Do you think Americans tend to "let themselves go", as in

[DesEtoiles]

not take care of their appearance, where that doesn't happen as often in other countries?

Is that shallow to try not to let yourself go?

[LeftyFingerPop]

1. It depends on which countries I think.

I think that generally, we let ourselves go as compared to Europeans. Please, note I typed "generally".

Edit: No, I don't believe it is shallow to have pride in your appearance, as long as you do not place this pride over more important life matters.

[DesEtoiles]

2. I was reading about how older French women do not let themselves go

[LeftyFingerPop]

3. Hmmm....

Not sure I understand?

[DesEtoiles]

4. there was an article in the WaPo about it

[LeftyFingerPop]

5. Were they just speaking about older French women, or...

French women in general? And did they say why this is so?

[DesEtoiles]

6. because they want to remain attractive to younger men...

[LeftyFingerPop]

7. OK, thanks.

This is a very hard topic to discuss, because we have to speak in too many generalities. I think in general though. both men and women in most countries would want to remain as attractive as they can. To what degree though may vary by country? I don't know...:shrug:

[DarkTirade]

8. That depends mostly on social strata, from what I've seen.

Those who have the time and money to go to the gym and can afford healthier food tend to take advantage of that to try and impress their neighbors with how fit and beautiful they are. Those who don't tend not to.

Of course there are exceptions. I've always been both poor and vain. :)