Am I the only woman that has a sense of humor?

Perhaps it's because I'm American, living in London, and visit the aesthetician often. Look me up anytime, Tad.

F, London, UK,

Oh dear, Oh dear Tad, I have been shopping many times this last week and have found myself looking at other women around me. (since your article) Not something I normally do!
God I hate to say it but you know you are half right. There are so many woman who look like they have been dragged through a hedge backwards.
Come on girls make an effort, tidy yourselves up before you leave the house.

Carol, Buckinghamshire, UK

And where, good sir, have you visited here in the almight States? Surely it was southern California, Miami Beach, or the great (and fashionable) east coast. Yes, there are some beautiful women there, with plenty of money and time to spend on themselves.

Come to Michigan, one of the poorest states in the US. Here, you will find women struggling to get by, trying to raise families while their husbands are unemployed due to endless companies pulling out hundreds of jobs. Here, also, are women who have to choose between a tank of gas and a new blouse, between dinner that night or a new tube of lipstick.

Surely you have not had the full American experience. Would you call those same hard-working American women "lard-butt frumps?" Something tells me I already know the answer.

Anna, Rose City, Michigan, USA

He's right the poor dear. He has to go to a lot of trouble to look good for dates, like most men. He probably showers, throws on a t-shirt before he leaves the house. His lazy date on the other hand only has to shave from ankle to ass, be fit and tonned (or naturally slender, I guess), apply make-up, pluck, do her hair, moisterize, put on perfume, wear the "right" outfit (you know, the one that is casual and flirty, but looks like you weren't trying too hard), and squeeze her fit into some pointy heels before leaving the house. Oh, and don't forget that she also has to be interesting, funny, and outgoing to boot.

No, being beautiful and being interesting are not mutually exclusive. The problem is not that women feel we cannot have both. The problem is that men do not find us beautiful as we are-- we have to go to great lengths to alter our bodies to suit them. This author is an unabashed male supremacist. But he's right about one thing: I doubt he's getting laid in the UK again!

Kelly Mangan, Gainesville, FL, United States

Women should look hot for me because I'm a man111!!! I am single.

Bob, Chicago,

I agree with most of this but think your logic may be slightly skewed - well for me anyway. I work 50 to 60 hours every week as a middle manager, have 2 children and a husband, a house that needs to be cleaned, school uniforms and PE kits to be washed, other domesticity, I also attend the gym 3 - 4 nights each week and rock climb twice a week. I eat healthily (ish), take vitamins, Omega 3 fish oil supplements, cleanse, tone and moisturise.

Where is the extra time for me to be crimping and plucking and bleaching and waxing and filling and blow drying and straigtening and polishing and painting ??

I'm not saying that I look like a moose or anything and do put some effort into my appearance, wear size 6, look younger than my years but where do you draw the line. Why is it so important to have just the right face/hair/body/shade of Fake Bake. Personally I'd rather have some fun than spend all day beautifying myself. How is it going to add value to my life in any way?

Vic Bate, Derby, Derbyshire

Eve, you think Lilly Cole is gorgeous?
If that's the case, maybe that's as good as you can get but let me tell you Kate Moss, Keira Knightley ,Lilly Cole and all those so called beauty queens by some anglosaxon fashion magazine editor who is probably blond herself and not too atractive are scared of choosing a real gorgeous girl in their front covers because that will make then look just like Tad says, boring.And believe me , going to Cambridge doesn't mean you are more clever than you for not going. I work with people who've gone to top universities in the US and the Latino cleaner is much brighter that some of them.

Anthony, New York, Us

This article hits the nail squarely on the head and it is amusing to see the reaction of British females in particular to it.

Jon Leigh, Southern, France

Tad Safran like many 'modern men' in the UK seems quite effeminate (ie. bitchy) in his comments on women. However his accusation that English women have increasingly become more masculine in their attitudes does reflect a commonly held belief. This modern sexual identity crisis is less evident in cultures like Italy, Spain or Latin America or more traditional societies and all societies used to believe that men and women should have different roles and identities, for good reason. As Ewan McGregors character said in the movie trainspotting, "women are becoming more like men, and men are becoming more like women so what we are creating is a nation of w*nkers". Well that observation is self evident and of course Tad Safran knows that there's no such thing as bad publicity.

Karl, Birmingham, England

er... zoe..... pull your stockings up, surely?

tad doesn't seem like a socks kind of guy.

jem, london, uk

Sarah from Paris has it about right.

It isn't harmless or fun to promote the idea that a woman's appearance should be anything other than a matter for her own discretion, and should be based primarily on valuing her own health and happiness.

Julia, Chester, Cheshire

Love your article . It funny and had me laughing. Brilliantly bitchy -are you sure you're not gay.

BUT you view of amercan woman is lopsided and I would not wish that UK woman aspire to such low standards. There are other continents that actually do elegance and sophistication.

I would go as far as to include the younger British woman however I am a woman and will still defend a womans right to be what her standards are and how she want to be- for herself. (although I reserve the right to laugh and ridicule ).

Now why not write an article about men let themselves go - and evenbefore they even had time to get themselves together.

And Carmen with 2 degrees, siize 6 body, gym membership and fabulous career. Oh where do you find the time to be interesting. An engaging conversation is not talking about how brilliantly perfect you think you are (Yawn). Get over yourself honey.
I am a European woman, and don't have anything to fear from an American woman like

AndJ, London, UK

I'm neither British nor American and I have seen both beautiful UK women and very unkept American ladies. You say you hit the nerve with British women but I also wonder what drives to write 'controversial' article like this - based on generalisation only anyway.

Ted, Prague,

I don't understand why you seem to dislike us English women so much. You claim to like us, and yet have slagged us off in not one, but TWO articles. Why?!
At the end of the day, I may not be perfectly groomed, but Im not a slob either. Im very happy, that's all I care about, being happy and healthy and I think I speak for every woman- and man- that I know.

Just grow up for goodness sake and stop writing spiteful little articles.

Helen F, Birmingham,

Utterly brilliant old boy and devastatingly accurate. As an Englishman who lives in Aus, going back to England can become an extended session of 'hunt the grunt'.

I particularly enjoyed your refutation of the false clever/not-horrendous-looking binary. If you are a smart woman you probably realise it doesn't pay to look like some sort of ill-digested instant meal.

Thanks again.

Hugo Batten, Melbourne, Australia

Boring and predictable... must be a yank!

louise, brighton, england

Drink coffee instead of tea and wait for the changes!

Colin, Auckland, New Zealand

So are you American or British?

James, Palestine, Pennsylvania

ha ha ha love it

Steph, london,

Funny but cruel. But Tad, my fellow American... you're on your own.

Gregory Baker, Odenton, Maryland, USA

Hello Pot? Yes, this is the Kettle returning your call.

British men are no better than British women about grooming and dressing. And do you see any metrosexuals in London? Certainly nothing like the numbers you see in New York.

Also, British women AND British men occupy the top spot for obesity in Europe (see Health Profile for England 2006).

If British people just stopped drinking and stopped accusing anyone who enjoys exercise of vanity (there are many among us who do enjoy running and cycling regardless of whether it makes us look better) they would easily look as good as the Yanks, and probably better.

Please let us not start wasting as much money and time as the Americans do on foolish things like shopping and makeup and waxing -- this goes for both genders. It's one of the many great things about Britain.

Sarah, London,

You're not exactly Prince Charming yourself Tad. However, I'm sure you must be a very happy person.

Kate, London UK

Kate, London,

But in every country there's thin people and fat people, as well as people who make an effort with their appearance and those who don't. (and from my experiences of visiting america, i'd say they have a substancial amount of the latter)
It's everyone's personal choice, and as long as you're happy then surely that's all that counts.

There's no point getting angry with people like Tad, he was trying to be deliberately provocative.

Hannah, Sheffield,

Now, listen here, Tad. I'm all for slapping on the slap and keeping an eye of my diet, in fact I would say I was quite vane and quite keen on getting laid... but I sincerely hope that I never ever become the image of the American woman you describe: helmet hair, iridescent white teeth, gravy-like spray tan, not a pubic hair in sight - and the belief that eating carbohydrates is opening the stable door on the four horse men of the apocalypse.

Wendy , London,

I agree, most british women should be ashamed of the themselves for making zero effort with their appearance. I wouldn't dream of leaving the house without clean hair, a touch of makeup and clean ironed clothes at the minimum.

Pull your socks up Ladies.

Zoe, London, UK

Perhaps we could all dress as A A Gill has in panto style.
What colours what style and it hides a multitude of sins.
Oh yes it does!

Carol, Buckinghamshire, UK

Right on, brother! Truth is a wonderful thing, but not pleasant all the time...

By telling them the truth, you're doing them more of a service than 50 years of feminism ever has.

Yes, please, take care of yourselves ladies!

Mr Macho, London, UK

At least the Brits don't all look like Donny and Marie clones and don't have over inflated ego's that demand they do.

Udo , melbourne, Australia

You are absolutely right. I feel very grateful to all of my immaculately groomed, toned and honed American neighbours in Kensington for making me smarten up, get fit and take care of myself.

fiona, London,

I think this obsession with weight is missing the point. First of all, these 25 year old girls the author complains about, who have put on all the weight, will probably outlive the author by 20 years. There has been a study that came out recently in the US that shows that people who are somewhat overweight live the longest. So a woman who is 5 ft 4 could weigh up to 180 pounds for her ideal weight! I noticed this study got very little press in the British papers for some reason.

Also, weight doesn't have as much to do with beauty as people think. I have weighed every weight there is, several times over, and I noticed that, contrary to the size 0 myth, I got more positive attention from men as a size 10 than as a size 6. Although there was a little drop off starting around size 14 (Marilyn Monroe was a size 14) I even got positive attention as a size 18. I think your beauty is mostly genetic. If you look good, and feel good about yourself, you will look good in a range of weights

sylvia, Atlanta, USA

Given Tad appears to be on the look out for a supermodel ... I expected him to be much hotter!

Anna, London,

People are ridiculous. Just because looking nice isn't the most important thing in the world, doesn't mean that it isn't still important. And you CAN be beautiful and still intelligent - take Lily Cole for example - she's gorgeous and is going to Cambridge!

I think people need to strike a healthy balance between the two - what you say about eating Toblerone and watching Eastenders is completely true.

Evie, Bournemouth, UK

Tad, you're so right! Spot on!

Maria-Spaniard living in the UK, Cambridge,

Hilarious - probably the best article I have read in ages!

It sounds like Tad's experience of English woman has consisted of meeting either 'Rah' birds or scally mingers..

Believe me there are a lot of gorgeous, fit and well maintained women out there...ranging from 16-80.. He needs to look a bit harder!

Iona, Guildford, Surrey

As a British woman who now lives in New York, I totally agree. Women need to stop thinking they can either have a sparkling personality and outdrink a sailor, or be a boring Barbie stick figure with no soul. Aren't we supposed to have it all these days? Stop making excuses for being overweight with bad hair and get yourself down the gym Brit girls, and American girls? maybe if you actually laughed everytime you screech "you're hilarious" on the subway or didn't try to cultivate an ecentricity to make you more interesting, maybe you'd fair better too.

Jo, New York, NY

<<If what women are striving for is the ability to get hammered and fall over in the street, Britain is a feminist paradise from coast to coast>>

Tad. Your penny has dropped!
That is indeed what British women are like. Ok, I do not like falling over, but I like drinking and yes, I am a feminist, albeit pretty and well groomed. British women are not like other women, so give us a break.

Sarah G, London,

I'm so glad you wrote this article. It gives me an opportunity to mention how thin I am compared to all these disgusting women around me. I hate women who get above themselves (ie think they're more than their bodies), and I'm glad you do too.

(and while I'm enjoying being sarcastic in response to this article, I'm a little worried that my evil tory surrendered wife bigot persona isn't actually that far from what people really think. Big sorry to all the women who fought for feminism in the past. Our generation sucks. Sorry, Pankhurst!)

Sally, Ealing,

Perhaps Times should look at their own coverage of british women: http://timesonline.typepad.com/style/2007/12/butt-plugs-plea.html?ILC-EVYcomments&ATTR=FBprude
Tad, you may be missing this in your quest for the perfectly manicured bimbo! Lol

Anamika, London, UK

I am one of the frumpy woman Tad describes. I was thin and smartly dressed at 18 and now, at 25 I am a size 12 and live in jeans.

There is one reason why this is so. When i was 18 I had a few hours a day to devote to applying lotions and potions to my face. I never ate because I was out all of the time dancing and drinking sickly cocktails.

Now, I am a grown up. I go to work, come home, cook (yes, actually cook) dinner, clean up and then it's 10pm. I have all of the financial stresses of a graduate with a 300k mortgage to cope with and the last think I need is to hear from some no-brain Yank that I'm fat and ugly.

So come on Tad, what shall I cut from my life to finance my beauty revolution? Shall I tell the bank I can't afford to pay my student loan because you told me I needed to be beautiful to catch you? Shall I tell the Mortgage company that my life is incomplete without a head full of bleach? Or shall I feel smug that I will never have to be in a room with a moron like you?

EC, Cambridge,

I am laughing at the idea that slim and sexy spanish and italian women don't get fat.

expanding waists are a threat to everyone, man or woman.

jem, london, uk

I have read all these hilarious comments, and laugh out loud at the vanity and the billions made by the beauty industry.
WHY, then does over one third of the worlds female population remain covered up by the burkah !!! Is this to stop the prying , wandering critical male eye??

What ever happened to good old fashioned modesty,? In Queen Victorias time, even the legs of chairs and pianos were covered up.

Looking at slim women, even they wish for bottom and boob extensions, or a reworking of some sort. 2/3rds of the world have wonder ful white teeth, but they also suffer huge poverty.

My previous dentist offered me an expensive whitening job of my mouth, I replied with the comment above.

Good manners and morals and a decent attitude to those who
are more needful is surely just as important??
Who is to know who is the well dressed thief or philanderer?
Looks alone are not a passport to authenticity!!!!!!!!

Mrs Maggie Snook, Wareham, Dorset uk

According to Morrissey the streets of London are no longer populated by British people so where are these frumpy British girls which Tad (tad by name....) speaks of? I gather he must be speaking of the women of London, as Birmingham would certainly not tolerate such a pathetic specimin gracing our doorstep!!! (and neither would other cities outside the old Smoke, I would imagine!)

Leigh, Birmingham, uk

Frankly I find the whole thing incredibly amusing. It was just some funny (maybe too truthfull to stomach for some) comments. If people really think they shouldn't be judged on their appearance why do they care about the comments in this and the other article anyway?

Emer, Dublin , Ireland

I have to say that I agree. When I attended college, the girls were slim and effortlessly gorgeous. Then after university when meeting an old school friend, more often than not a lot of the girls had put on a lot of weight. I put this down to junk food, and binge drinking. Then because it's hard work to get the weight off, they simply give up and just pile on more weight.

Bob Sleigh, Haparanda, Lapland

I am an American, and when I went to Britain, I was shocked by the number of people, men and women, who couldn't bother to replace missing teeth, or brush their hair in a neat manner. Women were going around with bras, which bothered me hideously. I see more fat women in the US, but by the gods, I never saw more ugly people than I did in Britain. Ten minutes a day to pick out a reasonable outfit, take care of your teeth, and not smell like the tube is all I ask.

Kara, Pekin, IL USA

Des from Redruth says that
"Women are scruffy compared to 40 years ago. Most have no pride in their appearance now."

Yes, Des. And 40 years ago women were still bound by the idea that a marriage and children were all she ever had to look forward to.
Answer me this - why should women HAVE to get a full wax every two weeks, shell out hundreds of pounds on make up and gym memberships and never eat what they really want to just to prop up the egos of a few cavemen?
I'm quite big. I only wear make up when I'm off on a big night out (so every month or so) and whilst I eat healthily (no I do not stuff my face with Toblerone whilst watching Eastenders, thank you), I do little exercise (hence why I'm big!) I make no apologies for this. Even when I was 17 and stick thin, I never wore make up and I always wore baggy clothes. Why? Because there were (and are) more important things for me to worry about.

In the grand scheme of things, how you look is unimportant. Get over yourselves.

Christmassy, London,

I wasn't offended by this man at all. I think, in some avenues, he has a point.

I have experienced negative views from my burning bra girlfriends, now that I have lost weight, it's been a hell of a job getting over my overeating tendancy. I have started dressing better and wearing make-up too.

But I can't say this is for everyone else, in the house, all alone I dress up... because I find this helps motivate me to live a healthier lifestyle.

I do find my girlfriends get really angry with me when I say I'll just share a pudding.... or I'll just have one glass of red wine... there's no comprimise, no meet in the middle mark. You're either a hollywood health freak or a chilled out person...

I don't understand why girls are getting so so angry by this guy, some of what he says or reasoning is twaddle but he also makes some good observations, his reasoning behind them however may not be entirely what I agree with, but surely he's right why are we so defensive?

Abby , Surrey,

Where America leads the rest of the world will surley follow. With 70 percent of the adult population of America either overweight or obese, with diabetes and other chronic diseases at epedemic levels, I suspect the women of America are spending their 1700 dollars a month on burgers, hot dogs and Twinkies.

Will, Leicester,

Good stuff here! As a counterpoint I have to say that in between NYC and LA, there is small-town America. I'm thinking specifically of Lardbutt City, Arizona.
AND I have to say I'd take the English/British girls' sense of humour any day! Probably worth a few stone compromise, that.

Archie, Thrapston, England

Tad - I'm an almost 50 year old woman that has "let myself go". When I was in my twenties I was very conscious of how I looked. I never went out of the house, even if just up to the market, without every hair in place, make-up and a decent outfit. I went to aerobics three times a week and usually did a double class on Sundays. And for what? To be hit on my men of the same mind as you, general narcissistic bores. And why? It was because I had nothing more to offer either, just the looks.

I have a wide arse now, but no problem filling my dance card with decent men. Maybe because I have alot more to offer now. I am an independent, well traveled, well read, professional. Or maybe the difference is the men. In that once they are past 40 and their mid-life crisis and/or have divorced the Barbie doll they first married, they know what to appreciate in a good woman, and it doesn't have to do with her dress size.

Julie, Mission, USA / Kansas

Some of the women commentators here have said that the author is misogynistic..they seem to be ignoring the point that his criticism is aimed only at British women. I guess that they do not understand what the word means.

The interesting point here is the response of the women in general. Vitriol is the word that comes to mind. What is wrong with looking after your looks? That is his point. British women do not look after themselves.

I live in China, and I often feel ashamed when I see British women waddling around the place. With their huge bottoms, and bloated stomachs they are an embarrassment. I recently saw some Chinese young children killing themselves with laughter as some dirigible young English woman wobbled past them. At first I was shocked, but then I thought, who can blame them for laughing......she could not have been more than 25 years old.
Whilst there are attractive English women, they are very small as a proportion of the population, compared with other countries.

Mark A, Xi'an, China

British people have a diet of microwave meals, take aways and alcohol. So they are overweight already in their twenties. Girls do not cook because their mothers have no cooking skills either. My office colleagues in Glasgow did not know how to make a basic tomato sauce (and they were married and with children). And they were not ashamed to admit it...
When we went out on fridays, they would go from the office straight to the pub and start drinking...on an empty stomach.

I think some women in the UK are simply mimicking the hooligan attitude of some men. However, the article Tad wrote is too one sided. I do not know what is more scary , the fat drunk British girl or they artificial hysterical American counterpart. I guess both.

Pilar, Madrid,

i like what this man has to say and i'm a woman. whatever he is stating is true. especially the actual facts (as opposed to opinions) he writes of in the last paragraph. i imagine that any woman who is offended by what he writes is either/or overweight, lazy, unbothered about their health and appearance. there's nothing wrong with taking care of yourself. this writer has hit a nerve amongst women who will act all offended and call him a sexist etc etc. but in fact, this is only because they know that what is being said is true.

Erin, LONDON,

I agree. Women are scruffy compared to 40 years ago. Most have no pride in their appearance now.

des , Redruth,

Tad Ihave to agree. Despite being of the female gender when I see some of the so called fashion statements made by British women I have to laugh (or cry) depending on how bad they are.

Why do women feel the need to wear a short crop top with hipster trousers and the obligatory 'muffin top' showing! I and no one else needs to see how many spare tyres anyone is carrying! Why do some women think this is any way attractive?

I work in a local supermarket and all facets of human life pass through there in any 8 hour period! Believe me summertime is not pleasant.

Sue, Banbury, UK

Hello Kat,

You're not wrong.

It's his wonky worldview that is of real concern however.

Tad, you may have bought the whole package, but don't think you are capable of selling it, it was crafted by far more skilled "creatives" than you.

