A:Have you noticed, men these days are becoming more and more interested in how they look? Some of my male friends and co-workers use moisturizers and makeup every day, some even wear jewelry! Every time I come near them I get a whiff of their cologne.

B:I know what you mean! Men in today’s society are definitely starting to care more and more about their own image. Some men spend as much time and money on their appearance as most women do—a few even go to beauty salons and get plastic surgery. I’ve heard that now, one out of every ten people who get plastic surgery is male.

A:It’s an interesting phenomenon. Traditionally, women are the ones who are supposed to care most about beauty, but people’s values are changing these days, especially in the big cities. A few years earlier, if a man showed he cared about his appearance or clothes, he would be told he was being too feminine, or acting like a girl. But now, plenty of men would willingly describe themselves as “metrosexual”—it doesn’t have a negative connotation.

B:I think this has a lot to do with mass media. Many celebrities, especially in the movie industry, are so-called “pretty boys.” They are admired and idolized by the public, and many young men want to imitate their clothes and fashions, which is one of the reasons for the “pretty boy” phenomenon in society at large. In reality, whether or not you’re a celebrity, a well-groomed appearance can raise your self-confidence and help you make a good impression on other people.

A:True! I think another reason that men are paying more attention to their appearance is that they’ve realized that women are paying attention to men’s appearance! A man who makes an effort to look his best is more likely to win the approval of the opposite gender. Also, many women appreciate a man who doesn’t roll his eyes as soon as she mentions anything having to do with fashion.

B:Yeah, I think it’s related to the fact that the position of women in society is continuously rising, and they are becoming more and more particular when it comes to choosing a partner. Women have always been more interested in men who are physically handsome in addition to being responsible and economically secure, but now that women can be more selective, men have to work harder to prove themselves the ideal partner. Men are realizing that it pays to be considerate, attentive and well-dressed.

A:So whereas before, women dressed up in order to attract men, nowadays men are also dressing up to attract women. Men and women really are becoming more and more equal in society!