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Real Men Do Go to Day Spas.


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Real Men Do Go to Day Spas

A few years ago on a late-night talk show, the camera zoomed in on the fingertips of comedian Bill Murray. No rough spots, calluses or bitten-down fingernails there! Murray's hands were beautifully cared for--complete with a French manicure. (Guys, if you don't know what a French manicure is, just ask the nearest woman and she'll fill you in.) I was horrified. I couldn't believe that any guy would allow someone to trim and buff his fingernails, let alone paint the ends with a soft white polish to give them that extra something.

But Murray is not alone. While there aren't any statistics about the number of men who request a French manicure, more and more of them are flocking to nail shops for a biweekly manicure. And they're also invading that formerly female bastion, the day spa. (You know, the type of place your wife, girlfriend or mother retreats to when she craves some pampering, a massage and beauty treatments.) Men, too--or so it seems--are hungry for a bit of pampering and refinement.

If all this chat about day spas and French manicures is making you jumpy, just hold on for a minute while we talk this thing through. Consider this: Up until a few years ago men got their hair cut at barber shops. "Real men" would never consider going to a salon. But look how many folks of the masculine gender are now opting for a "stylist" rather than a barber! When it comes right down to it, barbers and stylists do the same thing--they cut your hair.

Similarly, a day spa experience for a guy is merely a version of something he's doing already--going to the gym for a sauna and a rubdown. But in addition, there are other services available at a day spa, such as hair-cutting, facials and, yes, even manicures. But remember, even if there's a French manicure on the menu, no man is being forced to choose it!

Anyhow, most day-spa fans are not there to primp. Guys are heading for spas as a way to relieve stress. Working long hours, enduring endless commutes, and balancing work and family life is taking a toll on modern men. Many of them are realizing that it's beneficial for them, for their careers and for their families if they take a few hours now and then to unwind and to refocus--and the day spa is the perfect place to do it.

So, pick up the phone book to look for a day spa-or better yet, ask around. You might be surprised to discover who's getting a weekly massage and who's hanging out in the steam bath! Once you find a likely spa, consult your day planner and--here's the hard part--carve out a few hours every week for some time to get yourself together.

Just give it a try. Unless you do, you'll never know what you are missing. And in the unlikely event you decide on a French manicure, just remember that it's not a good idea to do it prior to attending the game with your buddies-or if there's any possibility that your hands will show up on national television!

For more information about alternative ways to relieve stress, take a look at this book; available from Barnes&Noble at a special BeyondWork discount.