Kidd Garrett, Bristol, UK

As someone who has done a lot of travelling and has spent the last year and a half living in Berlin and has just moved to France, I have to agree with much of what you say.
Yes, German women tend to be tall, which often makes keeping slim easier. But they also put MUCH more effort into keeping fit and healthy. I have lost count of the number of times I have been out in a club, seen a woman and thought "mmm she's nice," only to get a close up 10 minutes later and realise she must be 40 plus (over 15 years older than I).
In fact, I have often made similar statements as the author to friends of mine - both Brits and others - and have received nods of agreement.
To stay that British girls IN GENERAL are extremely attractive at 18 but then frumpy and overweight by 25 (I know plenty of exceptions) is not sexist. It is hypocritical if the guy making the statement is in bad shape - which, thanks to HUGE effort does not apply to me.
Can the author be blamed for merely making an observation?

Pete, Milton Keynes,

I came to the story late and was so disappointed to see the picture of Tad. I had expected a really gorgeous hunk of maleness, feeling he had to be wonderful to be so sure that women cared what he thought!

Hilary King, Bletchley, UK

Hello,
I read the first article and was grumpy about it for a good few hours so I'm interested to see the amount of other people also commenting. However I have not noticed anyone mention what has been bugging me about the article.

What world does this author think most of the times readers live in if he thinks the majority of us can spend £700 a month on beauty products? How much does the times pay its writers for piddles sake? I can't imagine having that much disposable cash and I'd like to think that if I ever did I would feel charitable enough to not spent it all on myself.

Sally, Southampton,

If you think things are bad in the UK, try Ireland, i've been here seven years and have yet to see a female leg. If you see a good looking woman you know she has to be a foreigner.

Michael
Cork

Michael O'Brien, Cork, Ireland

Actually, Tad, I'm so glad you did this. Finally a few Britons might understand what it's like to receive for a moment the broad cultural criticism that they atmospherically been emitting anbout anything and everything American for at least 3 decades.

Decades ago it was from the elite of the right, and now from the elite of the left, but it's always been the same. Personally, I think that personality type is just trying to flatter themselves with anything that gives them a sense of superiority much as there are always people who resent and detest the successful - putting on the airs of some fake, warped "poor little me" play a la class-warfare. Oddly enough the false modesty displayed in the afternoon about "those horrible polluting and self indulgent yanks" gives in to loud, violent mewling about our timidness at night when they're vomiting up their ninth glass of nicely labelled plonk in an alleyway.

Joe Noory, Washington, USA

Is it me or does Tad have wonkey eyes?!!

Kat, Manchester,

What do you mean I have no grooming skills? I spend at least 5 minutes a day squeezing my blackheads!

Anna, Birmingham, UK

why didn't this man compare the vicki pollards of the UK with the phalanx of trail trash who appear, say, on the Jerry Springer Show? oh, no one would buy that article, i s'pose.

reading this piece also seems like he doesn't know which country is the most obese in the developed world - or any world for that matter.

anyway, who *is* he anyway?

Y Forster, Durham ,

it's the peer pressure. Or, to be more precise, the lack of it. there was a study that fat friends make you fat cause they change your idea of what's acceptable. well, isn't UK is the most overweight country in Europe? and as everybody else has their bellies and bingo-wings hanging out of their tiny tops, why should one bother with gym? If everybody else is totally drunk, it also seems acceptable to throw up on the street. etc etc.

I travel a lot and sorry girls, I'm sure there are a lot of very good looking girls in UK as well, but in general the picture is quite horrible, have to agree with Tad here.

But as I'm interested in men, I'm not complaining. less competition. :D

inga, Europe,

Most entertaining! I hate to say it, girls, but the lad does rather have a point...

Anna, Nemours, France, via Luxembourg and the UK

I read your comments last week and could not agree more; I am a woman in my 50’s and have always looked after myself. But I now despair when I see the mess of women today especially the young girls. They are big and frumpy, and to see the sight of a big girl showing her equally big belly is disgusting to look at. They have now taken on the fashion of shorts; do they not look in the mirror? And why do they have to be always stuffing their fat faces. Having said all that NOT all British women are like this, I also see many young and older women who look lovely with nice clothes and have a slim profile.

Christine, Leicester,

Check the mirror, Tad, before you start attempting to define the word 'unkempt.'

Kate, Manchester, England

as an Englishwoman of 50 who has always taken a pride in her appearance in spite of low income i heartily agree with you young man. I am appalled at how many young women I see who are not just overweight but appear to have no idea how to dress to the best effect. Surely keeping your hair and skin in good condition is not a hardship and the summer brought out the most appalling sights ( crop tops on fat girls look disgusting) I got my dress sense ( in principle - ie wear what suits and what fits) from my mother and I in turn passed the principle to my daughter.At 50 I can still 'strut my stuff ' without being mutton dressed as goat - in fact my daughter borrows my clothes - girls shouldn't look like stick insects nor should they be more than a stone overweight for their frame for the sake of their health. Having a bit of meat on your bones looks good but being fat!! well i'm sorry but it just doesn't.

Gill Mooney, London, UK

Even if it's not all true, at least both articles are amusing. ;)

Rachel, Miesau, Germany (via usa)

HILARIOUS and very true.

Helen Mott, London, UK

Not just the women mate. I think the Western lifestyle has led to the fattys on both sides of the atlantic. I agree but you compare the Boozy Brits and the Narcacistic Yanks against some of the European cultures and you can easily tell which ones are healthier..

We've a whole demographic on our hands with no idea how to live healthy..

Basically time to flee the country!

Adam, Luxembourg (but a Scot),

I do have to say, that my first visit to the states in '97, I had the shock of my life!
Everytime I thought I had seen the largest a*se in the world, another family would walk by!
I was told by the locals, that they could spot the Europeans a mile off. They were skinny!
New York is no better, the meals are enormous, and intended for very large people.
I weigh the same as I did at 18, even after 3 children. I don't crave chocolate and eat when hungry. I have sudied Karate, etc, and do try to keep myself fairy active.
My Children are the same, tall skinny and rather gorgeous. So, although genes do have a part to play, I find that finishing eating when full, usually does the trick.

I feel sorry for you Mr Safran, with such high expectations, I doubt you will find your dream woman, anywhere in the World!
As you would find most ladies would not look twice at a man such as you. Most dreafully sorry, but there it is. I feel you need to work on yourself too.

Carolyn, Woodford Green, London

women in general are quite jealous and that's why men in Britain love the spirit and friendliness of some Continental women . This summer we had a very nice girl in our office , hard working, friendly and with a beautiful mediterranean face and body.She had a Spanish accent which to me sounded very sexy but the girls in my team didn't like her so much. I realised how this girl was on very good terms with all the males in the office but the females in her team ganged up against her. i guess they thought of her as a threat being naturally pretty and sexy ,or maybe women in our country just don't get on with non- English native speakers.

justin, LONDON, UK

I have been married to an English girl for the past 25 years.
When i met her she was 5'7" and 9 stones.
Now in her late fifities and after bringing up our daughter she is still 9 stones and still a M&S size 6.
I guess it's whether one wants to maintain the standards or not.

qhim yeoh, Singapore,

Although I think your article was completely out-of-line and heinous, it doesn't deserve the publicity its getting.

First off, the thing that bothers me the most isn't the fact that you insulted an entire nation of women, it's that you think you- God's gift to women- have the right to complain!! Your whole article was incredibly chauvinistic and sexist. Did you actually expect people to sympathize with you because all the women your age aren't up to par according to your superficial, barbie-is-the-standard requirements?! Does the fact that you are still single say anything to you?

and secondly- your representation of American women is seriously skewed. In case you never realize that the US contains more diversity than the upper class found in NYC and LA, I'll tell you now that the normal American isn't anything like you described in your article.

PS- "never getting laid in Britain ever again"- you might want to take out "in Britain" and leave the rest.

Reese, Chicago, USA

I love all these 'I agree with him and by the way I'm a size 4 and have been since a little child' messages being left by women. He wasn't just talking about weight was he? Or maybe he was. In case he wasn't, let me say that I am a woman who takes very good care of myself. I have regular manicures, pedicures, massages, facials, waxings of various parts of my body, personal trainer and so on and so on. While I'm sure my husband appreciates all this hard work, I have to say it comes in very expensive. I probably spend upwards of $500 a month and that wouldn't include designer clothes and lingerie. Nor would it include my hairdresser ($150 per cut) or my colourist ($250 full head of highlights). How much does Tad spend per month on his appearance I ask myself. I do hope he has at least a good tailor, good barber, good cobbler, good trainer and appropriate car. Because if he doesn't, a woman like me won't look at him twice.

Isabella , Toronto, Canada

Broadly speaking (as a woman!) I agree with Tad. His comment about the price of beauty treatments in the UK in his first article is spot on - extortionate compared to most other countries!

Certainly, looking good is not the be-all and end-all, but
looking after yourself and making the best of your looks is
common sense if you have any self-respect. Sure, I'd never want to be with a man who only loved me for my looks, but I'd prefer him to find me physically attractive as well as liking my personality - it's not mutually exclusive, at least not until the pursuit of beauty becomes your only goal and topic of conversation.

There is a gradient ranging from beauty-obsessed to slobbish, with a normal balance somewhere in-between. If American (or, more correctly, LA) women fall more often on the side of obsessiveness (which isn't good!), it is fair to say that UK women tend to be on the slobbish end of the scale, and certainly when compared to any of the nationalities Tad's mentioned.

Emily, Cambridge, UK

Could we upgrade the software here so that commentators are required to post their photographs? I have the sneaking suspicion that the guys agreeing with Tad (who, it has to be said, isn't much of a looker himself) are probably monsters in their own right who've seen neither their toes nor nasal hair clippers for some time.

Sweeping generalisations of this nature, and blatant rabble-rousing, really shouldn't be published in a newspaper - particularly not this one

Ali C, Kingston, UK

It never ceases to amaze me these asinine debates of 'Boy vs girl/my mate is hotter than your mate' manage to transcend the playground and doggedly incite otherwise intelligent adults to become clumsy oafs.

The fact of the matter is that beauty is a universal trait, present in a minority in every country you could hope to visit. It is often qualified by grace and intelligence, and can take any aesthetic form. In fact, it can only exist in a multitude of forms, as - like fine art - beauty intrinsically stands out from the crowd.

The reason why I fear so many of you appear so roused by this debate is that you are oblivious to beauty in its truest form, and if the base tone of this discussion is anything to go by, those who hold such beauty would not be caught dead in your immediate company.

Mat, Berlin, Germany

I'm a forty something British woman and I don't have time to eat toblerone on the sofa watching TV - too busy working full time and looking after my husband + 4 children ! So size 12 is too fat is it ? My comment is OK but not all Bitish women fit your description same with Americans - what a storm in a teacup.
BTW Mr Safran I'm sure you'll find a girl over here - I actually think you look cute

Elizabeth, Cheshire,

I feel sympathy and agreement for both this chap and the sleighted English women.

"Letting go" is rather like Class: a state
of mind.

Most of the women I know who "do not look after themselves" never did, even in their youth. They were always doudy and somewhat strangely shaped, dressed
and coiffed.

As for his views, well, I would probably chew him up for breakfast and spit him out if I met him. He is clearly a tosser. If he wasn't he wouldn't feel the need to say these things and let's see what his
stomach and hairline are like when he hits the wrong side of 45!!!

And what about the British Male? Why would women want to look good for such fat-bottomed, beer-gutted gits anyway?

Oh, and has he not noticed all those obese women in Florida theme parks with their hot dogs and the big fat Italian mamas?

Mary Ahern, Ferney-Voltaire, France

I am with you 100%. Although I’m not familiar with the states I’ve seen an awful lot of Europe, and can confirm that we do have disproportionate numbers of rotters. I have to say I love that article, not only do I thoroughly agree with everything said, I think it’s so funny how easy it is to predict the response of kebab yielding British ‘ladies’. I’ve got a real problem with obesity and as government warnings have blatantly done nothing to deter the unhealthy generations coming through, I hope more and more people involved in the media speak their mind in this way a bit more and let them know that yes, it is bad for your health, and yes, your life will be enriched if you just put a bit of effort in and over and above everything else, you’re bloody unsightly…

PC, Midlands,

Have you been to the US recently? As far as I can see, the majority of women who pamper and preen are the wealthy. It is fair to say that there are a large number of morbidly obese females in the States, they are not all buffed and polished as you seem to suggest. I would be prepared to put a bet on that per head of population the numbers whom preen and those who don't are the same in both countries.

PS good job you're the perfect specimen to be making these sweeping statements.

Cathy, London,

I was once married to an English woman. When she took her shoes off she stank up the room. She got the hang of washing after a few months and a few hints. On one memorable evening we went to the pub ate and had a couple of pints. She slammed down 2 more pints after I had finished then we went home and she threw up. She is now teaching in a six form college.
Before that I was married to an American woman. last time I saw her she looked great, slim and well groomed. Ans she is now over 50. It's more to do with discipline than anything else.

chris Ashton, Chiang Mai,

The point is, Tad, we don't need or want an arrogant, self-appointed, patriarchal judge to tell us what is and isn't good enough. We don't need or want your approval.

That's what this is about, isn't it? You see the independence of British women and it frightens you, because it renders you, if not absolete, no better than the rest of us. It removes you from your position of male privilege: in the US you may not have to say a word to get women to present themselves in the way you choose for your viewing pleasure (although I know there's a fair few American women who would be more than happy to divest you of that disillusion); in the UK you can try and shame us all you like, but we've moved on from the idea that the best a woman can be is eye candy for the likes of you.

So I suggest you scuttle back to the US. Or maybe you could join the Saudi government: they're pretty big on controlling women's lives, you should fit right in.

Laura Woodhouse, Sheffield, UK

I love this guy! However I think the real reason British women don't make as much of an effort is that British men aren't worth making an effort for! Sorry if that's already been said but I'm not reading through over 300 comments!

Claire, London,

Brits in general are far more interesting than the typical boring american gals.They have a sense of humor and are more open.American girls are all made of plastic and looking out for the guy with the biggest wad and most expensive car.British women are pure and not all faked up with silicone and leather tanning bed baked skin.I will take a Brit anyday.

Ferguson, Grayson,Georgia, USA

Safran is stating the obvious even though his words may be very provocative, but he is a journalist!! A person's self-respect is reflected in their appearance. The majority of Brits live in denial- I am a medical student and have seen many patients complain over being called "obese"- a medical term! People keep blaming other factors for their lack of discipline and self-control. You don't need to spend a fortune to look good, all it takes is a little effort. European women do not deny themselves of fattening food etc and they are great examples of how delayed gratification is actually very rewarding.

Senem, Cambridge,

What really riles women here is Tad’s implication that they can have no worthier priority in life than beautifying themselves for his delectation, although this may be an unintentional by-product of his efforts to be amusing. Most women sense that placing undue emphasis on their looks is ultimately a hiding to nothing. Men who value looks first and foremost in a partner will always stray eventually to someone younger or just different. This means they are a poor long term mating prospect. Being groomed to within an inch of her life did not spare Victoria Beckham very public humiliation at the hands of Rebecca Loos. Beauty guarantees nothing more than initial attraction and may even diminish the longer term prospects of a relationship because of the type of man it attracts. Women who spend the national average income staying pretty can surely only be misguided, desperate or devoid of any other selling points.

Cam , Chester, UK

This is awesome.I read the original article with interest because of the inflammatory cover flash it got on the main paper.I read it in silence before handing it to a female colleague who quickly concluded Tad was 'wrong' (not sure on what as several points were made) and a 'tosser'.

My jury's out on making generalisations if youre benchmarking against LA and NY women - who I know little about. I suspect if you were to benchmark against the less enlightened and image-conscious areas of the US you might draw different conclusions, Tad, but then that would be a misnomer as London is a comparable modern city to both NY & LA.

I can agree with you on where British women stand in the beauty / pride-in-appearance stakes in Europe,and its way down the list.I would agree that British men are probably at a comparable level though.But do I really have to make this concessional point about our men in order that the crux doesn't prompt apoplexy? Probably. You were asking for the sexist card, Tad.

CJ, London,

Before I go to the business section of the Times, I'd like to add a couple of comments. I read both articles and have to agree. It's really up to you ladies no matter what nationality. I'm not saying we need plastic surgery and botox to be beautiful, but it's okay to live healthy, occasional facials are okay, maybe a new haircut style once in a while, definitely cut out the drinking and smoking. With that, I've ran into a variety of Continental European and S.American women over the age of 40 that do not look great at that age! Now, the whole 'fat' America, first of all America is very very diverse. I've traveled the whole USA from small towns to big cities in each state, which majority of you haven't. Yes, you see obese people, but not all. We're a mixture of people of different races and nationalities. From the Pennsylvania Amish Country, to the mixture of races in Hawaii and Alaska, to the Latin vibe in Miami and so on. Don't steroptype that all Americans are 'white Anglo/Saxon'.

Ann, Pasadena, California

The male equivalent to female grooming is wit. (I know it's sexist, but it's true.) Now what woman would want to look her best for a man who repeats his own jokes? And not very funny ones, either.

Carla Bruni, Paris, France

Why doesn't the Times run a 'win a date with Tad Safran competition'? Contestants have to send in their photograph and it's up to Tad to decide how attractive we are and guess at our nationality. Of course, the twist is it might not be your real photograph. I'll enter! What fun!

lottie, christchurch, new zealand

You asked, "Or, Anna L from Kent, is your sweet personality inextricably tied to your being a size 16 ... like Samson’s strength is to his hair?"

I don't know, Tad. Is your sexism and "wit" tied to your receding hairline and unibrow?

Your question, "At what point, I ask you, does “a healthy interest” turn into “obsession”? I'm going to go ahead and say it turns into an obsession when women start buying into the views you stated in your previous article. Like the view that a 30-year-old woman should spend $1,700/month to look like an 18-year-old, or the view that a perfectly beautiful and interesting woman doesn't take good enough care of herself because she has "rough hands."

I'm pretty sure you're never getting laid again, on either side of the pond. And if there IS an American girl out there who's still willing to take you, then she's probably the living embodiment of the plasticized, shallow, obsessive-compulsive, Barbie doll you so revered in your first article.

S, Boston,

Thanks Tad.

Ignore the personal abuse and the feminist dogma. To most Englishmen you have acquired hero status. Its about time this was said - we have been intimidated into silently accepting overweight frumps or practitioners of the call-girl look for far too long.

Ian, London,

As a single man and a New York native who has spent most of the last 6 years in London, I couldn't agree more with Tad. I don't know about all the dollar figures he quoted but I agree 100% with his assertions on British women. Though the reality is that this is more an issue of British women vs. rest of world than British vs. American women. In comparison with American, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Dutch, Latin American, Indian, Arab, etc women, I find British women (no matter their ethnic background, i.e. white, Asian, whatever) to:

(1) be nearly universally plump (esp in the rear); (2) drink / smoke way too much; (3) have the worst eating habits (refined sugars / carbs, fatty / processed foods, little fruits / veg / whole grains); (4) not shower daily; (5) have terrible grooming and dress sense; (6) rarely if ever head to the gym; (7) very unfeminine.

I've given up on British women. As a single guy, the thing that makes London great is all the non-British girls, end of story.

H Juneja, London, UK

Quite frankly, from what I have heard of English cuisine, it is hard to believe that anyone of either sex could eat a lot of it.

Brian, Seattle, Washington

Nothing like massive generalisations and racial stereotyping to make your point for you, eh?

felicity, frome, england

I think the reason why traditional unreconstructed men like Tad are so personally affronted by women who don't give a fig re 'personal grooming' (stifles long yawn), is because Tad and his mysogynistic friends interpret this as a statement from the women concerned that attracting a man is not at the centre of their universe and their raison d'etre.

It's just too challenging to Tad and his cronies that for some women, attracting and keeping a 'man' is of peripheral importance

I have no idea why some women on this board seem to be complict in this, but it is rather tragic....

Also, some of the ugliest people I have 'seen' of late are contributors on this board who reduce people and their value down to a hard currency of how big their arse is

Jayne, Salisbury, Wiltshire

Maybe its a matter of looking at this from a different perspective. Most women say that they try and look good for themselves but in reality they are trying to attract a mate (or keep one) so maybe the reluctance of British women to take hours in the bathroom and not go out with out the perfect hair or spend all their money on cosmetics maybe simply because it's just that the british men are not worth the effort?

Sophie, Stockholm,

Bob, what evidence do you have that "British women have a wit and sense of humour that trounces the continental types"? I think this may be another way of describing fat women as "fun and bubbly". Also, many mediterrean women over 40 look much better than British women in their twenties who are fat, or drink too much giving them a face that resembles a pizza.

Edoardo, Shenley, UK

Reading this repulsive little man's misogynistic and xemophobic rantings against women has the effect of making me LESS inclined to invest time and money on my appearance.

If I accidentally gained the approval of someone like him, I should feel I had lost my self-respect.

Kellie, London,

Amazing how the most bitchy comments i've read here are from men.

'Mee-owww' fellas.

PurrfectLady, Manchester, UK

For the country that produced Elizabeth Taylor, Julie Christie and Diana Spencer, you have done your duty.

Nicky, Washington, DC, USA

After reading this, I checked out all the women during my lunch break, and then on my train home tonight. The majority of women were well turned out, pretty and feminine - of all ages and shapes.

