The term, "metrosexual," as originally coined, refers to urban, stylish and sophisticated heterosexual men who are in touch with their feminine side, yet secure in their own masculinity. A metrosexual man lives or works in a city, possesses a strong sense of style and concern for his appearance, spends a certain amount of time and money on his lifestyle and has a passion for experiencing the good things in life.
Male vanity and male narcissism are the two fundamental characteristics of metrosexuality. These qualities are encouraged by activities such as shopping for clothes and accessorizing, and because they possess discretionary income, metrosexual men have the ability to stay up to date with the latest hairstyles and the newest threads. Metrosexuals know their men's grooming supplies and manicures, pedicures, facials and exfoliation are all part of their routine.
Metrosexual men catch a lot of flack for caring so much about their appearance; however, metrosexuality is a cultural shift that is considered by many as a new form of masculinity. In fact, look no further than the entertainment industry to find celebrity metrosexuals such as David Beckham, Brad Pitt, and Sean "Puffy" Combs. All these men are as much models as they are sports stars or actors, and they get plenty of female gazes to the many billboards they're on.
Still, metrosexuality has been rejected by most modern men because metrosexual guys tend to display many of the lifestyle tendencies of stereotypically gay men and perform other grooming rituals some consider strictly feminine. On the other hand, metrosexual men can make these same guys jealous of their success with the ladies.
Although traditional manly men have gotten away grooming mistakes such as walking around in holey t-shirts and faded jeans while drinking beer, belching and farting, more and more women prefer men with style and appreciate guys who take care of their appearance, smell nice and look like they have made an effort. Those who date or marry metrosexuals will also agree that they are more well-rounded men that completely and fully understand things that they are interested in, i.e., literature, cinema, art, cooking, interior design, wines and music.
With more and more metrosexuals on the rise, it's clear that less metro men will have to start exerting a little more effort in impressing their women, or risk being left alone.
