Since there have been a few complaints about the amount of time it takes me to get ready, I was shocked when I read these statistics. An article in the November 2011 Telegraph reported that men, "Spent 81 minutes a day on personal grooming, including cleansing, toning, and moisturizing, shaving, styling hair and choosing clothes." While women accomplished all of the above in only 75 minutes.
I found this incredibly difficult to believe when I've witnessed the grooming rituals of my two boys ages 23, and 20. I'll never forget when I walked in on my older son a few years ago while he was shaving in the dark. My younger son is usually clean shaven, but he sports a full neck beard in between haircuts. This beard can only be seen from the back of his neck which gives the illusion of a Chia Pet. If it's too much trouble for one to turn on the light, and the other one is not the least bit fazed by unruly neck hair, then I don't think they're going to be concerned about "cleansing, toning and moisturizing."
As for me, I couldn't possibly accomplish all of those tasks in only 75 minutes. The ordeal of shaving my legs takes up almost the entire time alone. After I'm done shaving them in the shower, I have to check for all of the places that I missed. Consequently, no matter how long I wait for my deodorant to dry, I always end up with streaks on my clothes. Sometimes I wonder who is this toddler that I have to keep cleaning up after, and it's me.
The next steps involve bouncing from different mirrors in different lights to help create the natural look. The older I get the longer it takes to pass for presentable. By this time I'm exhausted and have to take a break from the rigors of getting ready.
Though my grandma was fast on her feet and worked until her place of business closed down when she was 85 years old, I take after my mom who didn't exactly shake herself off and run out the door. I would watch with my mouth wide open as my mom would take great care in teasing her red curls, while alternating between spraying , coughing and puffing on her cigarette. This was after she had applied her false eyelashes and flawless makeup.
One day when my brother was waiting for my mom to drop him off at a party, he couldn't imagine what was taking her so long. Then he exclaimed, "I look exactly the same way when I get up in the morning, as I do when I'm going to a wedding." To which my mom calmly looked him over and without missing a beat replied, "You're right, but I wouldn't brag about it."