What this article and some of the comments shows is that men, no matter how old, fat and minging they are, expect all women to look 'perfect'. I would be interested to know how some of the more ignorant male posters (e.g. Lee from Birmingham, Martin from Suffolk) on here look - not much like Justin Timberlake I'd imagine. Feminism hasn't caused 'women falling into gutters being plastered' - I would argue this is more of a class issue - for men and women.

The funniest thing is the idea that women (and men) from Spain, Italy, S. America are the epitome of beauty. The ones I've met looked greasy & smelled of BO. Worst of all they have leathery skin - did you know that most 'ageing' skin damage is actually caused by the sun? British women tend to look younger than their age - I certainly do.

Gill, London,

I think I must be the only female in Britain that actually agrees with this, I'm 23, so looking good is still fairly easy but my family think i am vain and take the mickey out of me for worrying about what I look like, I was a chubby child and an overweight teenager and this year alone I have managed tio drop 4 dress sizes so that now I am a size 10/12 as oposed to an 18 like I was at the begining of the year. I am lucky that I have always had good skin and harldy ever get spots, I have a very good bone structure and my hair, although unruly, always has a cut designed to suit me, which I do myself as I cannot always afford to get it done professionally. I do not follow fashion, as it doesn't always suit me, but I always wear whats comfortable and what fits right, I don't wear much make-up, just a bit of mascara, and if I'm going out, a bit of lipstick. Its not difficult to look good. I know I am lucky by being naturally "girl next door" pretty, but looking good really isn't that hard!

Luna, Kent,

Just when Christmas was depressing the hell out of me, along comes this gift of unexpected laughter, courtesy of Tad (also called Ted and Tod by his detractors).

The opportunity to pit men against women and Poms against Yanks is just too good to miss, it seems.

Anyway Tad, don't think you'll get any joy if you now turn to Oz and its female denizens in an effort to get laid again - your notoriety precedes you.

Claire, Sydney,

The truth: British women try to justify their size as their natural state - big boned- or whatever, when they know they would rather do better but can't be arsed to bother. I can't comment on american women, (and neither should the article author given the size of the USA and the fact that small town america may be very different to the sham glam cities). British women are sexy, and can look much better in my opinion, but often don't shape up to it.

Why do I still like British women? Because aside from not having the curves of the italians etc... British women have a wit and sense of humour that trounces the continental types. Not to mention that mediterrean women look like they've suffered 20 years of intensive childbrith after the age of 40 or so.

Bob thorn, Milton Keynes, UK

National stereotyping AND sexism all rolled into one theme. Mmm Tad what a witty conversationalist you must be. I wonder why you aren't meeting any attractive British women? You'd think they'd be beating a path to your door, wouldn't you?

Martha, London, UK

you seem to be indicating that british women are less concerned about their appearance than their american counterparts, you indicate that obesity levels are indicative of this. but surely the US has the highest levels of obesity in the world? would this not nullify your idea? unless you are being particularly selective about where you look?

danny, belfast,

As a happy and groomed size 16 I'm sorry to have to admit that I agree with Tad to a certain extent - otherwise why would our magazine shelfs be full of articles of how to lose weight and our televisions be full of make-over programmes? but to say that american women are any better? the obesity capital of the world?? I think not! as with the UK some bother some don't!

Jenni, Gosport, UK

I could not agree more. Ugly British women are an international joke. I am from Australia and am now living in London. When I first moved here I was shocked at the lack of care women put into there appearance. Most women at my gym are other foreigners, and likewise at my beauty salon. The women I work with wear horrible polyester suits even though they could afford to dress better (they are lawyers). I just don't understand why they care so little.

Miss R, London, England

I travel into London every day ,i cannot remember the last real femine women i noticed its just jeans boots car coats, what a shamewhere have they all gone?

Stewart Fisher, london,

Tad is a genuine witboy, doubtlessly biased, equipped with tons of fallacious argument. Nevertheless, British women - statistically, of course - are among if not the least attractive in Europe. I live in Hungary where people have much less money to spend on personal trainers, cosmetics, etc. Still, the fact that an average young woman weighs about 50-55 kilos instead of 80 makes her far nicer than her British counterpart.

Women of Britain! What about eating less bread, potatoes, chocolate? Won't even think about it, will you?

dr. Gábor Muharos, Budapest, Hungary

I've read both articles, I couldn't agree more. It's really not one mans opinion, it really is an obvious fact. Even as a homosexual male it stands out a mile away!

Vaughan, London, UK

Spot on, after dating an american girl and visiting florida regularly i couldnt agree more!!!

Jim, cardiff,

I broadly agree with the comments although obviously there are exceptions.
In my experience, Paris has the highest average standard although Spanish and Italians have better peronalities and come a close second in the looks department.
One of the problems with many English-speaking women is that they have lost the plot and thrown away the book. So have the men and indeed the society in which they live. Women are trying to be men but why?
Having said that, English and American men are hardly in a position to criticise either.
Whether in the US or the UK, aesthetics and sensuality not exactly highly valued (or if so in an artifical way).
As an Englishman living in Paris for many years, I am always struck on visting an English-speaking country by many things. Many of the niceties of life have been lost. Everything seems mechanical and functional and there is an increasingly crude approach to sex and for that matter life in general. Does the way we dress just reflect this?

Rob, Paris, France

If the people here are so awful, why stay? It does come accross as somewhat ungracious to the nation that is your home, if an adopted one.

The comments about not digging when already in a hole are on the money. Having said that, my girlfriend forwarded this to me with a degree of tongue-in-cheek indignity, so I think one has to take it in good humour. It's surely designed to bait a reaction anyway. Still, someone called 'Tad' surely needs to choose their words wisely in order to be taken seriously!

This will probably turn out to be a staff writer doing something to fill some spare time anyway...

Nick, London,

I entirely agree with what Tad says. I travel a lot in my job and I can certainly relate to what he says. Although I dont look for size 0 in my partner and I am quite happy with a size 12... I would certainly not ever date a huge ball of blubber. I take care of myself, keep fit for health reasons and because I want to look good for myself. I also believe that my partner has a right to a man who is reasonably clever, successful with a reasonable personality. I only expect the same in return.

Marc, sunbury, Middlesex

Having seen the picture, Tad himself looks a bit of a minger and so perhaps should be thankful for what he gets, groomed or not.

Catie, Glasgow, UK

I completelly agree with him and I pride myself in the care I take to look good, not just for others, but mostly for myself. It is no pleasure wandering the streets of the UK which are full of fat ugly heffers with horrendous dress sense who think that wearing skin tight leggings although the are a size 20 makes them look good. Please stop this it is killing my eyesight. I also agree with the europe comment, european women do tend to be more attractive even if they are large because they dress well.

Michelle, Bristol, UK

Oh!!!!!!! TS? that hurt...ouch!!!. As you say though, don't shoot the messenger!. I am sorry girls, but I have to say I do agree to a certain extent. A little more time spent on appearance wouldn't do any harm instead of going out looking like you dressed yourselve in the wardrobe in the dark!!.

A Baillie, Ashington, West Sussex

I was stationed in London for three years while in the U.S. Navy. I was single at that time (1987-1990) and in my early 40's. Is this guy nuts? Did anyone check to see if he has a seeing eye dog? My experience with the women of Great Britain is completely the opposite from this guy and dare say most men who had the opportunities I had would aggree.

Mike Lamb, Nauvoo, Alabama, United States

Has this guy ever heard of the saying "If you're in a hole, stop digging"?

Frie Martin, Echternach, Luxembourg

Well this outdoes them all. Maybe things are boring here in New Zealand but god damn the comments here made me laugh. I haven't been so entertained in a long time. You go ladies, keep it up .... I think Tad is on a hiding to nothing... Hilarious!!!!!!!!!!!

Lisa, Wellington, New Zealand

While I recognise the type Mr. S describes, I also believe it depends where you look. I live in Cheltenham, which must be one of the starkest examples of a divided society in the country. Walk down the High St and you will see plenty of examples of the type he so deplores, overweight, badly groomed and badly dressed (hideous football kit seems to be a favourite, for all ages and sexes). However, turn the corner into the Promenade, and you will find plenty of people to match the elegant surroundings (with a few mingers thrown in, granted). Come to think of it, perhaps surroundings are part of the problem. This country has some of the most vile town centres known to man; maybe if we took more pride in our surroundings, we would start taking more pride in ourselves.

Pixie, Cheltenham,

So according to Tad American women are shallow sluts, and British women are slobby, but he is still outraged that none of them will "lay" him again and so he writes a spiteful artcile telling us why he has let us off easy and we have no right to refuse to sleep with him. Pathetic, does he realise that women do not exist for the pleasure of men?
The irony is that he started this off by saying Bridget Jones was just a story (a story that he had obviously not read as Bridget Jones was skinny, but everyone preferred herr bigger in the books) and yet he is actually doing the same thing Bridget did in The Edge of Reason: writing a really rubbish article for the times, but getting c chance to write another simply because the first got a lot of comments and the paper did not carry if they were positive of negative so long as there were comments!

Susie, Europe,

Of course Tad has a point. If a woman said this, as advice to others, then it would - let's face it - be very good advice. Men want physically attractive partners; we may not like it, but it is true.
But Tad makes it sound like it is his (and all men's) right to have women take more care of their own appearance than he (and men in general) do of their own. God forbid Tad might forgo all carbs after 2pm, spend all his spare time at the gym, and all his disposable income on waxing and skincare. And that sounds pretty sexist, if not downright misogynist.
I take very good care of myself (perhaps Tad might approve of me? don't know, don't care) but I sure as hell don't like the insinuation that this is my basic feminine responsibility to men, who need do nothing in return.

MJ, NZ,

While I certainly recognise the type Mr. S describes, I do feel it depends where you look. I live in Cheltenham, which must be one of the starkest examples in the country of a divided society. Walk down the High Street, and you'll see plenty of examples of the type he so deplores, overweight, badly groomed and badly dressed (hideous football kit seems to be a favourite, for all ages and sexes). However, turn the corner into the Promenade, and you will find plenty of people to match the elegant surroundings (with a few mingers thrown in, granted). Come to think of it, perhaps surroundings are part of the problem in this country, which must surely have some of the most vile town centres known to man! Maybe if we took more pride in our environment, people would start taking more pride in themselves.

Pixie, Cheltenham,

My wife and I honeymooned on the South West coast of America and spent some time in and around Santa Monica and Beverley Hills. We were slightly conscious that our normal body builds (not too skinny, not too fat.... just normal) would not fit into the image we had from endless media hype about the bronzed, svelte adonis's and godesses that walk the shore lines in that part of the world.

How wrong we were!!! We were by far the slimmest people we saw on the beach and really struggled to find a healthy (whilst still cheap) place to eat. And when we arrived at Las Vegas, the size of the locals was humungous!!! We felt even slimmer when we slid into bar stools and seats at the slot machines that were engineered to carry the AVERAGE American body.

I think people should stop thinking that America is full of Jessica Simpsons and Pamela Andersons and then we will stop expecting the UK to be filled with Kate Moss's and Kiera Knightly's. Just stay healthy and natural.

Jim Stuart-Young, Shanghai, China

I think that the British girl has a sense of humour and an understanding which far out-weighs anything of any other country. I am married to a French man who is thrilled that I make him laugh, and that I am not jelous of the competition. The French woman is a sophisticated beautiful creature who is never grew out of the insecurity of adolescence. American women spend so much on their looks and on fashion it is insane. I prefer to keep my values real and define my femininity by my kindness, generosity, ability to listen, and sense of fun. I am not bad looking, but I am darned if I am going to spend my hard earned money preening like our American cousins.

rebecca leach, paris, france

Belly's gonna getcha! Belly's gonna getcha!

I love wobbles they're great fun.

If you only go for one type of lady you're missing out - variety is the spicy of life!

PS
Tad, lucky for you the ladies aren't so fussy or you'd never get laid + if you're getting any of these model-esk types of which you write you're batting above you're average so try not to lose her before your inevitable middle-age spread + wrinkles catch up with you!

Wibble.

Welsh Cake, Newport, South Wales, Wales

The thing is, Tad, I don't have to please you. It's not my responsibility to be attractive for you. I get laid plenty, by people I want to get laid by. I enjoy food, and I don't let a bit of armpit fuzz make me feel bad about myself. Does it really bother you so much, that British women don't prioritise making their bodies acceptable to you? Who do you think you are anyway?

You're right. I'm not prepared to meet the challenge of looking good, where good is defined by Tad Safran. I'm fat and I don't care. I'm hairy and I don't care. I'm not prepared to bore myself to tears with an exercise and beauty routine that would eradicate every perceived flaw from my body. This cellulite is here to stay, baby. So my solution is to forget it and have a bloody good time anyway. I have yet to receive a single complaint from anyone who matters.

Sarah, Wokingham,

Stereotypes are not totally fabricated and are based on some truth and we essentially are our own worst enemy. Maybe we (British ladies) should, instead being defensive, strive to alter the stereotype for the better.

T, Tokyo,

A lot of bitter comments here! I have to say I agree with you wholeheartedly, Tad. My girlfriend is American and there's no obsession, just an interest in being healthy and looking after her body. She doesn't eat crap or binge drink either, largely because she doesn't want to embarrass herself or, for that matter, give herself a load of different forms of Cancer etc. There's nothing bad there, just a good example that so many British women should learn from.

Keep up the good work. I'm behind you all the way.

James Layton, London, UK

Surely by now people realise that the only reason this article is so commented on, is that the comments are actually funnier than the article itself! Lighten up.

Juliet, Brisbane, Australia

HMMMMM.....as an American woman, I wonder if taking care of oursleves means an obsession with plastic surgery, over-whitening of our teeth,an obsession with youth(only in Europe do I find a real interest in mature women) and more money spent in the gym(yawn)...no one can converse like the British(Americans should take note)...a great sense of humor, the fresh face of someonw who loves a brisk walk.

barbara, chicago, IL

Pretty funny to hear someone saying that British ladies don't take care of themselves compared to American girls. I am American and live in New Jersey. I drop in on this site to keep tabs on the EPL and stumbled across this article. Has the author been to Jersey or to the fly over states? I recommend he take a trip to a Walmart. Scary stuff. There he will see really obese, big haired chicks in sweatpants, or worse, you'll get to see their pierced bellys muffin topping their jeans. Though I wouldn't be suprised if Brits follow this path. Everytime I travel to the UK it starts to look more and more like the 51st US state. Keep opening those McDonalds and KFCs and the ladies and men alike will really morph into Americans.

Swampdragon, New Jersey, USA

Naomi Wolf wrote about this issue in her book, "The Beauty Myth" way back in 1990. She describes the advent of what she calls "beauty work" and claims that it is no mere coincidence that the emphasis on a woman's sexual attractiveness has grown at the same time as the Women's Liberation Movement released women from the shackles of homemaker/babymaker. Now not only does a woman have to be good at what she does, she has to look good while she does it. No such pressure is put on men. She points out that the 2 worst things that can happen to a woman these days are getting fat and getting old, hence the proliferation of industries which rely on women's insecurities regarding their looks, those being the weight loss, cosmetics, fashion and cosmetic surgery industries. These industries are now worth billions of dollars worldwide. If British women have succumbed less to this lie than American women, then I congratualate them. They remain more liberated than their American sisters.

Alicat, Melbourne, Australia

This is such a sexist world. As the saying goes, women will never be equal to men as long as they can't go on the streets balding and fat, thinkig they are amazing and everyone's longing for them . It might sound funny but it's also true.
In all honesty, there is just too much pressure on a woman to meet the requirements of you lot, looking like Kate Moss but have the sizes of Jennifer Lopez at least or something clearly impossible.
Why don't I have the right to go out and get drunk without being worried about my look, like most men do. Why should I wake up earlier to get my make up done when I can have a half hour of sleep which is guaranteed to hide the circles round the eyes? Why am I not allowed to eat pizza after 10 pm and drinking beer and watching football? Because men think it's not cool? Well, we don't like fat men either. Yet noone asks us. We're jus told to look like Kate Moss.
I demand equal rights. And good looking men.
And let's not forget, beauty is subjective

Zita, Budapest, Hungary

Perhaps you should now write an article on British men just to even up the score? Seeing as you've succeeded in offending one half of the population, why stop now?

Sue, Melbourne, Australia

I suspect the folks bagging Tad are the same ones who avidly watch "How To Look Good Naked" and "What Not to Wear" every week, and ooh and aah at the transformations - but never consider transforming themselves.

The birds on "Footballers Wives" seemed to scrub up ok, so there's hope for the great unwashed yet!

The explosion in unkempt overweight people seems to be a global phenomenon. Certainly not restricted to the US and UK. Or are we just having a collective memory lapse? A century ago being overwieght was a symbol of success - it meant you could afford to eat well. But the days of wearing your "Sunday best" when going out are long gone - perhaps we should blame Adidas for making sportswear trendy.

Bryan Miller, Auckland, NZ

Yet another brilliant article.
I am a strong advocate of your seemingly sexist views.
I'm not much a fan of America but if one thing's for sure the American cosmopolitan women have got their formulas right.

Anne Riana, Singapore,

I think there is a lot of truth in Tad Safran's writing ... British women simply 'do not make the effort' .. they often look shabby and they really are not bothered about it. One gets the feeling it is deliberate, as if to prove a point; perhaps a point of equality with men, or a kind of 'inverted snobbery' ..
I do not necessarily think American women make a good benchmark ... most of the Amercian women one sees in the streets, on television ..etc. do not seem of the same variety Mr Safran refers to ... But you don't have to go so far : French women, Italian women??? the difference is striking ... and women here in Japan, where I live, just do not understand how British women seem so disinterested in their appearance! One final point : it is not just women. It may matter less, but nevertheless British men do not fare much better in looking after their appearance - is it more of a genertal British modern social characteristic??

Rob Domloge, Nagoya, Japan

Tad, great articles. My challenge to you now is eliciting the same response with an article on British attitudes to customer service, or the distinct lack thereof.

From someone wishing he was able to find a London shopkeeper who's happy about accepting money in exchange for goods.

Matthew Yee, London, UK

Britain is a feminist paradise from coast to coast.
and thank god for that.

and for al the girls out there, British or not, wear the clothes you feel comfortable in, and if it is a baggy sweater, good for you and too bad for Tad.
And if you decide to go to the beauty parlour, do it for yourself, not to find a man, because believe it or not Tad, finding a man is not the highest goal of all woman in the world

DelphineV, Vichte,

To be honest i think that this is a case of each to there own, i don't believe that you can tar all british women with the same brush. I am 22 years old and have done a fair bit of travelling, and i can guarantee you that there are unnattractive people no matter where you go! However i would say that maybe the english lifestyle ( crap weather, drinking too much etc) probably is not as conjuicive to producing good looking women as say the Australian lifestyle ( nice weather, lots of sport etc), however it is truly a case of each to there own, i have seen beautiful and ugly women in (nearly) all the continents of this planet, however the only one i have fallen in love with is an intelligent, beautiful, charming, funny and sexy english girl. Make of that what you will

Paul Glover, Maidstone,

Do men now, do men now!

Joe, Aberdeen, Scotland

I had to laugh, and applaud these articles after reading them. I neither agree nor disagree with you Tad, but I did have to check the date of my newspaper - had i stepped back into the 1920's and no one told me?? Some comments reminded me of the old fashioned womens guide on how to be a 'lady', how to be a married women - always look after oneself, do your hair and your face for when your husband comes home from work, or he may stray...sound familiar? So we all must look beautiful in order to catch and keep our men? What about men looking good to catch and keep their ladies? Are there not more single men in the UK than woman? Also, I must applaud you with using such tact when using the complete extremes in the UK and American cultures...where did you visit? Chav town in the UK and Barbie Land in the US? I have lots of friends both in the UK and in the US and all are intelligent people who look after themselves. You missed the inbetween people. Anyway, is variety not the spice of life?

Jude, London,

Live and let live, Tad.

Suzanne, London, UK

I am a french girl and I have been leaving in the UK for 3 years. I would like to say that English women are incredibly creative in the way they dress - no colour, print or shape rule seem to exist here- and no matter what they look like, they dare to ware absolutly anything.
You can have distorted fat legs and still wear a mini skirt...
Well, it is incredibly refreshing and conforting to see so much freedom of expression and confidence. For that I think English women are amazing.

On the other hand, learning to know your shape and dress accordingly could make a big difference to your look ladies.

So keep up the creativity and confidence but please ditch the unflattering bits...

Violaine Brown, London,

Being a foreigner but having lived in the UK for 7 years, I know exactly what you mean when you talk of the frumpiness of British women. Bravo on your article! It was harsh, at times, but nonetheless an interesting and honest read.

But, from what I gather from my American friends, the term "American women" is too much of a generalisation. It's a huge country and hence a New York woman is very different to what you'll find in the middle of that country. I think what you mean when you say "American women" is what you see in the larger states - such as NY or California. In the case of the the major cities in the UK, London or Birmingham, the lack of interest in general upkeep is very clear.

