about what other people think about my boys having painted toes. I do worry about them being teased and taunted about something very innocent. A pedicure is a nice luxury for me. I just don’t want it to be a continual chore for me. That’s why I don’t paint their nails all the time.
November 13th, 2008 at 1:38 pm
Those are some pretty feet! My boys have never asked to have nails (toes or fingers) painted. Perhaps it is the lack of sister? They know that there are weird things that mom does to herself that they want no part in!
November 13th, 2008 at 3:13 pm
I know plenty of non-gay guys that get pedicures. Our friend that is a diesel mechanic says it makes his nails (both hand and feet) stronger and easier to keep clean. Granted is wears clear stuff but always gets his nails done. People who give him a hard time he just chalks up to Neanderthal mentality people and he has evolved.
I think there will soon be a lot more guys doing what women have been doing for years to protect their appearance and try to stay young.