Straight Talk: Inappropriate ‘girl talk’ driving boy crazy

DEAR STRAIGHT TALK: Regarding the thigh-gap column, most guys don’t give a hoot about thigh gaps, but most do care about being subjected to girl talk about thigh gaps, shaving, waxing, breast size, menstruation, etc. My sisters talk about these things in front of me regularly - sometimes at the dinner table. Telling them to stop just made one sister do it more. They don’t walk around the apartment naked like some girls I’ve read about in Straight Talk, but often in just a T-shirt and thong. When I told them it made me uncomfortable, they just laughed, said I’m not really seeing anything since the thong covers their “privates.” Our mom actually agreed with them. No way would I walk around in my underwear even though they wouldn’t actually see “it”, nor would I discuss my private parts around them. Why can’t they do the same for me? -Eric, 16, Westminster

Gregg, 23, Houston, Texas: Walking around in a thong is very different than boxers. Parents should be teaching daughters to be ladylike - and sons gentlemanlike. It pays off. I think guy talk is more vulgar than girl talk, but most guys refrain around girls. The same should be in reverse.

Taylor, 17, Santa Rosa: What a double standard. Society pushes sexuality and objectification in our faces daily and if we can’t talk about our bodies and relax in our own homes, there is a serious problem. Think of it as an education. If you get married or have daughters, you’ll be prepared.

Brandon, 22, Mapleton, Maine: Consider this the prologue. I’ve never escaped the “women-talk”, starting with my sister, teenage female friends, and now my girlfriend. If this fazes you, good luck when your future girlfriend is always asking about her weight, breasts, clothes, shaving, waxing, etc. Since your sisters won’t stop running around half-naked, demand that your parents deal with it.

Breele, 20, Dana Point: Appearance is everything for females today. You’ll be hearing about shaving, waxing, periods, and eventually Botox and boob jobs, for the rest of your life, whether it’s from sisters, girlfriends, or mothers-in-law. However, certain topics are inappropriate at dinner and this is one of them. Maybe get them a book on manners (although it appears they need full-on etiquette school). Regarding the nudity, their disrespect is disturbing and I’m shocked your mother didn’t support you.

Colin, 21, Sacramento: Inspiring change involves two basic approaches: the carrot and the stick. Next time they start in, begin talking loudly about something uncomfortable for them, anything from factory farming to flatulence. Be creative. Before starting, explain that their rudeness will not serve them in the future - or now. Or extend the carrot and figure out a creative incentive.

DEAR ERIC: Let me guess: single mom, right? Many are clueless about pubescent males. Ideally, teenage boys aren’t situated where they need to ask females relatives to put their clothes on, but if you do ask and are laughed off? Wow, these women need to read Straight Talk.

Regarding the girl talk, this is a hornet’s nest. I absolutely think girls today are waay too preoccupied with superficial looks and sexuality - thus their need to constantly process it. Girls (boys, too) are sexualized and objectified to unprecedented and fantastic degrees, starting at extremely young ages, due to the mainstreaming of pornography and the new 24/7 “look-at-me” social-media lifestyle, so it’s understandable. But what a waste of brains - and such impossible pressure! I wish a) young people would reject it, and b) parents would protect them from it and inculcate deeper values. -Lauren

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