Iris, London, UK

Tad, as a French (female) expatriate living in London, I find your observations brave and astute. However, you really are conveniently or ignorantly missing a crucial point: it really takes two to tango. When British men finally get over their embarrassment and awkwardness around beautiful women, their female counterparts will gladly fulfil their beautiful potential. How many times, walking around Tottenham Court Road, or Westminster, or on the tube does a man hastily avoid eye-contact with a well-groomed female? Why do British men feel more at ease with scruffy girlfriends? It seems simply unfashionable or unBritish to talk to, or try to be the hottest lady at a party. You mention the French, Spanish, and Italians; yet observe how British men balk at the notion of tittilating ladies with praise or showering them with compliments. As my mother puts it, a beautiful girl in London is an immigrant. I'll further her observation and say she's either that or sleeping with one.

Juliette, London,

Great article, and congratulations on not backing down despite the predictable vitriol.

It generalises but contains a depressing level of truth, which the type of women it identifies obviously lack the self-awareness to recognise. This country is a world leader in fat, whiny, unappealing, man slagging (but at the same time thin skinned) females with ludicrously inflated opinions of themselves. I call it CQD (Caroline Quentin Disorder).

The only answer for UK men is to do what their fathers did when faced with over-priced, complacent and unreliable Britsh-made cars in the 1970s - go foreign!

Lee, Birmingham,

I agree with this guy. After all is considered, there are few 30+ women who remind me of wildlife (the fox and the "dear.") Most seem to be of the domestic variety (the pig, the dog and the cow.)

Greg, Indy, IN

My wife is an American and, as she herself admits, in her particular part of the US these wonderfully groomed women Tad eulogizes simply don't exist. In addition, while it is true that there is a rising tide of alcohol misuse and obesity amongst British women it's probably no coincidence that this trend has become more noticeable as Britain becomes more like the US. If one more obnoxious, self-opinionated, and decidedly sexist American chooses to stay in America then my wife and I will be very happy. She came over here to get away from people like you...

Andy, Co. Durham, England

Tad, Tad! I agree with your sentiments on British lasses fully. Being a man from the British Isles, visited over 30countries and now currently living overseas I understand you Tad.
But then again US ladies aren't not all you make them out to be, television does lie to us.
British and Irish women are not just in need of a good dosage of fat camp, they also need to understand their personalities do lack in comparison to their European counterparts. Ever evesdrop on British women?On Monday and Tuesday its about how drunk they got on Saturday, then Thursday and Friday conversation consists WHERE they're going to get drunk on the weekend.
Ever watched that Ibiza Uncovered show on telly? - Sums ye girls up. vomit everywhere, trying to snog 10guys in one night, shouting, falling to the ground thinking its funny
European women have one thing ours will never have and that's class!

Ciaran, Tokyo, Japan

you absolute legend. Clarkson watch out, you may have met your nemesis. I agreed before, and I agree now. Looking forward to getting back to my skinny, slightly-dramatic, violin-playing Estonian wife this evening.

nick b, london, uk

Excellent article. I'm from Manchester & lived the past 8 years in Southern Europe......what a difference a night here in Munich compared to a night in Manchester city centre. Here it is pure class, educated, elegant, refined, cultured women I meet. Women who don't swear, spit, or have stretch mark bellies hanging out over there bursting waistlines. These women also happen to hold key jobs, are educated, speak several languages, are fantastic skiers, great athletes, ....and without much effort, ....have lovely bodies, nice skin.......
Says it all......

Peter, Munich, Germany

Erm.. have you ever read the beauty myth, by naomi Wolf? good read. Do you have any idea how much valuable time and energy is taken up by waxing, bleaching, applying makeup, keeping up with fashions etc. It is a life and money sucking industry that keeps women down. Try doing all these things in one day, and everything else you do, while maybe making a few meals and taking care of your kids, and then see how much time you have for creative thought, while maybe starving yourself, and telling yourself constantly that you need to fix all your figure faults, aka how your body was naturally made-how would you like to be told that you are wrong the way you are all the time? While you think that the binary doesn't exit-ie beautiful women can have a great mind too, and this may be true in some amazing cases, but it takes such a large amount of effort to maintain oneself that there is little time or energy left to have a great mind and personality on top of a flawless body.

Laura D., montreal,

You are in a position which allows you to air your views when far more intelligent and less bigoted individuals are denied this privilege. People like you set poor examples to our children when you say that image and glamour is all important. Its a real shame, especially since you are hardly likely to win any modelling contracts. You should remember that many people can't do anything about their looks, but you can do something about your personality which is far uglier, and your ego which is much fatter, than any British woman.

British women lover., Newport, South Wales, Wales

I totally agree, Tad! Looking good and having a personality are not mutually exclusive. I definitely think you've hit a nerve and it's good that someone out there has commented on this. Binge drinking on beer + awful hair extensions + trends that don't fit are hardly the makings of a "personality"! As a Nigerian woman, living in London, I admire the effort American women put into looking nice. Forget plastic surgery. It's as simple as doing your nails, taking care of your skin, going to the dentist, cutting out the McDonalds and putting on a nice outfit in the correct size!

Yeye, London, UK

Erm.. have you ever read the beauty myth, by naomi Wolf? good read. Do you have any idea how much valuable time and energy is taken up by waxing, bleaching, applying makeup, keeping up with fashions etc. It is a life and money sucking industry that keeps women down. Try doing all these things in one day, and everything else you do, while maybe making a few meals and taking care of your kids, and then see how much time you have for creative thought, while maybe starving yourself, and telling yourself constantly that you need to fix all your figure faults, aka how your body was naturally made-how would you like to be told that you are wrong the way you are all the time? While you think that the binary doesn't exit-ie beautiful women can have a great mind too, and this may be true in some amazing cases, but it takes such a large amount of effort to maintain oneself that there is little time or energy left to have a great mind and personality on top of a flawless body.

laura d., montreal,

I don't know where the author finds his "beautiful American women" but the vast majority of U.S. tourists we get up here in Toronto (Canada) are just that - vast. They take up considerably more than their share of seating on the subway, block escalators and have obviously felt the necessity over the past few years to "downgrade" their clothing sizes. I am still a size 8 or 10 in Canadian or British sizes but am an almost anorexic size 4 (if I can find anything that small) in American clothing sizes.

Gillian Clinton, Toronto, Canada

Tad, I loved both of your articles. I thought them very funny however I can tell you that they have worked and I'm listening. So it's off to the gym today - I clearly need to shift the lard which is obviously hampering the ability for my winning personality to stand out.

Who was I kidding that the packaging doesn't matter?

Kim, Auckland, New Zealand

I think he's got a point in terms size- we are the most obese country in Europe, and the second most obese in the world. There are lots of countries I've been to where I've been surprised by the size difference (men and women). However, this criticism doesn't really work coming from an American- if we're number 2, who's number 1 again?

Iwan, Cardiff,

Give Tad a regular column, Times!

Wooster, Chestershire, UK

Actually, I agree with Tad, not from the point of view of plastic surgery etc., but more just making sure that hair is brushed, clothes are ironed and clean, and that excessive hairiness is dealt with. Exercise too! I'm a medical student, and I manage to get my hair bleached to hell once a month, and put up make up, as well as study, train for a marathon, and do a bit of freelance writing. My housemate calls me high maintenance, but nothing I do takes up more than 1.5 hours in a day (and that includes an hour of running). It's pretty budget too - I don't own much that wasn't in the sales.

The only thing that I would point out, is that if British men want all of us to make an effort, they really need to play hard to get...

Camilla, Bristol,

I think I may be the only woman writing in defense of you article! I can appreciate the use of of some provocative imagery to make a point. There is a huge difference between being an aesthetic fanatic and having enough respect for yourself to keep yourself as healthy as you can, just as there is a difference between being shallow and being able to appreciate beauty. I must agree that people looking to create a dichotomy between looks and intelligence are sorely mistaken. Perhaps you really are just that shallow (!), but what I see in your article is a desire for British women to live a healthier lifestyle. Eating well and being fit not only give any person a self-esteem boost, but they help make a more radiant woman. Taking care of yourself does not mean you have to become fake-looking or fit into one body type. These other commentators should stop hiding behind their insults. Relationships are about supporting your partner to become the best they can-and that includes health!

Kacy, Washington D.C., USA

Excellent article, you will no doubt cop a lot of flak with this.

However, as a foreigner on these shores I get the feeling that the situation you describe is not just limited to 'british women' you describe, but in general, it effects all women in Britain.

You can take a perfectly formed french lady, transplant her in london and I can guarantee that in a few years her standards will have dropped in inverse proportion to her burgeoning waist-line.

In Australia, this effect is so widely known and remarked upon that has entered the Australian lexicon as the interchangeable terms: 'Heathrow Injection' or "Heathrow disease'. A reference to the starting point of this slide in feminine standards.

Tim Allan, London,

I am an American woman, age 48. The younger women in our country are so out of reality its embarrassing. A lot of them stay with mommy and daddy til their 30's because they are too lazy and stupid to move out and take care of themselves. If they do have a job its to pay for their facials, manicures and health clubs. If you want an air headed american babe, please come on over and take one back to England with you, we need to clean house.

annelouise, Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA

Interesting post.

Three things:

1. American women are like this or British women are like that..."All generalizations are false including this one" Mark Twain.

2. Women and men should take care of themselves for their own sake not to please anybody else.

3. Your personal views are not based on studies or tendencies...that's something I noticed when reading your post.

wen, Malta,

I agre with Tad. I can even see it from all the way here in sunny Fiji.

Dovi Mataitini, Suva, Fiji

While I agree with your basic premise that English women on a whole tend not to rank as highly in those categories we men appreciate, I think where you fall down is comparing them to American women. Why American? There are like 190 other countries in the world, and your argument would have held more sway if you'd named almost any of them (and I'm a Yank). Remember, we are the country who has given the world Twinkies, Cheez Wiz and Marshmellow Fluff (I think). In any event, we never export anything without testing it excessively on our women first.

Richard, Novato, CA, USA

Tad, you might want to check out Salt Lake City, UT. It was just voted by Forbes magazine as the most vain city in the United States.

mjs, mojo, usa

I beg to differ with the idea that American women are less "frumpy" ..Extra large.. started there and now has hit U.K.
I agree with the Author 100%.,Fat is unsightly,and unhealthy and I don't think it shallow to say so.

Gidon Bennett, Tel aviv, Israel

I applaud you, sir. I'm not sure I agree with you, in the sense of being able to say I am convinced this article has a strong foundation in fact. Of course, that is obviously beyond irrelevance. What's important is that it has a strong foundation in AWESOME. It is wry and clever--two aspects conspicuously absent from the vast majority of internet rants, including those responsive to this one. Cheers!

Dave, Boston, USA

Wow, used to live in London for some years; my neighbor, a lovely Australian made THE VERY SAME POINTS two years ago. For those of you that do not like what Tad wrote, get a reality check. Personal grooming for men and women in London that are "native" to Britain is very poor--they lack attention to the hygiene basics and most in the business world dress inappropriately or look like slobs with a very small budget--until you discover how much they drink and late-night "binge eat", then everything seems to fit. The women do not dress appropriately or project professionalism, and that goes for even the TV news presenters.You do not see this behavior or dress in US business culture. Very smart, nice people but very sub-standard in personal attention to detail and on the whole drink 'way too much. And yes, there are fat slobs in the US but far more effort is given to appearance and hygiene basics, especially dental health and bathing.

Katherine, Washington, DC,

men do not know the difference between skinny women or skinny boys, they have a unisex preference , irregardless of grooming. They like their women thin, because that is a form of control, and use the cellulite weapon or droopy boob comment to over control and destroy confidence, that is why so many girls have anorexia, beacause they are trying to please their fathers/uncles/grandfathers/ teachers boys etc.
so skinny well groomed girls are trying hard to please, not themselves but need acceptance from others, it is a fin old merry go round.

Bubbles, Wareham, Dorset uk

Tad, here's a fact. Some people are attractive, most are not, no matter where you go in the world. It seems from a lot of - particularly male - comments here that a foreign partner is a status symbol. Well, the grass is always greener, eh? If you can find yourself a laydee who wants to date a rather picky man who writes children's movies and has a rather needy, publicity-seeking nature, good luck to you. I wish I was as perfect as you and all the other aggressive mysoginists here, Tad.

And @ Nige - it's a 'sliver' of truth, not a 'slither', unless you really are a snake.

ThatBird, London,

Full marks and bravo! I am 42, with 4 children, weigh the same as I did at 20 (probably a result of running around with kids/dog etc rather than excessive exercise) and oh yes! am happily married. When I go out with friends into Torquay or Paignton I am proud to be with them - mums of similar age to me who love to dress up and look good, don't mind 'window shopping' (i.e. looking at the good looking guys) but feel ashamed at times of the late teens getting hammered showing stretch marks above their too tight jeans ....

I loved your penultimate paragraph - that just about sums up the general state of the nation.

Gabrielle , Paignton, UK

Hey Tad - I'm British, 49 years old , live in London and totally agree with you - British women just don't want to hear it!!

Alex, London, England

Oh my. Tad, I hope you packed your bags and gave notice on your flat before you submitted this article. You are very brave or very stupid.

Sunshine, USA,

Hey Taddie, give credit where credit is due!!! "Those birds from the Benny Hills show" comment belongs to NUPPIES FROM LOS ANGELES, USA. I should know cuz I laughed me buttocks off since "those birds" brought back great memories of trying to get a peek of some hot Brit chicks back in the day!!! Thanks for the memories NUPPIES!!!

EARL GREY, LANCASTER, UK

Americans are thin, beautiful, and take pride in their appearance? Tad is obviously not a Wal-Mart shopper.

EC, New York, NY, USA

Frankly I blame the Labour Party!!

Carol, Buckinghamshire, UK

Both articles are funny! Everytime my cousins from England come with me to the university I go to in Southern California, they can't believe how many beauties there are on my campus. Even better for them as there's 60% female vs 40% of males enrolled at my university. This female/male ratio lately has become a national trend as there are more women compared to men enrolled in US universities. Interesting that some comments say American girls are easy. Try to say that to a majority of my girl friends, and you'd get a hand slap on your face. Not only that probably mace too! As for the rest of the comments, 99% of you haven't been to LA and have no idea what you're talking about. Only a minority are into the Hollywood scene! You're also forgetting LA is 30% white/70% non-white(either Hispanic, Asian, Black, mixed-race). We're very multi-cultural here!

Drew, Monrovia/CA, USA

Spot on Tad. The UK is filled with an inordinately large number of blubber butt / muffin top women whose main method of attracting the opposite sex is to wait for the local males to drink them good looking. I abandoned the hope of meeting a moderately weighted woman in London a long time ago. The competition for such bright, intelligent, athletic, slim woman is off the charts. I personally settled for moving to the US (So. Cal.) where I was inundated with the aforementioned lasses. I married a lady who, at 45, could and does knock the spots off women half her age, (whilst holding down a top flight job and raising two kids). That being said, get 5 miles from the beach and the number chunk festers rises astronomically and don’t get me started about the lard arses in the South East of this country.

Congratulations on your honest assessment.

Mike W., Huntington Beach, California

Haha ok Tad so I like your style...think i may be able to speak for a few and say that yes your first article did inspire a smile and a giggle but I think that may have been where you underestimated the british woman! There was no chance that we were going to sit back and take your comments about our grooming especially when i'm afraid to say the times readership doesn't excatly go in for the Vicky Pollard types...but I guess perhaps your initial aim was to kik woman up the arse and get down to the gym Before new year...and yes while we're on the topic to be fair...check out the the men in England..i mean come on I'd prefer them not to be mirror gazers...but these days men seem to be more interested in facial creams and hair gels than keeping fit...come off it....men not finding suitable women in london....what about woman: surely this should just be a kik up the bum for the whole nation?! Walk not taxi...forget the liftsand the escalators..more showers at work..cheaper hair cuts..

Chloe, Madrid,

Tad, I agree beauty and personality needn't be an either or, my wife ticks both boxes. I think the effort women make varies from city to city not country to country - I could make some argument about affluence and local facilities but forget all that and come and see the beautiful people in Brighton.

O, Brighton, UK

As a British lesbian, I am happy to confirm that there is no shortage of beautiful women in Britain. Not all British women are drunkards, uncultured, crass or obese, as you suggest. Why would they be? If you said that all Black/Jewish/ Zoroastrian/Lesbian/ other minority women were as unpleasant as you claim British women are, you'd be punished for racism. The fact that you've picked on a majority,rather than a minority, does not make your stereotypes, generalisations and literary mud-slinging any more truthful or any less cheap. Still, full marks for getting two articles out of one idea. If you'll excuse me, I have one of Britain's beautiful women waiting for me....

Vanessa Johnson, London, UK

In the first article, he says "I now split my time between Los Angeles and London ....."

But Los Angeles is a la-la-land toward which the vapid and beautiful gravitate. London is a serious city.

Try Peoria, Illinois instead, if you want to sample America.

Ignatio, Honolulu, Hawaii

Tad, I don't like generalisations. There are Americans AND English girls who fit your description. But I have been exposed to both countries, through school and family. If I had to chose to settle in either, my decision being based only on the girls (taking looks and character into consideration) - England would win hands down everytime.

Deborah Lee Shung, Montego Bay, Jamaica

Maybe I was critical on my comments on the first article. After taking my godson to Knott's this past weekend. I can understand what you mean. There's a variety of British women who were also at the park, and none looked good at all. I know some American women can look just as bad. But this time, I saw a variety of American moms who still looked beautiful and still be natural looking. Now that I think about it, when talking to several men(of all nationalities), they agree also that English women do not age well. They always tell me they're beautiful when they're young, but as they grow older, it's a different story. When I was in London last year compared to the South of France, well, I get your point. Then I realize when I go to Asia, many women there take beauty seriously also. Women in their 40s-50s in Asia, esp who can afford to take care of themselves, still looks great. Maybe I do agree with you. It's true women can look Beautiful AND be Smart!

Arlene, LA, California

Tad's bang on. The arrival of the fleece was perfect for the
British woman - cheap, versatile,figure-hiding and machine
washable - it's become a uniform. My wife - Japanese - was
shocked to see them everywhere: in Japan they are worn only
on building sites. She cannot understand why women in UK
have no self-esteem. To appear in public ill-groomed and
scruffy is, in Japan, a sign of a failed, unloved woman poor
in both money and spirit. To take trouble with your appearance
bestows honour not only on yourself but on your family who
clearly and publicly, care for you. She doesn't step out
wearing Hermes every day - not quite every day - but she would regard wearing a fleece as an insult to her family.
It's not about time and money - it's an attitude of mind. Charming, bubbly, fun to be around , with kids as well - you can do it all with just a bit of thought and effort.......and the grass will never be greener for the man in your life.

Chris, OXFORD, ENGLAND

This whole 'all women in the USA are fat thing' just doesn't reflect reality. YES there is a considerable obesity problem in the USA...but the USA is a huge country and in my experience, these huge people can be found in the suburbs and various backwaters of america.

I spent 2 months in USA a few years back, and spent the whole time being surrounded by a bevy of buxom babes. I totally agree with the author that american women value their appearance much more highly than others.

For those of you that want a good holiday as a single man i can highly recommend both Dallas and Austin, Texas. The women there are unbelievable.

Hope this helps.

John, London,

Why is everyone taking this so seriously? It's only an article.

Frenchie, Toulouse, France

I haven't read this yet but there are 2 things that are true having lived in the US. This is an issue of time and money. Average British women, once they have children work incredibly hard to take their children to expensive activities. They are putting their resources into the next generation. They do not have some extended family who they consider is alright for dumping the kids with while they go off to 'look after themselves'. The cost of a 20 min pedicure in New York is $15 carried out by exploited Koreans . In the UK 25 pounds done by the English lasting an hour. We rarely exploit our workforce. The US has huge amounts of knock off cheap labour for the working woman for babysitting and cleaning - in the UK most women do would not use an au pair out of pride and keeping that money for their children's activities. In the UK finally and most importantly it is extortionate to live - just look at our taxes and our house prices. Noble lives are lead by British women.

Josephine, london, uk

Well, Tad, I wouldn't give much for your chances in the U.S. either. You were pretty insulting to us, too.

Lili, Chicago, USA

Nil nimeum studeo, Caesar, tibi uelle placere...

When I see Tad plonking down his £850 a month on beauty treatments to make himself look nice enough to please me, I'll consider doing the same.

Anna, Oxford,

Mostly though, this gives you an indication of the kind of people "Tad" has been mixing with. I know lots of British women - myself included - who look after themselves, aren't overweight, do a lot of sport, are always well turned out. Most importantly, we don't spend much time talking about appearances because, "Tad", it marks a person out as superficial and, um, not very bright.

Sam, London,

I think that the only thing funnier than the article itself are the replies. My favourites are the one where someone advertises herself as a postgrad with a size 8 figure and the various ones which take an obviously humourous article seriously.

