gauntlet taken up

a while back, boutell and i were discussing the trials and travails of dating, specifically how to attract a suitable mate. i mentioned that i've noticed that anytime i wear makeup, even the bare minimum of it, people in general, but especially men, are much friendlier to me.

he double-dog dared me to wear makeup every day for a week and see what happens. now, i've never been a makeup-wearer; not only that, i've almost exclusively hung out with non-makeup-wearers and/or men who don't like makeup on women. for years i thought i looked better without makeup. but i'm getting older, and i've got some red blotchiness to my skin where there's acne damage, and my lips are often pale, and, frankly, i can use a little enhancement. nothing obvious, just a touch to camouflage the problem areas and enhance the good parts.

this morning, i took up the gauntlet. (i didn't bother yesterday because all i was doing was going to therapy and then straight back home.) i am wearing a sheer foundation, the barest hint of blush on my cheeks and brushed across my eyelids, mascara, and a nice rosy sheer lip gloss.

i'm not wearing anything different than usual clothing-wise, i might point out.

what i've noticed so far:

• two guys looked at me and didn't look away immediately (which is what usually happens) as i was walking into the lobby at work. one of them watched me approach for several seconds.
  
• several of my co-workers did discreet double-takes during the standup meeting.
  

we shall see what develops.