I have lived in the US and the UK and seen something of each of these countries outside the major cities and American women can often be as frumpy and dumpy as their truffle hunting UK sisters!

gmcg, Rochester, USA, NY

If we can just set aside the issue of the author's opinions, and whether or not they are valid for just a second...The one thing quite clearly brought out by this article is the shocking lack of banter/sense of humour/ability to compose a sensible reply by the wonderful women of the UK. As a huge fan (not in a fat way) of all women, especially those from our beautiful country, I am pretty disappointed by the defensive and tedious nature of the comments (186 at the time of writing this).
I think the author might be generalising a little in his article and I assume this is intentional for the purposes of making a minor point a little more banterous. Why take it so seriously girls?

Alex, York, UK

I think American girls are great - on the whole they are a tidy-looking bunch, and they're fantastically easy to get into the sack. In fact I don't think there is anywhere in the world that beats the US for getting an easy lay. American girls are much better at knowing when to keep their mouths shut too - why can't our girls be more like them? Hats off to you and your countrymen Tad, you've got it made!

hugo, London,

What Tad says is true of any nationality, though I agree that to a lesser extent than of the UK, where a lot of people have an unhealthy relationship with food and drink, which they treat as they would a dirty word (dislike it but can't help using it).

What's the matter with you girls? This is a very attractive guy (who looks to be good company to boot) - is this a failure of that famous sense of humour? The comments about Tad's appearance sound suspiciously like spite to me.

Carmen, Barcelona, Spain

Perhaps Tad is only talking about the women he gets to meet and who do not mind talking with him in bars. I am five foot ten, a size 8/10, have very long thick hair, am always well groomed, but if someone like him tried to "chat me up" I would turn the other way. Perhaps the fact that I am a member of mensa with two degrees both from top ten universities has something to do with that though. I suspect Tad looks at the women that will be most likely to sleep with him and then berates the fact that he does not find them attractive. Tad women are not on this planet for you, and if a woman thinks that you are not worth the effort to look good for then perhaps you are not worth the effort. Men make no effort either, yet do women write news articles being cruel and nasty, and then when rebuked and informed that no man wants us because of our nastiness get even nastier. I really would have thought that you would be happy that no US or UK woman wanted you now: you do not like them anyway.

louize, Uk,

Right on Isobel of London. Men seem to give up on their appearance by the time they reach 25 but expect women to be beautiful at any age. American men are the sloppiest men on the planet as far as appearance goes. I'll take a french man anyday - even when they are casually dressed they still look great - and btw they also have manners something not found in America!!

Mary, New York, NY

I am Portuguese via England, now live in North Carolina.
What you have written about American women is true to an extent if you are a wanna be actress or model.
From what I have seen in the USA, is that American women DO NOT spend more time taking care of themselves ONLY their NAILS.
When you get 5 miles over the mason Dixie line 75% of women are obese and definitely do not take care of themselves otherwise they wouldn't be drinking all those iced tea's with 40 tsp of sugar and all that overloaded mac & cheese with the fried chicken!

It is a very small portion of women who spend the time looking after themselves that you describe.

My experience is also that ENGLISH MEN take far better care of themselves than American men, insofar, that they actually care about what they look like, unlike American men who are happy with the general Yank uniform of a "plaid shirt & chino's & super white sneakers!!!

Cris C, raleigh-durham, N.C

I thought their would be more bitchy comments in reply from the women, fair dues, maybe its just the good looking birds overseas that are that way inclined?!

james, london,

One characteristic lacking in both men and women, in most societies, is humility. Blame it on consumerisim, relative wealth or our 'advanced' societies, but we're constantly behaving in a boastful fashion over our bodies/looks/income....etc

I find some of the most humble and plain-nice people are the ones who don't fit the babe/hunk stereotype.

Also, in nearly, repeat, nearly all conversations on this subject, the most common reason for being pleasing on the eye is for asthetic reasons. No one seems to mention good health as part of their character.

John, London, UK,

As an American and Chicagoan, I have to say that Mr. Safran would do well to spend more time in places like Benton Harbor, Michigan; Des Moins, Iowa; Jackson, Mississippi and (yes, I admit regrettably) Chicago, Illinois, instead of (I'm guessing here) New York City and Los Angeles, where 80 percent of the female population is from the proverbial "somewhere else" and not representative of the average American female, who seem to experience an hormonal tsunami after age 30 and start packing on the pounds like a hog being led to a state fair. Granted, there are exceptions, but for the most part the ability to perform sexual gymnastics in the bedroom becomes a risky proposition for American women in their 30s, 40s, etc. Even younger women are not immune, leading to the phenomon of "muffin tops", the name for the many teens and 20somethings who wear jeans and crop tops that allow their thick midriffs to ooze over the tops of their pants.Oh, and I've been to London ... the women are great.

Ken, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.

I think both articles are great....most British women go through rigorous training to become an overbearing matriarch Anglosaxon derived cultures are essentially matriarchies.. Your GPS has a female voice...your nanny.. your mother (well???)
All Anglo men cross dress.. I draw your attention to aa gills article on panto.. its the laddettes i don't understand. In any event late model English women are not for me. I have some great nieces , daughters who are a credit to their mothers. They are civilized and have style.

rwn, muston,

Best give it a rest, people. Surely you have heard there's a writers' strike going on over here in Hollywood. Tad is probably just bored or broke or both, and decided to pass the time and/or make a few bucks by writing this piece of glib fluff. Who cares what Tad thinks or pretends to think of British or American women?

Dotty, Seattle, WA USA

Tad - thank you i do as i have read your initial article i found it funny and also truthful and i have now seen myself as others see me so once and for all i have started a new routine of trying to make myself a tad nicer to look at in the mirror in the mornings..........................

jacqui , plymouth, devon

You'll surely not notice. Did you ever get laid in England before?

Robert, London, UK

Interesting article, browsed the comments, and laughed alot. As a british female, who doesn't vomit on streets, takes care of herself and is a size ten and has lots of wonderfully attractive freinds who seriously look after themselves, I am not sure I totoally aggree with everything thats been said, but I see where the stereotypes come from, try cardiff city center on a saturday night for example. I wonder how many people who have thrown a generalisation into this discussion have actually been to a British city especially one other than London and thrown a rock into the middle of it...............

jeni, cardiff, UK

My mother always drilled it into me: Man's worst fear is that his wife is going to go to pot. I live in NYC. I don't have friends that spend the $$$ for upkeep, but they do apparently care enough about themselves to go to the gym, get their nails done, get a great hair cut and color. Let's face it, maintenance is necessary not optional. Some people treat their cars or yards better, so aren't you worth more?

NLN, NYC, USA

I agree with the article in general but if you think American women are any better then you haven't gotten out of the major metropolitan areas. I live in Ohio (and have lived in Michigan and Florida) and the vast majority of the women here (at least, after they hit their 30's) resemble massive, shambling mounds of poorly-upholstered, second-hand sofa cushions.
My wife, who is Chinese and 43, is often mistaken for a student at the college where she is a professor. When I look at local women her same age I am stunned as they more closely resemble unhealthy grandmothers than anything else.
Full Disclosure-> I'm just pointing out that we in the U.S. are no better on this issue. I am no prize myself, though I am very tall and slim and still have a full head of hair and thus far from the lumpy, gelatinous mass that too many of my peers have become.

Thomas, Cleveland, Ohio, USA

Get yourself a Kevlar Jacket Bud your'e in some Deep Do Do. If it gets too hot there. You are cordially invited to come to the Lone Star State. Yes W. is from here. But the Women are fine, and there are alot of fine Women here.

Khakrumthebulgar, Dallas Metroplex , Texas, USA

I think it's funny everyone needs to tear this guy down. He's obviously a decent looking guy. But it doesn't matter whether he is or not. It has nothing to do with the article.

In regard to his statement that American women spend $1,700 per month on beauty products and staying fit... well that's ABSOLUTELY FALSE. I come from an upper middle class background and I know nobody that spends more than $500 a month (and that's still ridiculously high).

Matt, Baltimore, Maryland

It's sad to say, but Britain has become the laughing stock of Europe because of its junk culture & badly dressed, boorish and above all ***FAT*** people. The fact is that women are female & so they're supposed to be feminine, which means they should try to stay attractive to men. As a British man, I found the majority of UK women repulsive (both physically & personality-wise) ever since I started to become interested in girls, and I'm not ashamed to admit I've never had a girlfriend in the UK because I simply can't find the kind of women who attract me there. When I moved to Hong Kong, I was amazed to find that the norm there is for women to remain slim & beautiful (no wrinkly, sagging skin in sight) well into their 50s. This is nothing to do with genes. It's all down to behaviour and attitudes. Being feminine, slim & beautiful is vitally important to the majority of Asian women, while at the same time being no impediment to having a successful career or even holding feminist views.

NJ, Hong Kong, China

Right or wrong about Briitish females,, and I agree with him, he shouldn't labour under the misapprehension French woman are sophisticated. They most certainly are not.
Some of the overdressed Parisienne women may have an expensive dress sense, but try looking at the ladies in provincial France - in Lyons, Nice, or Tours.
Pretty they are not - the French are an ugly race, and if sophisticated means short hair on more than half the women in France, together with those omnipresent calf- length trousers, he's right.

Dee Bee, Poitiers, France

Tad, you were amusing in your first article but your second article was insulting. British women can be loud, lewd and rude, lardy and fat as can any person in any walk of life anywhere in the world. Worryingly young Brits of both sexes are getting mouthier, more aggressive, and less healthy and I would put a lot of that down to our strong American consumerist culture that acts like a steroid on the selfish gene. Britain does have some deep rooted problems to sort out, I agree. But whenever I go away, I come back and remember why I love Britain. If I want to wear an enormous green hat with red polka dots, I can. If I want to dye my hair purple and wear orange eye shadow, I can. But I couldn't do that in some cities of the world I've lived in. For you to criticise British women so aggressively, I have to wonder what the British love of your life did to you. Was she too free spirited?

A. Bird, London,

All this may be true, but how come there are more desperate single British men than desperate single British women?

Who's going to write an article about the unkempt British lardarse man, then? I mean, look at the photos of so-called "desirable" country men The Times posted a while back. Like, ewwww.

star, Lancaster,

I'm not going to defend British Women, some don't look after themselves. . . . but some do. That is the point. There is good and bad everywhere and if you think that there is a higher average of hotties per mile elsewhere, then go and live elsewhere. Like you said 'If you don't want to do anything about it, then it's up to you'. If the women in Britain don't do it for you then find yourself a curvy Italian or open Scandanavian, after this series of articles I'd find it hard to believe you're under demand from the Brits. Nice way to dig a hole.

Bennett, Liverpool, UK

This subject has made me laugh. But alas Tad is quite correct. The media certainly points out constantly how bad we all are so it must be right. Am I right or am I wrong?

Of course we are not all as he describes and anyway britain is supposed to be warming up, soon we will all have lovely tans and lithe bodies and eat lovely seasonal food just as our european cousins do.

The weather always makes a difference. Am I right or Am I wrong?

Carol, Buckinghamshire, UK

you'd never get laid in Canada either buddy. You are one homely dude to be talking smack. (and I don't happen to be one that anyone could accuse of hunting truffles)

Kat, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

I'm an American who married an English girl. They may be pretty, but it is an unfortunate fact that American girls are incredibly stupid. I once used the word 'Marvelous' on a date and the girl froze, looked at me and said - "You use big words....you must be really smart."

Unfortunately, this is not an uncommon experience. Most American girls are pretty but brainless. Who could set up shop with someone who they were attracted to but ultimately bored by? So, I guess what I am saying is that for everyone, looks will eventually fade, but intelligence is a spark that is much less superficial....and yes, my English wife is smoking hot.

: )

Nathan, Tacoma, Wa

I agree with you Tad....American woman are much more attractive. Now, if only they can get the british accent down....so sexy!

Alan, Jacksonville, Florida USA

Perhaps British women would take more of a pride in their appearence if they had a reason to do this. Once the blokes get down to the gym and cut back on the beer & curries, I reckon people would make more of an effort.

Its too easy for people nowadays to sit back and let their bodies take the hit. Some have no incentive to improve themselves and I find that really upsetting. Or it could just be the lack of sunshine that gives you no reason to get into your bikinis/swimsuits! Who knows?!

However its great to see all of the men & women in Britain taking care of their bodies, and taking pride in how they look. There are plenty of stunners, and plenty of wasters, you can't make sweeping assumptions about the whole of Britan, and certainly not just the women!

Anyway, I think it's to their own, people can live the way they want. Same goes for everywhere though, stop slagging off the Brits and take a closer look at the very large USA...

J.Yates, Manchester, UK

Dude

I agree with you in spirit. But not to the letter. LA/NYC are outliers compared to the rest of the US... I suggest you make a trip to Prague or Belgrade. Even NY and LA would pale in comparison...

What you're seeing is a combination of the influence of genes and memes... and also weather. If you had more warmth and sunshine in England, everyone is forced to wear less - so you better be in shape since there is nothing to hide behind . Been to Miami for example ?

DrPicky, New York, NY

Yes, i did see the article last week, and i should have said something then. MARVELLOUS! the insight was spot on.
A salon day wouldn't kill you girls, but another chip-binge just bl**dy well might!!
To the gym with you all!
well done Tad!

Cleo, london,

Dear Tad, feel free to leave for greener pastures where intelligent and fascinating supermodels are there for the taking, and please don't feel the need to stay in touch.

You're damn right you've touched a nerve; there are plenty of women who are utterly sick of being judged by looks alone, and being made to feel inadequate.

Anna Fruen, Isle of Wight, UK

Respect to Mr Safran for ignoring political correctness and stating the obvious empirical truth on this matter. I was moved to say the same thing while in Tokyo last April (I will reference the article below), where virtually every woman is slim and stylishly dressed, and my girlfriend now is a gracious American lady.

It is quite offensive how slovenly many English women have become. Yes, this looks bad on men, but it looks even worse on women, who were previously considered the "fairer" sex. When accompanied by such arrogance it is even more mystifying and less palatable.

Women, we don't want to be ashamed of you - we'd rather be proud of you. Please read my article and Tad's and allow graceful English roses to grow once again in England, for it is fast - and sadly justifiably and embarrassingly - becoming known as the land of the "fat tarts" instead.

Don't shoot the messengers; maybe thank them instead.

http://www.gavinorland.com/human-relations/the-death-of-the-english-lady/

Gavin, London, London

I am a Canadian man who's been in the UK for 10 years. When I came here I found English women over-confident and less attractive than their North American counterparts.
I'm now married to a beautiful English woman who blew anyone I dated before out of the water. It's easy to generalise, but when English women stand out - they really stand out.

Grimes , London , UK

Well Done Mr Safran, British women know when they are oversize, the trouble with the British they do not like positive statements, they dwell on the negative, fat, overweight, no pride in their appearance, the list is endless and as for drunken women, go to any city on a Friday or Saturday night, need I say more!

David , Nottingham, UK

I was taught by my mother to take as much care over my appearence as my education. I don't think making the best of yourself is obsessive - getting boob jobs and botox, now that's a little too far for me, but at the same time ensuring my hair is washed and styled, that I have good, clear skin and dress stylish is not anti-femminist at all. For me femminism is about being economically independant - not about the right to be fat. I think Tad is a bit of a prat - but he does have a point about diet. Again, femminism is not about drinking vats of wine and eating badly. We could all, including men, think more about the way we drink and eat. It's not about denial either, a treat once a week is fine but if you're banging the KFC bucket every night that's going to be harsh on your figure and health. Taking care of yourself is about respecting yourself, and it says to other people that you feel value for yourself so they should too. And looking good on the outside doesn't mean you're shallow

Louise Kitty , London,

Finally a column with a bit of common sense. And about time men started fighting back in this anti-male society of ours: it's fine to make fun of men and their habits, but look at the ohh-ahh when a man makes a comment about women!

Mark, Bedford,

As an italian who is living in Paris, I have to admitt that I agree in some points, but English girls have homour in general not many European women have that...
and I would drink a lot (and perhaps being overweight) , believe me, if I would be sourrounded by English men (!!!!!!) ....

Claudia, Paris, France

Okay last week I was just as aghast as the rest of them. However, following Mr. Safran's rebuttal I realize I'm in agreement, having come through my own beauty metamorphosis. So much so I even wrote a piece about it this summer in which I state in the final part that: "wearing nice things and taking more than two minutes to fix your hair is not vanity, its self respect." But I didn't learn this until I moved from Washington state to the South.

Kinsey, Charleston, South Carolina

"when British women reach the age where looking good is no longer effortless, they seem unwilling or unable to rise to the challenge"

...This seems to be the age they leave home to go to university. Most girls I know expanded rapidly when left to look after themselves at uni. And after I spent a year in an American university where the girls visit the gym and take care of themselves it was even worse coming home to lard land.

Chris, Shef, UK

The way you've put forward this comparison is like asking who out of Thelma and Zelma (Simpsons fame), or Cinderella's ugly step-sisters, takes better care of themselves. Any fool could see that either party could only take it to be an insult, as the observation must be as unenlightening as when you look into a mirror and ask the man you see there how you can be as smart as him. I highly doubt that your observations are best explained by this idea that women somehow care less in the UK... Perhaps cultural differences and mere civic planning can account for the higher visibility from one nation to the next? Maybe UK women don't feel that they must remove themselves from public gaze if they don't match up to media-induced expectations? Expectations which you so naively promulgate? Have you heard about any of the neuroticism which has befallen young, beautiful, and famous American women in recent years? I need only wonder briefly at who is out of touch here.

Sean, Vancouver, BC

Molly from London;

Exactly right. If Mr. Safran thinks american women all look like Jessica Simpson he has obviously never spent time in Wisconsin.

JoeT, Warrenton VA, USA

Well said Tad. I remember an American girl I was seeing (she was over from the U.S. for the first time) a few years back commenting that she felt sorry the men here as the women were "so ugly." A bit harsh perhaps, but as a generalisation I don't see much has changed since then. I left the UK a couple of years ago, but a fair few of my English friends have opted for immigrants, by and large because they simply found them far more attractive than the locals - and guess what, nice intelligent people as well. God bless the expanded EU!

Dave, Toronto,

Completely accurate article. I went to university in Leicester where there are 1000 international students. Now I am not saying they were all stunners, but those that were not knew how to look after themselves and accent their best features.

I am English and I have never dated an English girl. They are mates, because they want to be one of the lads. Continental women enjoy being feminine ... while English girls would rather be men. OK, this is a huge generalisation, but seriously, it is not that far from the truth.

A.M., Kent,

I am a size 8 17 year old girl in Britain, praying and also knowing that i will never get to the state the British women in your articles have done. Just to say Tad, fantastic writing - please keep writing these controversial articles as you temper them excellently with wit and humour - not only are you right, having been to America I have been able to see the difference, it is about time that British women realised that it is not about having one or the other (brains/personality or beauty/style) it is about having both. An excellent article, just as hilariously funny and witty as the last one. However I promise you there are SOME British grown women who do make an effort with their appearance whilst having an equally attractive personality... keep looking, you will find at least one

Vicki, London, England

A human being is 25 years old and looks like a ruin, fat, without grace, bad teeth, hair everywhere, doesn't know to dress, the hair looks like it wasn't washed in weeks or like it was washed with industrial soap. Women: would you like to date somebody like that? Well, we men don't either. First, It is doubious somebody like that could have an interesting personality. If he/she has a beautiful personality, well, what an interesting friend, but reproduction is out of the question. Women won't like to marry a gorilla and men won't like to marry Godzilla. Shallowness? No. You want your wife to look and be healthy. It is important for your wife and any future children. It is in our genes: Beauty = health. You don't need to look like a Victoria Secret model, but you do need to look like you are taking care of yourself. About US women I think they are 50-50.Latin American women are the ones that more take care of themselves and have a personality.

Cambrico, Jupiter, FL, USA

There is a healthy combination of beauty and substance, and it is possible to have both in abundance. But as an American college student, I can tell you the shallow, fake "beauty" that is ever more common here is nothing others should be emulating. Over here we've become inundated with it, perhaps to the point where we seek it out and expect it. Don't know what I'm talking about? Just watch an episode of Dr. 90210. I'd rather have a girl who is confident in herself and doesn't need 45 minutes in front of a mirror every day or a membership to a tanning salon.

Nate, Rochester, NY

I'm British born and have long lived in the States. When I go back to England, nearly everyone looks frumpy to me, men and women both. People's skin looks like it's had way too much starchy, cheap food. Many appear to be suffering from chronic depression, a residual hang-dog poor-me attitude about life. Getting off on blaming others, getting snotty pretty quick if asked to take responsibilitiy for themselves.
So what's the underlying cause, which beauty treatments will only semi-mask until the root's dug up? I suggest a deep unhappiness in the Britsh soul. (And yes I know all about the new Britain, the US-style let's-make-MORE-money clones.)
The Americans can be bloody annoying with their their ra-ra we're-the-best attitude, but at least they don't look at you on the street like they're constantly dying inside. Oh, but chipper on the surface, eh?
So yeah, less chips, more exercise - but also, how about some honest soul searching about priorities & values?

Jane S, Boulder, USA

Why do you all have to turn it into a slanging match about who is 'better'? The sheer smugness in these comments makes me feel sick. I don't understand why I have to change my natural skin colour just to acceptable.

emily, Durham,

It's easy to see that Mr Safran is being deliberately provocative. But I can't help but agree with what he's saying. While the usual caveats on generalisations and national stereotypes apply, my husband (a Brit) and I (a continental European) have discussed the same topic before and have come to the same conclusions.
I'm 5'10 and a Size 8. Perfectly healthy, without an eating disorder and with curves in the right places despite the fact that the UK media tries to sell us a figure 12-14 as "normal" and anything smaller than a Size 10 as "anorexic".
What baffles me is that Britain has the (in my opinion) BEST high street shopping in Europe. The fashion is there, and it's not expensive either. A little effort goes a long way. I never leave the house without natural make up, combed hair, and nice clothes.
Track suits and trainers are for the gym!!They may be comfy but that's no excuse. Other clothes are comfy too as long are a healthy size and don't need to resort to elastic waistbands.

Kat, Dorset, UK

Great article. More people should have a sense of humour about what Tad is saying. All comedy has a slither of truth, which makes it funny. I loved the article & it was passed around at work. The English drink more; that's why they're fat and cashless (i.e. can't afford makeup) - not because they have great personalities - but because they eat too many kebabs on the way home from an all night drinking session.

American women don't drink quarter as much as the English. That doesn't make them dull (although I admit they don't laugh very often & they have tight skin).

The worst thing about English women is that the goodlooking ones are usually so rare they stuck up to the maximum - even though they aren't a shadow on say a Polish women.

Nige, London,

... this article and comments are hilarious!

From having lived in europe, UK, US and Australia, I've concluded that its actually a matter of education, class and diet rather simple assumptions based on countries. That said the UK and mid-america eat more crap processed food than anywhere else, hence the proportion of "mingers" (male and female) in these regions is rather high.

conclusion: 99% of people can look good if they eat a fresh balanced diet and do regular excercise.

toby, London, UK

And one more thing: British women can't cook a boiled egg, completely useless in the kitchen. No wonder they are overweight, fed by disgusting greasy takeaways, tasteless ready meals and large quantities of cheap lager or wine. I can say the same thing about British men though. Both of you spend so much money on this crap that is basically making you look ten years older than you are. Sorry but you British are the laughing stock of Europe.

GM, London,

Book for you to read; "Fat Land - How Americans became the fattest people in the world" by Greg Critser. Enjoy.

Rich, Milan, Italy

I'm an expat living in northern california, no where near hollywood and showbiz and I have to agree with the columnist.

I had never seen so many pretty, well groomed girls in one place untill I moved here. Having said that America is a huge place, and some areas are deserving of the fat overweight image, but certainly not the wealthier east and west coastal regions.

My 4 years at a London university paled in comparrison. On the other hand many of the negative aspects the writer brought up regarding American girls are often true. I guess you have to choose what's important to you, I married a Russian American who fits in neither category and couldn't be happier.

A Tysoe, Sacramento, Ca

British women can't be blamed for their lack of effort... just look at their men! Every criticism of British women can be applied to British men, tenfold!

Steph, Chicago, USA

My experience is the opposite - which is that women particularly in London seemed to be obsessed with appearances and fashions.

If there is a criticism to be made of British women, it is not that they don't spend enough time doing make-up but that they drink too much, vomit on the streets, swear too much and behave in ways that are loutish, uncouth and thoroughly uncivilized. There is also a fetish with celebrity and celebrity gossip in this country which has reached hideous proportions.

There is something to be said for maintaining decorum. There was a time when we were known for being somewhat reserved. These days we lose our reserve in areas where we shouldn't.

Unfortunately, the men are no better.

Nathan, Surrey,

This will make a good discussion for the Rat & Parrot later - there's something quintessentially British about being surrounded by female work colleagues washing down pints of nasty foreign lager (although Budweiser is hard to get hold of on tap).

Ed, London,

Well Done Mr Safran for writing a deliberately provocative article to sell. Unfortunately your comments about American Beauty ignore the inconvenient truth that American women are the fattest in the world, over three kilos heavier than British women on average. Incidentally, what's your excuse for still being single? Only able to attract glockenspiel-chested, plastic-boobed and botoxed women interested only in your bank account? You deseve so much more.

RK, London,

"I thought beauty was in the eye of the beholder, has something changed?...."

I hope the beholder in this case prefers his women 20lbs overweight. In general women in the states are overweight, but you have to remember, most of that is women in the midwest, victims of urban sprawl. Take a trip to Chicago, Miami, New York, Los Angeles - you won't find a woman more than 10lbs overweight. They'd be too ashamed to leave the house!

I took a trip to England earlier this year and was sorely disappointed in the women there. Looked like the set of Lord of the Rings, nothing but a bunch of hobbits!

jon, Florida, US,

YOU NAILED IT - YOU ROCK. its true, british women need to learn from other cultures and become better and adapt to being classier - whats in your brain does not compensate for being a overconfident minger.

John, Athens, Greece

As an American woman living in London, I do agree that Tad is onto something. However, I also think that his comparison is too broad-brushed. In particular, his view of America is a bit lopsided. He seems only to know LA and New York. American women in the rest of the country aren't quite as obsessively primed and polished. Compare women in the West Midlands to those in the Midwestern US, and I don't see the big difference.

Molly, London, UK

Your right Tad....i'm french and eacj time I go to the UK i feel completely like you. It's a shame British girls don't do the effort.
My brother once called an english girl "elephant girl' and nearly got thrown out of camp for it because he got the girl sobbing. No need to ad that right after she had cried, down went yet another pack of Maltesers......

Audrey, Paris,

i think the who has got the prettier women - the US, or the UK, is like arguing over the title of the world's tallest dwarf.
the fact is not only are British women ( iam English) generally overweight and badly dressed, they all want to be men....if you meet continental women they actually enjoy being feminine, rather than wanting to put on some overalls and drink ten pints of snake bite and black like most British birds.....

aaron, lowestoft,

He does have a point.

Which other self- respecting nation would allow itself to get so ruffled by the inane, self obsessed (count the 'I's in this article) observations of a man who delights in moniker 'Tad' (Tad?!?) who has the depth of a Tesco thin- crust pizza?

(If this appears twice I blame the pop-up blocker.)

Dove, Birmingham,

Tad,

I would have to agree, the average UK woman puts personality above looks and tends to let herself go, possibly to much, it does cost money to keep up to the standards you expect but most people could be better than they are with a bit of excersise and heathy eating (myself included).

However this also goes for the male population. How can men in general expect so much from women when they let them selfs go just as much. BTW arrogance is not an attractive quality, Its fine for you to belive these things but most decent men would find a nicer way to say it.

I would also suggest visiting different areas of the country not all towns are the same, some have a higher ratio of healthy people than others.

Tes, Bristol,

Where exactly in the USA were you seeing these well dressed, attractive women? I have lived in the USA, till recently, and the women there are very overweight and dress in track suits that look like PJ'S. Perhaps you are only looking at the images the media presents and not real American women, who are on the whole not very attractive!

Karen, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

I love your work Tad. Alas, I am a New Zealander and can confirm that compared to kiwi girls, the English girls represent a country of super models. Tragic, but all too true.

Mike, London,

what an arrogant prig, an oversized ego a Tad boring. such a smug expression and frankly do you like you nose?
Whatever happened to personality, kindness,hard work. has the world become this superficial

Daphne, Hitchin, UK

Who does this man work for? The cosmetics industry? plastic surgeons? Topshop?

Cynic, South east, UK

If you think so little of British women, why are you still here ?

Jane Glover, London,

I thought beauty was in the eye of the beholder, has something changed?....

James, Reading,

I also completely agree with both articles. I found them really funny and ironic somehow.

Berta, Beverungen, Germany

Judging from your photo, you look pretty unattractive yourself and I doubt that you would find it very easy to get laid, unless you went type of woman whose judgment is impaired due to too many a pint , which is very common (yes you have guessed it!) in the uk. Maybe the fact that your friends have tried to fix you up with a woman like the one you described should make you think about how others see you.

Anna , Limassol, Cyprus

Perhaps, if you were tanned, gorgeous and toned, your remarks would have some "weight". But about you ever getting laid ..... , maybe if the unfortunate woman closes her eyes and thinks of England......

ISABELLA, South Hedland, Australia

Lived in the US for many year and all I'm going to say about the idiotic generalisation in this article is to add some of my own. I need my life partner to have a sense of humour and I never met a US woman who could make me laugh.

Fred R, Scunthorpe,

so good to hear some home truths about british people (men are not immune here)- not quite sure how you got past the UK PC brigade that seems to overwhelm our society.
We need more of this honest evaluation, not pampering to our ever growing (in number and waist size) McDonald's nation.
Good on ya.

PM, Chichester, UK

As Oscar Wilde said: "When good Americans die, they go to Paris."

Edmund Burke, Kingston upon Thames, England

When a country has to get two ugly women like Trinny and Susannah to tell them how to dress (especially since they can't dress themselves) then need I say more?

Ambrosia , Nicosia, Cyprus

Don't blame feminism. Feminist women have attitude and attitude is sexy. It's just as Sarina Patel says: there is nothing liberated about getting plastered every weekend. There is also nothing liberated about taking offence when anyone points this out.

Tim, Auckland, New Zealand.

I think you hit the nail on the head when you wrote:

"And judging by the vitriol of the response, I realise I’ve not only touched a nerve, I’ve reached into the underbelly of a deep, dark insecurity. Nobody gets that defensive about something they don’t care about."

Clearly the only reason you are getting such a huge response is becasue british woman deep down know that these types of comments are correct and as a nation we don't look after ourselves in the way Americans do!

Dan, Reading, UK

Wow. Quite shocked at the amount of mysogyny this article has brought out of the woodwork. Yes american women are better groomed. They are richer (partly because they all have at least 2 jobs and never take holidays). They are scarily ambitious and obsessed with money. They also look pretty fake. The american women I met this summer never cooked and were only interested in going out with rich men.I found them terribly unfeminine. If thats what you are into, then fine, you are welcome to it.
British women are damn funny and rather nice people. But I suppose thats not important to this writer.
And as for French women, ugh, smelly, thin and humourless.
Anyway Toby Young wrote about this already...get your own ideas Safran!

astromum, london,

Funny enough but the author is writing a personal piece. What is different is not the two countries but the social circles he mixes in in each country. In England he mixes with the everyday, in America with the wannbe fringes of celebrity. You only have to look at simple statistics on obesity to know this subjective view is not a generalist truth. This is also (sadly) the most obvious explanation for the improved personalities on this side of the atlantic.

Benjamin, Gloucester,

I have a unhealthy interest in your chauvinistic arrogance. Don't be concerned about getting laid in Britain. My only issue is that you remind me of Jeremy Clarkson.

FP, Leeds,

It's pointless attacking Tad's appearance (Kate, San Francisco) as at no point did he say that he was perfect, and the article isn't about what looks people have, but what EFFORT they make to look the best they can.
I'm a female who's lived in London for 15 years (though I'm not English) and I have to agree with what he says. I never leave the house without a smattering of lippy and some mascara - and it's not about attracting a man but about feeling good about myself - as for the baggy tracksuits and over-sized gold hooped earings - what's that all about? Style? SOME British women have alot to learn and unfortunately I think you'll find that the divide is where the education/income bracket lines are drawn. It takes no money to make an effort girls!!!

Katherine, London,

If you want a well-groomed Brit, go gay...! Men are much better company too...!

Garry W, London,

Lard-butt maybe. But frumps is completely wrong ! A better description would have been thugs.

Peter, Nottingham, UK.

OK, so English birds are all lardy, and American ones are skinny. I still don't know how this is possible when the average American female weighs 16 pounds more than the average British one.
Oh, and in your previous article, your reference to Bridget Jones showed that you hadn't actually seen the film. Cleaver started taking an interest in Bridget when she put on a miniskirt, and he thought her huge grabagut granny knickers were really sexy. She only started trying to lose weight after she split up with him.

Ben, Karlovy Vary,

If you don't like Britain's women why don't you stay away from them - I'm sure they will be staying away from you!

Laura , London, UK

Tad, I have regular facials, waxing, manicures and pedicures; I have my hair expertly styled and coloured. Should I offer to "lay" you (vile expression) out of gratitude that I meet your stringent requirements? I note that the only reference point your "friends" seem to have for you, when introducing you to a hitherto unknown woman, is that she has the body of a 20-year old. Therefore, I think not. Have a bit of free advice (I am a solicitor, so that's an offer not to be taken lightly). If she isn't 20 years old, then by definition she does not have the body of a 20 year old. QED.

Liz, Buxton, Derbyshire

Poor chap, thinking he'll never get laid in the UK again. Has he ever considered the concept of RELATIONSHIP????

Kevin Crinks, Lancashire, UK

You have it spot on. It doesnt cost a fortune to take care of yourself. Self respect is something so many UK women seem to give up as they get past their mid 20s. It is replaced with a "take me as I am attitude".

I wouldnt expect a women to like me if I was fat, unkempt and boozy so why should we accept them like that? I try to keep myself looking good for my girlfriend and I expect her to do the same.

There are so many natural beauties in this country - if only they would show themselves the same respect they demand from us.

Angus, London,

Oh Taddy boy, Taddy boy,
You haven’t got a clue.

English women are the real mccoy,
The meaning of life, better than 42.

Oh Taddy boy, Taddy boy,
You haven’t got a clue.

John, London, UK

Something not dicussed in Tad's articles or mentioned in the many responses that I've noticed about many English women, and that in my opinion greatly detracts from their beauty, is the amount of HIDEOUS-LOOKING FAKE TAN and CHEAP HAIR EXTENSIONS worn by so many ordinary young UK females. Honestly, it is just shocking. The annual consumer consumption of fake tan in the UK must be about 30 zillion gallons. You don't see this so much in the US, even on extreme LA or Park Avenue wannabe beauty types, but soooo many English girls seem to want to look like cheap overdone BIg Brother contestant tarts. If my posting saves just one English girl from looking like a Chantelle or Jordan clone, then I've done my bit for global good today.

Ronald G (ex London), NYC,

There is some fact in what this guy has written, of course the UK has its fair share of beauties but something does happen to the figures of ladies around the age when some gym work or a few less choccies would suffice.
When i lived in the Uk i was amazed at the amount of expanded stomachs that were exposed...ghastly i thought.
I had the luck of discovering Sweden via Ryanair and never dated an English girl again.
Chill out ladies any generalisation is rather short sighted, which could be a blessing come to think of it when it comes to having to look at bulging midriffs come summer!!!

paul anthony, epping, uk

Tad - get out of town! Some ladies know how to take care of themselves and some don't - this is the same the world over. And finances definitely come into it. Perhaps your friends were setting you up on your blind date?? Hmm - sounds about what you deserve.

CK, London, UK

It is missing the point to defend British women's physical attractiveness or compare them with women with other European countries. When are people going to get it. A women's first purpose and duty in life is NOT to be considered beautiful. It is damaging to feel that one's worth is principally based on one's attractiveness to men. Why do so many little girls aspire to be glamour models rather than lawyers or police women?
Tad is within his rights to have a preferred 'type' of woman, but not to "shame" those who dare not to discipline their bodies into matching it. Don't sleep with us, fine. But don't think it's okay or harmless to tell us our bodies are offensive and disgusting.
The importance of valuing and looking after one's own body should not be framed in terms of its ornamental value. Likewise binge drinking - it's a problem for both sexes because it's unhealthy, leads to antisocial behavior and signals a poor work/life balance. NOT because drunk women are "unladyli

Sarah, Paris,

one can't really take this stuff seriously, though it is funny. However the comparison with european countries is true, but i think to do with clothes as much as anything - and applies to men too - british and american people dress really badly, europeans dress in a way that suits them as people to make them more attractive - too many british women think dressing skimpily does the trick and too many british men think dressing like a teenager does the same. Go to bologna, bilbao, or bordonne, and see what i mean

m, london,

I totally agreed with Safran last week - and I continue to do so now. Well done for speaking out! Looking unattractive doesn't bestow upon you a great personality! Anyone who has bothered to go leave Britain and actually take an interest in the many non-British people in the world will know that by and large foreign women look better. It's a culture thing - foreign men are also often much better groomed than UK men, other cultures do not encourage you to get so drunk you vomit, some cultures even include dancing in couples and encourage parents and society as a whole to like children rather than treating them as an inconvenience. All this adds up to more self confident physicality, which makes you more attractive. And as Safran points out, from an evolutionary point of view this is more important for women than for men. In my personal opinion, the UK's best looking girls are of Indian origin.

Tom S, Berlin,

I'm very old, and male. In my experience, the majority of British women that I have known have invested enormous amounts of effort in keeping themselves in good shape and making the most of what natural assets they have. Then they meet Mr Right, set up home and the rot sets in rpaidly. Once kids arrive they balloon into frumpish lumps and take zero care of themselves. Should their man challenge this, he is immediately blamed for lumbering her with 'his' children, and what does he expect? Let's face it, most British women are too lazy to make the effort once a relationship is established. So I would disagree with Tad with regard to single women in Britain.

Felix Clawe, Tring,

wonderful! wonderful! wonderful! the truth hurts! i'm glad PC did not stop you saying what you thought and what we men knew to be true..can I be a bit more controversial and say this is more true about white english women than women from afro-carribean and asian backgrounds...

akin akinsete, london,

I am afraid I agree to what he said. I'm a Malay girl and I always thought British girls look old faster than their age which is rarely seen in most South East Asian countries.British girls are egoistic and they only know how to get them drunk not just they smell awful but you can also see that from their extra flaps around the belly.Hence the number of depression people within female community in British has risen tremendously

Mizah, London, UK

Listening to a slanging match between the Americans and British over obesity and grooming (this should go for men AND women) is hysterical. Its like some ghastly battle for last place ! Both countries have huge problems caused by truly revolting food cultures.

I have been to the States and been truly shocked by the whale like monsters waddling around (of both sexes); I suspect the author doesn't spend much time outside certain cliques in LA and New York, just as someone hanging out only in certain parts of Cheshire would see a parade of immaculatly groomed women.

In my mind, honours fall even in this relegation battle, but America is just more extreme, with some women willing to buff, tone, wax and then inject and go under the scapel to look "good", and others content to wallow in extreme obseity.

But outside this pathetic transatlantic scrap, there are many countries with healty eating cultures - France, Italy, Japan to name a few, with naturally healthy attractive people.

Nick, France,

The article is very unpleasant, I can't say that I enjoy reading Ted. However, I sadly beleive that he has a point. I'm Italian and I lived for 7 years in Chelsea, my granny is Enligh, I have lived with a beatuful English girls for 5 years, so I don't think that I can be deemed as biased against the Britts on this matter. I think that today's culture is making a fool of British women. I was in Paris yesterday, having lunch at Place Des Vosges, next to my table was a group of Brits, I really felt sorry for the women there, they looked like tramps, were very loud (and what they were saying wasn't terribly intelligent), and they were almost immediately drunk.
Britain as a whole has got a very serious alchool problem, and women are the ones who suffer the most for this problem. Gilrs it's time you stop drinking!
And, finnaly, it's crazy to think that the worse you look the more intelligent and interesting you come across, if you really think along those lines you are barking mad.

Luca, Milan, Italy

He's right.
English women are generally complacent, over-weight, poorly groomed and arrogant.
The fact that English men or the author are not Adonis is irrelvent and doesn't undermine the truth of it.

john, hong kong,

Wish i wasn't so easily provoked into comment! What a complete load of rubbish! Perhaps woman over here dont feel the need to tart themselves up all the time because they have confidence and self-belief which doesnt involve the need to look like a dolly!

As for the men in Britain, who seem to think girls should be stick thin and beautiful, but themselves take little or no care to look after themselves. Most men in the UK think using hair gel and having a shave is sufficient, to make up for their huge beer belly, bad skin, and unexciting personality.

Everyone i know is looking for a foreign boyfriend, better presented, more loving, more considerate ...the list goes on. Perhaps the fact is the HOT BRITISH GIRLS AND GAY GUYS HAVE GIVEN UP ON BRITISH MEN!

Josh, London, UK

I agree, this man is clearly a genius.

Bob , Manchester, England

My girlfriend and I moved here a year ago from New York and she was the first to mention this after only about a month after moving. In addition, for some mysterious reason my "rubber neck" affliction has been cured.

PJ, London,

I couldn't agree more with Tad and being Irish I would add the Irish women to that as well. Really girls, take a look around the rest of Europe.

James, Dublin,

Very well written and very funny. I completely agree with both articles.
Having spent the vast majority of the last five years travelling the world I can quite comfortably say that British women rank near the bottom of my list of women, and that's not simply based on attractiveness. UK women are a nation of plain Janes and there is nothing wrong with putting a bit of time and effort into looking their best. There is also no need to compromise intelligence and personality to look good.
British women could learn a hell of a lot from women around the world, and here's one man that hopes that they do!
Good work Tad for pointing out what most well travelled men must have been thinking for a long time.

j, Cardiff,

Would that British women did have sweet personalities or spend hours on cultural or intellectual pursuits.

If you want personality, head West (I lost count of the number of cheery "Good afternoons" from scantily-clad young ladies in just one afternoon walk around Sausalito).

If you want culture, head East. All seem to have at least two degrees, and almost any can hold up their end of a conversation about Bach or Tolstoy, in a choice of languages.

Here in the middle, we seem to have ended up with the worst of all worlds.

Ian Kemmish, Biggleswade, UK

I like how Tad (what is with that name anyway?) has decided to re-hash his previous article to continue his 15 minutes.

Also, Tad based his opinion on women from LA! HAHAHA! My God, that place is so full of freaks that make Naomi Campbell look rational. How much time do you spend in the bible belt Tad? Same deal over there I'm affraid. Lots of good loking youth which fades when the poverty sets in.

Come to Duabi mate, the girls here only get a visa if they look good!

Jim, Dubai, UAE

Tad it is even worse than you make out. You really needed to upset the British male species as well and not just make the females feel put upon. I agree wholeheartedly with your assessment and your defence but you must surely have noticed that the men are just as bad if not worse and this may be this is the reason why the women let themselves go.
The average British male is a boorish drunk lacking in any real ability to relate to or appreciate female company unless inebriated. They can not cook, pay minimal attention to their appearance let alone their female partner's appearance and thier intellectual and cultural development seems to have got stuck at the level of Big Brother. Renaissance man ? I think not. What's that more like. Any man with any qualities of note is as ever likely to be gay! So if I was a woman in England I think I might just give up as well.

seanmalone, london,

I do agree women these days do not seem to care how they look. It seems that if their boobs are on show and skirts are up to their bottoms that is all right. That look is just so trashy and what message rightly or wrongly does it send out to the male population. Just take a look at the French, Italian and a few more Countries to see how classy the women are. We really have hit the bottom of the pit unkempt out of control is how I would describe the majority of the British Girls these days no pride in themselves anymore. Anything goes with a woolly minded liberal society.

June Sumner, Retford,

It would have been more interesting if the comments were about British men, who do genuinely compete to be the worst looking in the world. What is this obsession with shaving their hair off, bald or not! do they think it looks good? British males seem to have adopted a clone football fan look. British women seem to hit the frumpy 30s and the beauty suddenly disappears. Italian women also seem to hit the same age wall and acquire henna hair and the same dress. French women (Parisian) take more care, but always have a fag in their hand. Japanese women are always immaculate and most Americans huge. Your best chance of a ageing beauty is the product of parents of mixed nationalities and pay close attention to the mother!

John, Manchester,

Refreshingly honest and 100% true. British women have such a mystifyingly inflated self-opinion despite their enormous arses, pendulous breasts sagging to the waist, drunken loutishness and complete lack of appreciation of the arts and culture. Wonderful article.

Kevin, UK,

I'm a 55 years old male traveling quite a bit in my life. One of my favorite activity during down time is to sit on the major roadside local cafe or restaurant in big cities (e.g. NY, London, Tokyo, Paris, LA, Rome, and many others) and counting beautiful women passing by. Yes, literally counting by the number of attractive women passing one in 15, one in 20, etc. for hours.

Suprisingly I found out no matter which country I happened to be, the ratio is about the same. There are as many percentage of attractive women in London or Paris as compared to New York or LA. Being with English and American women before, there's not much difference except perhaps personal hygiene. American and Japanese women tend to spend more effort in personal health and hygiene than European women in general.

George , Houston, Texas, USA

This is all mostly true. Sorry, but people, just look around you! I'm not sure there is actually any need to compare English women to American ones though. There are plenty of obese, unkempt-looking women in the US as well. Instead, just look at the way teenage girls in Britain dress, and take a look at their mothers too...obviously generalizing here, but again, walk down the high street and take a look. This man is not lying!!!
He is doing a service. Dressing up like a tart and falling over drunk is not a good look, no matter which way you look at it! Forget about what others think. Forget about what men think. Forget about what the rest of Europe thinks. The question is: women of Britain, where is your self-respect?

Milla, Vienna,

French sophistication??? Don't make me laugh. Perhaps one or two in Paris but not where I live, matey. As for the rest, don't you ladies think that Mr S looks just a tad too perfect? Is he trying to impress us ladies or you men? And what about that weird nose -surely a good case for plastic surgery and those wonky eyes and prissy lips? Time to raid the education fund, methinks.

Wendy Lamb, Beaumont du Perigord,

By and large (excuse the pun) I agree with Tad Safran's conclusions. Fortunately I am married to a woman who has remained very attractive into middle age. In the words of the great Raymond Chandler,'she has a body that would make a priest kick a hole in a stain glass window.'

JP, Newport, Wales

You look like a wet Alistair McGowan ...

Benzo, Nr Chelmsford,

This is nothing new, even back in the late fifties when we were sizing up the girls we used to say that they looked good up to about 25 and then went into steep decline. Marriage seemed to be the borderline after that they just gave up as they did not need to catch a man any more.
Now it is much worse, The girls today drink much more, smoke, eat more of the wrong foods, stay out too late and generally seem bent on wrecking their looks.
In the 50/60s it was rare and shocking to see a girl drunk now it is a commonplace

arthur, hull, uk

It has to be said that I have just spent the last 6 months with a lot of Americans and my opinion is that their woman may look good, but frankly have little in the way of humour or conversation.

Nick, London,

I read that Americans on average take a 20 minute shower every day and yet many parts of US are suffering severe water problems. 20 mins is a lot of water, see the connection? How many turn the water off whilst lathering up, and run the tap while cleaning teeth? This is typical of the wastefulness of Americans, just like their habit of leaving all the lights on in skyscrapers all night. They could make a huge contribution to the environment by just changing their habits a little.
If you do not live in a hot/humid climate, have a dirty job or suffer from BO you do not need to shower every day. Changing your underwear is enough and a 5 min shower should be enough for anybody, up to 10 mins if you are washing long hair. 20 mins is just self indulgence.
You only have to look at the plethora of bathing products in the shops to see we are all victims of big business advertising
trying to tell us we stink. I dont think we should go back to once a year but moderation is necessary

cobbet, york, uk

Could it be that the reason for the huge amount of responses to the articles is that british women have seen an image of themselves reflected in the words of the author...I THINK SO!!
I've been living in london for quite some time now and most british girls are exactly as Safran described them...there are exceptions, but at the end they all showed the same attributes...bad manners, excesive drinking, lack of hygiene and absolute "I don't care how I look and what others think about me" attitude!!!
The guy was right on the spot and if there are so many angry women must be because they see their image in the mirror...have you ever wondered why you only see deodorant commercials during summer time...

Hugo, London,

I guess the truth hurts - but Mr Safran is right. There is a substantial minority of women in the UK who do not like men, having bought into the militant feminist anti-male story. Many UK women have forgotten what it is to be a real woman. And the Vicky Pollards are everywhere! But there are many other places in the world full of real, attractive, pleasant women, and a lot of them like British men. So it really is not a problem.

Martin, Newmarket, Suffolk

A particular favourite of Liverpool women is popping down to the shops in their pyjamas! If that isn't an example of a lack of self-worth then I don't know what is. Good article, surprised to see so many women getting slightly vexed, but then nobody likes to hear the truth do they. Interesting to note that the writer was deemed sexist by a certain media outlet, because I thought his opinions were honest and factual. Anyone who thinks he was referring to all British women is, quite frankly, a muppet.

James Hodgson, Liverpool,

I think that this also fails to take class differences into account

Richard, Bexhill, UK

Delighted that you didn't apologise. I agree with every word.

Chris, Zagreb, Croatia

This is a sterile debate. Both American and British women are awful. For beautiful, sensual, classy women who can cook properly and can actually read and write, come to France. Enough Anglo navel gazing.

John, Paris, France

Sweeping generalisations Tad? What a very american attitude. So glad I have no intention of returning to your "great" country, where I would have to go through a lovely bunch of procedures (reserved for those under arrest in the UK) just to be allowed.

I do feel I should echo other people's sentiments by pointing out that you're not exactly male model material yourself.

Alex, London,

Tad, I enjoyed both your light-hearted pieces. Many English really take this stuff personally. They love to have a National Pride Offended rally. Welsh and Scots and Northern Irish have a sense of humour. In the end though, every country has their good and bad. This is not being relativist, you just need to compare like-to-like as much as possible. Comparing Los-Angeles to say Blackpool would not be fair. Wal-Marts in rural America are not going to have the USA stunners you mention. And in the end as you know, such comparisons are only for a laugh as they are mildy funny, quite sexist and definitely facile.

Terry, London,

I agree entirely. I was in Serbia a few years back and couldn't believe the density of beautiful women walking around. I asked a local about this and he said "ugly women are kept indoors". Back in the UK it must be the beautiful women that hide indoors, I can't see any. No one dresses stylishly, most are overweight, and being uncouth is mistaken for being cool.

John Small, Faversham, UK

I agree with Tad. Every time I go to UK for work, I'm horrified by how many overweight women there are. But it's not the size that is worrying, it's the fact that by and large being overweight is caused by lack of exercise and incorrect diet. There's nothing wrong with being a big woman, but it's when your arteries are clogged and your heart is taking strain by the time you're in your twenties, then something should be done about it. I know it's mean to pick on the big chicks, but I think that Britain needs to jack up on their EATING WISDOM with children from a young age because it's not fun battling your weight your whole life – no matter how self-confident you are.

Penn, Nairobi,

Amused by Carmen in Nashville: "Look me up if you're ever in Nashville. I'm a US size 16, go to the gym 5 times a week, but also have 2 college degrees, a professional license, a fabulous career and can also carry on an engaging conversation. Oooh, a British woman's worst nightmare!"

She's so keen to sell herself (this time it's the avatar of a weak-chinned dilettante who imagines that generalised insult is the key to an intellectual debate) that she spends the two days she doesn't attend the gym penning desperate come-ons to people she has a one-in-300-million chance of meeting. Do the math, Carmen. Or were your degrees in How To Bolster Low Self-Esteem and How To Sell A Lemon? Anybody who reads this and feels a need to defend/attack any other nationality for their own perception of how other people live their lives will probably get what they deserve on the mating front.

Henry Moon, Paris, France

People like Kate from California are missing point! Or Tad has hit a raw nerve!

The point as I see it is:

British women have:
1.Top spot in the European obesity table.
2.Top spot in the European teen pregnancy table.
3.Rising alcohol consumption among women in western Europe.

What are they going to do about it?

CC, Hong Kong,

Speaking as a man who isn't attracted to women, I go on personality and how good they are as friends.

There are lots of lovely woman in Britain and I'm proud to be friends with some who are like that. But there is also a huge number who are slovenly, screeching and annoying, inconsiderate, manipulative and proud of how much they can drink. This has got much worse over the past 15 years.

They only get away with it because, to put it bluntly, men are desperate to get into their knickers.

Robert, Manchester, UK

HILARIOUS
And very, very true. Do English people really believe they're all that? Seems so by the answers.. and you're not, how can you be with all that terrible weather and crappy food?

whitey, SYDNEY,

Ladies, wait till he can finally bring himself to come out as gay.
(I'm a size ten, not British, and have been with the same bloke for nearly a quarter of a century). He's got "attention-seeking disorder", end of.

Julia Iskandar, London, England

A superb article, again! Well done for speaking honestly and truthfully about English women. The truth hurts doesn't it girls? English women have forgotten how to be sexy, how to flirt (unless drunk), how to walk and how to dress, and too many of them are size 14+. The only thing they have a 'talent' for is drinking too much and refusing (feminism??) to dress to please a man, except 18 year olds in nightclubs. Sort it out girls.

Glenn Beckett, Sydney, Australia

I am an Englishman, and I have been round the world,and I can honestly say that, unfortunately, the man is right in some respects. British women do fall short of expectations. They seem to think that the world owes them a living. They don't take care of their appearance. they can't cook. and they are too mouthy. This does not apply to all females, but an aweful lot. Sad really, because when you try to explain to them, they get on their high horse and scream and shout. All this womens lib thing brought on by themselves.

Geoff Stringer, Southend-on-Sea Essex , ENGLAND

To be serious for a moment. You can see people in British high streets and supermarkets who can't be bothered to change to go out. You can see people in slippers. Everywhere, you see track suit bottoms and trainers. When your income comes from the taxpayer (after suitable decimation for the administering machine) there's no need to make an effort.

You can tell the British in a foreign restaurant. They are loud, drunk and ugly. It's embarrassing. Like the Ricky Hatton fans and the English football fans, they make you ashamed of your country.

MikeMSN, Midsomer Norton, UK

There are a lot of people who comment on the British men. Now, on the one hand I see your point. On the other, I moved to LA from Europe 8 months ago, and would kill for a nice intellectual British Lad. American men (the ones in LA at least) are _terrible_ to date, and the women aren't much better. I miss Europe....you have no idea how lucky you are with the British men!

Ellie, Los Angeles,

All I have to say to this one is WOW. America has 300 million people, they come from all over the world, there are millions of really fat people here and women that shop at Walmart and wear dowdy clothes. How many women live in the UK compared to America? Do you travel all over the US or are you just looking at people in LA & NY compared to London? It's just really strange to generalize and lump so many people into one category. I don't find anything attractive about Kiera Knightley or Kate Moss either if you are using them as true beauties. Kate Moss looks like she's out of a concentration camp most times, just look at the mate she just had for so long & her behavior while having a daughter is autrocious. I wouldn't be using her as a role model or someone anyone should want to date. Kate Winslet however would be a much better choice. I still don't believe women spend $1700 a month on maintenance here!

Elizabeth, Centennial, USA/CO

"Take money from your education fund" - what 'education fund' - ?! (A very American notion.) And, by the way, where are the women writers who could write a similar piece about the suet-puddings masquerading as British men? Not too difficult to "overcome a billion years of biology" ! :- ) Maybe British women are the way they are because British men are the way they are ?

Leandra, Wallingford,

"most Anglo-Saxon women (US and UK) are stern, masculine and bent on being utterly independent. Women in the Mediterranean are much more feminine and therefore attractive. - Ned, Rome, Italy"

So, Ned, being "femnine" and "attractive" means being dependent on a man?!! Dream on - it's because men are so unreliable that women have to be independent - it's called "a billion years of biology" - !!

Leandra, Wallingford,

I drive a l bus through a British city every Friday and Saturday night 5 times through the pub -club area.
Ist trip there are a few very attractive women walking about in their best going out gear. 2nd trip there are some not so attractive drunk women wobbling about. 3rd trip there are a lot of not so attractive drunk women staggering about.4th trip there are a lot of drunk women staggering about.
5th trip there are a few attractive sober women walking about.
the men ? well that's for another day!!.

G. M, Derby, UK

It took me a few minutes to get myself up from the floor laughing to death while reading this. In my first comment last week I TOTALLY agreed with all the points made. Here I totally agree again!
It was surprising to see how most, due to the colorful language of the article, missed the main point that ON THE AVERAGE, BRITISH WOMEN DO NOT MAINTAIN THEMSELVES WELL AND ARE UNKEMPT! Does that mean every British woman? Of course not, does that mean many many? You bet it does. I don't know the reasons but have some theories... one is that it could be cultural, bathing does not seem to be an everyday thing in Europe, particularly in the U.K., whereas in the U.S. no one and I mean no one leaves the door in the morning without it... Here in London where I have been living for the last 5 years, it's a rarity to see someone with just-out-of-the-shower wet hair on the train to work. I am sure beer for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in addition to excessive amounts of junk food play big roles too.

Bijan, Wimbledon, UK

Imagine you were standing in front of two houses, an elegant one with a new coat of paint, a manicured lawn and garden, and new drapes in the windows, and the other, a dilapidated house showing its age, with peeling paint, broken windows, a sagging roof, and broken windows. What then, would you imagine the owners of the two different houses to be like?

Brad, Boulder, Colorado

I can only express bemusement at your unfortunate experience of British women.Although I applaud your exhortation of the British woman to strive for higher levels of pulchritude,I am happy to say that my experience of the British feminine world has been one of provocative charm, insouciant elegance and a genuine gold-standard beauty.Perhaps you're just going to the wrong pubs.

Tony Nagano, Fukuoka, Japan

Well said Tad. I'm never getting laid in Britain again either. I moved overseas to find a beautiful wife who, now we have two kids, is working on a figure that is just about back where it was when we met.

No chance of that in UK where she would be a firm member of the jogging pants and baggy jumper brigade by now.

There are of course other reasons why I would never move to the US

Vialls, Hong Kong,

I don't know where you are hanging out TAD, but I have seen MANY MANY MANY more fat women in the US than the UK.

Scott, Texas,

Gave yourself away on that one Scott. You may as well add "way too much make-up" to the list since you're in Texas....

Tad, nice, pointed, and witty article. I live in the Northeast US and we've got the market cornered on beautiful AND intelligent women! Why settle on one when most American women pride themselves on BOTH!

Chris, NY, NY

Seriously - I cant believe US women win over British women!? I am living at the moment in the US and this notion seems to me profoundly wrong and utterly ridiculous. Or I've just been looking at all the wrong places.

Alex, Cambridge, MA, USA

Same applies to the Canadians, Australians , N.Z's and Americans

Rick, LONDON, UK

Maybe too much pastries and sitting around having tea? Isn't that what the English do? just joking...but it may be the history of lifesyle and diet that has created certain gene types. Any ways, I think there are fat people in every country -- well, maybe less in Asian countries. Not fair to generalize about English women!

LS, San Francisco, USA

Australian girls are worse and they will beat you up. There is absolutely no hope for NZ. If you want beautiful girls - go to South Africa or Europe and in South America, they are sensual. I am not keen on British girls burbing after a night in a pub and looking for a late fling.

Jon Michael, Cape Town, South Africa

Australian here putting her hand up. It seems to me that English women have an uphill battle with everything,from climate to diet ....Pre packaged Everything , isnt very inspiring. Poor things have to move to the south to get a life ....give them a break!!

JaneTurner, Balnarring , Victoria

yeah brave tad you didn't retreat.........and speak out what i think always......good job......and good luck

hikari, tokyo, japan

The comment from China is fantastic given that the majority of (mainland) Chinese woman have the worst teeth on the planet, and I am not talking about the black 18th century Japanese geisha look but the twisted like a Le Carre plot look, which is as unpleasant as the bizarre attachment to unsightly body (including facial) hair.
Overall British woman should be more worried about having something to say other than the latest Eastenders plot line, but it a culture dominated by reality TV and fierce determination to avoid anything remotely intellectual I find this unlikely.
With respect the Europeans and yanks...while they do make an effort one should not confuse foreign exotica with superiority particularly when any woman from the US speaks...hey you know what?!

Liam Temple, hong kong,

Spot on - I come from a town where to dress up is to put on your "best fleece" and some leggings (a big fashion no no). But in defence of our rather tired looking women, our monosyllabic, beer swilling, football obsessed (watching not playing) men are far worse. Sometimes I look at these Neanderthals and feel so sorry for their women, particulary on the rare occasions they have made an effort.

The British need to raise their game - we are not talking plastic surgery here, rather cleanliness, shaving (men and women) wearing cloths that fit and havn't come from a jumble sale.

The upside is that if you are a man and do make an effort it is so easy to get a date in this country and if you "talk to them" (the women as opposed to your mates), and actually "listen" to them they virtually throw themselves at you you are!

Take pity on our girls - but they can do better.

Tim K, London,

Ok so you may have a point, but have you taken a look at British men recently? Am living in Australia at the moment and you can't move for tanned and toned bodies. The average British guy doesn't work out, is self obsessed, emotionally useless and living in perpetual fear of having to commit to anything more demanding than a PlayStation. Ok so not all British girls are as obsessed as the Americans, but believe me, the British men have a LONG way to go as well....

CathyW, Sydney, Australia

Tad my boy,

now that they've shown your face you'd better run and hide.
I agree wholeheartedly with your first article (and this one). Thankfully I've never been drawn on the topic while under the influence and likely to say much the same as yourself.
When people back home in Blighty ask me why I'm staying in Oz I can just point them here now.
Good job - now find a cold war fall out shelter, a Swedish swim suit model and take a couple of years to recover out of sight.

Gregg, Melbourne,

Get even ladies. Have a face and bottom lift, powder your face, buy new dresses, eat fruit and veges and get that exercise program going. Bueaty is just around the corner and self help is the way to achieve it. Make this detractor of English women eat his words. A new survey should be scheduled for six months hence, giving sufficient time to loose those extra kilograms in weight, and take a course in makeup application.

JIm, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Not being a British woman I will not pretend to speak for them, but after two years in Britain I would like to point out British woman do not have a lot to look good for in the male arena anyway.

There seems to be a large number of over weight sexist ill educated prats floating around the dating scene in the Britain, so why should woman try and pick them up. If British men demand an english rose of slight proportions that are submissive and waif like, then maybe they should stop riding a high horse they have no right to be on. Sure there are some good looking British men, but I met none. In my time in Britain I did meet a lot of men that lacked a jaw line and often a whole chin, who thought dressing up was not wearing a wife beater and many men that had beer bellies to match many a pregnancy baby bump.

Sure people should take pride in their appearance, but thats people, not just women. British men need to look in the mirror as well.

Bridget, Maroochydore, Australia

Good for you, mate, behind you all the way!

I' d go further by saying the US vs. UK argument is a bit of a non-starter: this is like comparing a Lada and an Austin Allegro. The main thing that amazes me when I go back to the UK is how many women manage to find a bloke at all.

I think this is just one more area in which the Far East is leaving us far behind.

Bazza, Tokyo, Japan

Kate from San Francisco. What have Tad's facial characteristics (which aren't that bad) got to do with this discussion? Attractiveness is about doing the best with what you've got. This article is lamenting the fact that British women don't seem to bother any more. Tad's got the face he was born with. If he wants to change it he'll have to resort to painful surgery. For most fat people, if they want to get slim all they have to do is eat fewer pies and take some exercise. Don't you see the difference?

Damien, Tokyo,

You are generalising a bit, but there is some thruth in your article. I fell in love with a glorious Spanish girl once. She had the face of one of those dolls they sell in Madrid and was very sensual , caring and an mazing cook. She moved back to Spain and married a Cuban guy while I'm now engaged to a British -Asian girl who despite the Asian title does behave like a white British girl and certainly talks like one...maybe we just love everything that is different and that is perhaps why I still think of the Spanish girl sometimes.

Thomas, LONDON, UK

And God forbid any woman should be motivated by trying to attract a man. Apparently British women have overcome a billion years of biology.

Vicky, xi'an, China

The pub culture in this country doesnt do much for the men either!
pot bellied and pasty...come on Britain, get fit, get your terrible teeth sorted then you can smile alot more.

juanita, london,

You can't really generalise about looks, but on feminism Tad has a point. My experience is that most Anglo-Saxon women (US and UK) are stern, masculine and bent on being utterly independent. Women in the Mediterranean are much more feminine and therefore attractive.

Ned, Rome, Italy

honesty. wonderful stuff. shame so few people know about it.

magdalen, oxford,

The British women here in Cayman are a testament to the truth of every word in your previous article. And many are housewives of partners of major firms etc. so money is not an issue. You are right.

Eyes open, Cayman Islands,

Finally somebody with the gall to state the obvious! Well done, man!

Serge, Hong Kong, Hong Kong

As a 48 year old man I never have a problem getting dates with ladies. My problem though is that so many have bad teeth or failed to look after themselves. For many exercise is something they last did at school and have lived in hope ever since that it has kept them in shape. The aspirational shape sadly is to be a Donut. Gym membership for many means paying for the gym but not using it. They spend their life wondering why it is that many men go for younger ladies but for me I would prefer to live alone than be faced with bad teeth and flabby saggy bums.

Paul Davis, york, uk

Nothing wrong with a bit of junk in the trunk- or "lard butts" according to Tad

Perfectly Sane, Toronto, Canada

I am ashamed to admit that I can not disagree with a single word in your article.

I am a 30 year old woman in a long term relationship, and mother to a very active 17 month old boy as well as this I also work full time. I tell everyone that I am comfortable in my skin and that I am just too busy to take care of myself and that I have my man so what's the point now. The reality of it is I think that we have very little self esteem and are just down right lazy.

I have to say hats off to you for having the bravery to point out the truth especially to well lets face it British women (it's not just a condition affiliated to the English rose).

I commend you sir and perhaps we need to hear the likes of your comments more often, we as the fairer (allegedly) might take the time then to think more of ourselves and make more of an effort. I think it all comes down to one word RESPECT something that is greatly lacking in our society as a whole.

Good for you.

Gillian Baird, Buckhaven,

Yes! Yes! Yes!
Thank you, you crazy fool, you stuck your head up over the parrapet and took one for us English guys. This is your Alamo, or probably your 1066, take that lipstick to the eye you mad fool.
Now it goes without saying that English women are damn fine creatures; funny, self depreciating, intelligent, sofisticated, caring, and possibly mad as a bag of hammers thrown off a bridge. How can you not love them?
But God I have, and lets be fair, lots of us male types, noticed that a culture that brings up a generation of hard, pint drinking women, who constantly are depressed by the impossible body images that flit before their eyes on a minute by minute basis in all forms of media, not to mention that its hard enough to find time in the day to warm up a microwaveable meal, let alone eat right, or exercise, is not conducive to producing women with the most attractive figures of complexions.
Look what its done to the men of this country, fine male specamins that we clearly are

Rolo Tomasi, York,

Oh dear. You are rather comparing apples and oranges here. You are rightly complaining - in this article, if not the last - about the muffin-top, foul-mouthed, vaguely female louts that litter Britain's gutters these days. But you are comparing them to what? Not the red-neck, pigs-ear-made-up-like-a-silk-purse, 240 lb 'belles' that waddle around most US cities, that's for sure.
Neither the US nor the UK can be proud of their respective degenerate tabloid cultures - and the men are as bad too.
Maybe that is what is shocking you about Britain - it certainly shocked me returning from South America recently (I can't wait to get away from here again). But make that point evenly, not picking on just the one country.
How about trying to live amongst real people who have to work to live and have no disposable income, and still maintain their decency and dignity? Get yourself south of the border Taddy and live a little.
Until then, do us all a favour and shut up.

Paul, Cusco, Peru

It sounds like Mr. Ted is telling us that he's dying to stay in NYC or LA, and avoid the UK altogether. But for the fact that I'm sometimes in NYC or LA, I'd say "go for it". Still, I strongly suspect that were Mr. Ted to remain in America, he'd be whistful for the charm and personality of a fine English woman. All in all, no one is perfect, One wonders what sort of perfection Mr. Ted is looking for ... or what he thinks the world is entitled to. I have to give him credit ... instead of putting his foot into it, he put both feet in. Now *that's* bright -- don't worry, Mr. Ted ... there's room in this world for you, too. And in the meantime, imagining that God provides someone for each of us, the Southern-ism for my reaction to such a match for Mr. Ted would be "doooo Jesus!".

Barry, La Jolla, USA/CA

I think this (and the previous column) have been hilarious. I have only had limited contact with either US or UK women. But, based on airport food-court sightings, I suggest that the UK fat/obese (of both genders) should not feel lonely - their US cousins are holding down the scales most ably!

Zanuck, Vancouver, Canada

Truffles - struck the wrong balance between how insulting it was compared to how funny it was (not funny enough to excuse the insult). This made you sound shall we say, overly visually oriented?

The weight of apples and oranges; within the EU it is 'known' that the US leads the western world in obesity and bad diets. It is also 'known' that the UK is following but certainly not leading the US in this regard. Comparing fat UK women to slim US women then trying to claim that UK women were fatter than their US sisters was never going to fly.

Failing to take your own advice; in the original article you state that first impressions count and hint that you think that this is the main failing of British women. Yet in your article you lead with all the negative ideas you had re. British women only softening things very late on in the article...

Digging for Australia; the flames are only going to get hotter on the way there, stop trying to dig your way out of this one ;)

David, London, UK

this is fun.

lottie, christchurch, new zealand

Actually, British men tend to be rather a scruffy lot - and take pride in it. How sad.

Rani, Billericay, UK

Ha Ha Ha, very well said Kate from San Francisco. "Jesus, why don't you get to work on yourself?" I am still laughing!

Alex, Liverpool, UK,

Urgh! Is it any wonder that men are hated when there are such egotistical men like this!?
I, myself, am a 16 y/o British woman... And i would just like to point out the fact that you cannot make a generalisation such as the one above.
For starters, i had the PERFECT hourglass figure, 34, 26, 34... TELL me i don't have curves, PLEASE! I'm 5 foot 6 and weigh 9 stone 4 at 22 and 1/2 weeks pregnant!
Next... As for sexuality, that is the opinion of the person who is viewing the woman, a woman does not have to have a 'golden tan' and parade every part of their body to be sexy!
And in relation to sophistication, WHAT, do tell me, makes the french sophisticated? Is it the fact that they drink alcohol with their family from the age of about 4 and therefore have no need to experience alcohol and the effects. Each individual is different so don't generalise!

Kayleigh, Lincolnshire,

you are right about british women......its not much different in australia too. very beautiful when younng but quickly turn into frumps...but they still think they are hot ...

Dev, Perth, Australia

I really did enjoy reading Tad's observations--but for some the truth hurts! However, its a mistake to say Britain is full of Vicki Pollards when the US is overflowing with trailer trash----just ask Jerry Springer.

Lexie, sydney, Australia

Can the author stop using English and British as though they are synonymous?

I couldn't care less about his opinion of our women's looks, I agree with you to an extent.

It's just that your interchanging of English and British is grating. Please stop it.

Mike, Runcorn, UK

The body is a beautiful thing and most countries and cultures celebrate this.
In England the problem we have is our embarrassment - physicality, sensuality, nakedness, even sex are regarded as embarrassing things.
This leads us to pretend we don't care about our bodies, because our shining wit and conversation is oh so much more important than all that superficial physical stuff.
Of course, given the choice between a fabulous looking airhead and a warm, witty person who looks like a turnip, I'd take the turnip any day.
But staying slim, dressing with a bit of style, having a nice haircut and wearing sexy underwear is easy to do and makes you look and feel fantastic, and I think the article is right that many English women could do well to realise and value this!

FC, London,

Your certainly no beauty Tad. Don't judge books by the covers.

Jill, Perth,

I agree with Tad, English women need to sort themselves out, they are revolting and I am an Englishman, all the honeys have run away to Australia or other to get away from the shell suited bling bling witches who have taken over the place. Nice one Tad, generally very true.

Dave, New York,

Tad Safran is spot on.

boris, paris,

Am I the only one that thinks that Andy from Hursuit is being slightly self congratulating commenting on baldness?

Ian, Rugeley, England

Should be easy to figure the best groomed women in the world. Where do they spend the most on make up, grooming and cosmetic procedures? Per population and GDP and such like?

Lesley, Abuja, Nigeria

I don't know where you are hanging out TAD, but I have seen MANY MANY MANY more fat women in the US than the UK.

Scott, Texas,

Wow, Tad, you're brave! I thought the writer of the article had to have been female!

I am guessing now that your photo has been posted you are readying yourself to be swatted by handbags in the street...

Lottie, Sydney,

And Tad hasn't even touched on differences in acceptable dental standards either.... Has Britain even heard of "whitening" yet? Or for that matter, braces?

Scott, Durham, NC, USA

Perhaps, Tom, you should start looking at people differently. Don't get me wrong, I don't think it's a great idea to be too lax with hygiene and wear ill-fitting or inapropriate clothes, but I would much rather be appreciated and liked for who I AM rather than the way I LOOK. There is too much emphasis placed nowadays on 'ideal/perfect' beauty (apparently I can achieve the 'real me' by wearing the new Max Factor foundation, surely an oxymoron in itself) and magazines give out an image of beauty unattainable for most women which is damaging and hurtful. Let's celebrate diversity and nature and stop trying to 'improve' it. You are intitled to your opinion Tom but please remember that it is YOUR opinion, the same goes for everyone who has been negative about the way that the author looks. We all have our own insecurities so let's not take them out on one another, ok guys?

Becca M, Bath, UK,

I'm afraid I don't think I've seen any decent arguments refuting what Tad says. My girlfriend is English. She's slim, pretty and very well kept. BUT (and that's the only big but I'll go near)having lived, amongst others, in Sweden and US I know better than to argue that my girlfriend is anything but very, very (and again) very exceptional. Any contributor who doesn't agree with Tad needs to get abroad and do some comparisons. At the moment, there just isn't an argument going on here - it's just truth against delusion.

Tom, Dubai,

Please, please stop giving Tad space to write. He's just digging himself into a deeper hole with each attempt. Now he's claiming that he you can be intelligent AND beautiful. Really? Is that why in his first article, he complained that no woman was both? And be honest, Tad, you don't care that much about the intelligence part. If you did, you wouldn't have gone on about how your date looked, rather than noticing absolutely anything she said. You would also have realised that, quite frankly, women don't need to attract men for the 'traditional' reasons anymore, since they are quite capable of having their own careers and income. Modern, equal relationships are no longer a partnership of cash and sex.

Hiba, London,

Shallow and loving the limelight. Yep that's atypical American for you.

As you seem to wallow in your shallowness, I can only commiserate with you that you will be bald soon.

Andy, Hirsuit, UK

Brilliant. Date me please, I'm English -Size 8 with a post grad.

Moni, Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"the simmering sexuality of the Spanish"

So so so so true...

Ian, Scotland, UK

It seems to me that Mr Safran is comparing the worst that Britain has to offer with the best that other nations have to offer. Simmering sexuality of the Spanish? I assume he has not seen the leather-bound, wrinkled monstrosities that take up the beach space. Sophistication of the French? Again, I imagine he is not thinking of the bespectacled, plain women that stroll about the provincial towns. He is half right about the curves of the Italians - a diet high in carbohydrate certainly does the trick, though I hardly think the curves that really exist are the ones to which he refers. Finally the Americans. There is a greater degree of obesity in America than in Britain. Perhaps he wishes us to think solely of the manufactured blondes that infest Hollywood? Were he serious I should take issue with him, and perhaps direct him to the Fallowfield Sainsbury's in Manchester for a surfeit of beauties, but I suspect his tongue is rather firmly planted in his cheek. Sexist? No. Misguided? Indeed.

Stuart, Manchester,

Mr. Safran couldn't be more brave and honest. He is the one who is saying the king has no clothes, and that, no matter how difficult for many to swallow, is the truth.

Feminism IsNotFeminine, Surrey, UK

Do British men not realise we feel the same about them? Every woman I know agrees that European men are much sexier than their British counterparts - also better to talk to, more fun, better senses of humour, more romantic, more cultured, more intelligent...the list is unending! British men can generally be summed up as pale, flabby, obnoxious, unconcerned about their appearance (or smell!) and generally drunked and boring on top of it.

As for Safran...you sound very defensive. The comments left seem to have touched a nerve. Perhaps because you know there's truth in them?

Anna, Barcelona,

Hurray. Finally a man that is not afraid to voice in public what a lot of men are thinking in private. Not just British men but men of all nationalities and I’ve no doubt women too. I loved the article and it has been a long time in coming.
I live in Portugal and am constantly asked why British women on holiday feel the need to SQUEEZE into clothes they really shouldn’t and I wish that they wouldn’t. (It’s nasty to look at girls!! It puts me mind of one of those sausages that when cut springs out uncontrollably.) They are free with their virtues, foul with their mouths and liberal with their alcohol consumption. Then we reach the inevitable point of the night when they require medical assistance and they turn into a roly poly version of Amir Khan.
Where is the self respect and pride in appearance? Come on girls you can do better than this. I know it and if you’re true to yourselves you know it too. Ditch the up dated version of the panty girdle and ditch the excess pounds.

Sandra, Albufeira, Portugal

I completely agree with the author. England is such an insulated country anyway that is very ignorant of the rest of the world and the views others have about england. When these views are shared, they often come as a shock.

England's problems with the EU and with it's 'special relationship' with the US stem from its ignorance of the outside world.

London thinks it's cosmopolitan, and it is in the sense that foreigners come to London... but it's still full of English people who don't know of anything beyond where they were born, besides a few holidays to get drunk in Greece or Spain.

Freeman, London, UK

Ugh, who wants to look like an American woman - make up applied with a trowel and hair frizzed out all over the place, presumably to draw attention away from her 25 stone bulk? To my eyes, American women all look like whale-sized whores.

Carol, Derby,

ha! talk abt stirring up a hornets nest, Ted - its not often that a man can hope to have the last word in an argument with one woman let alone several million --- i have to admire ur balls if not your survival instincts - very funny.

zugerman, zurich, switzerland

What on earth is this madness?

I did not see the original article but one thing is certain: British ladies are in no way inferior to their U.S. counterparts.

Having spent several months there (US) in various parts of the country, my take is that, on average, there might be some quality women out there under all that excess weight.

On the other hand, British women, on average, do not compare well to their European competition on the looks department, independent of age.

Max Skinner, London, UK

Are you that ugly, stupid looking bloke in the picture? As your reply shows you have a penchant for penny-psychology, so here it is: Stupid looking ugly American bloke too often rejected by British women decides to exact revenge by penning an article in the Times. Psychology does not only work for the respondents to your thesis (what a coward you are, on top of everything else, to deny your own vitriol and run for the 'light hearted' comment card) but also for the writer of this piece. By the way you cannot unilaterally decide how your piece will be received, and your 'light-hearted impressions' are neither light-hearted nor because they are 'your impressions' beyond the judgement of others. If you could do 'light-hearted' maybe you could be loved by what you desire the most (fear the most), a British woman over 50.

Harriet Marlowe, London , U.K.

As a British woman living in France, where standards of grooming and style are expected to be respected from cradle to grave, I relate to the stereotype you are promoting of English women. Here, I am often told I am quite slim for an anglaise, and quite well presented too.

However, I have lived in both Washington and London and I am pretty much stunned you would have the nerve to call Brits lard butts compared to the average American.

That said, I have stylish beautiful American friends as well as well groomed gorgeous British ones, all of whom I hope never have the misfortune to meet you!

Kate, France,

He's just provoking more free publicity isn't he?

I've been married twice - once to a lovely English girl (now sadly deceased) and now to an American. They are both equally fabulous.

Brian, farnham, uk

Ted, You have so much to learn and such a short time to learn it in.Rosie O'Donnell is American.How's that for beauty and personality?Enough to suit you?

ron, toronto,

Dear Tad
Thou doth Protest too much.

Rosalind Readhead, London, London

Perhaps us British women, act how we wish to act, why do have to be pressurised to beautify ourselves with make up or cosmetic surgery?

There are more pressing issues in the world. I certainly am considered pretty ( beauty always being in the eye of the beholder and I rarely wear makeup, am flat chested, and have protuding ears) and like being complimented, but that is certainly not my reason for existing. I am British, work hard, support my family and friends, don't drink alcohol and have British friends which fall into this category too.

Beauty is skin deep, we all die but its our ideas, work and love that get left behind.

So Tad Safran, perhaps we should meet up so you can decide for yourself before you make sweeping statements about different nationalities.

Polly, Epsom, UK

Tad Safran may well be correct that British women are mingers. However he is obviously mistaking us for people who collectively care. Is he being chased by weeping English women flinging themselves at his feet crying 'oh why, oh why don't you love us Tod?'. I'd suspect the answer is no - his views are about as relevant as me writing about why I don't fancy American men.

Emma, london, England

Well, I would say that Tad has a point, Take basic hygiene: North American ladies of my aquaintance are appalled that British women don't blot their naughty bits and wash their hands after visiting the loo, as amply demonstrated in numerous Brit-flicks such as The Full M onty, Trainspotting, etc Disgusting!!!

Archie, Thrapston, England

While the first piece might have been considered tongue in cheek, this one is down right offensive not to mention childish.

Get it in your thick head: there are all sorts of women everywhere, not everyone is a barbie doll or a fat frump, I would say most are somewhere in between. You are so patronizing and deluded, well done to the girls who would rather spend their time and money on something more worthwhile. It may have never occurred to you that these women are happy just the way they are, have fulfilling lives and their happiness is not in any way related t the way they look.

And stop going on about the spanish, the french, etc I live in Spain and there are many crass women who behave like fishwives and dress terribly here too.

As a venezuelan I feel liberated living in Europe(Italy, Spain and England) as I don't feel judged on my looks as I did at home. I have relaxed my beauty routine and for that I thank my lovely, stylish and sophisticated London friends.

Now shut up !

Sandy, seville, Spain

Ted Safran has said what my Spanish wife has been quietly saying for the past 20 years.

John Rawlins, Valencia, Spain

The author is right of course, as anyone who has lived abroad can testify. But this physical slobbishness is hardly confined to women. And it is an old old problem, the lack of grace, the food, the ale, the long cold winters....

No sex please, we're....

Al, Birmingham,

I have no personal experience of American women but living in the Algarve I see many British women here on holiday and it is obvious from a great distance where they are from.

I am not sure if it is the fashion to have a large gap between the bottom edge of tops and the top edge of shorts or jeans or if it is simply that they will not meet over the rolls of fat. Either way the vast majority make the Michelin man look like an anorexic waif. Add to that the lobster pink skin and they are unmistakeable.

With programmes like Look Good Naked showing how to hide rather than lose fat, what else should we expect? These women have no self respect and don't believe that they are fat. They fool themselves that they simply have 'womanly curves'.

When I was young, the fat girls were the last to get a date by a desperate man. These days, men have little or no alternative.

Remember Evans the Outsize shop? Today their sizes would be on the 'petite' rack.

Paul, Messines,

You're absolutely right, British women are so engrossed in how fantastically feminist they are they have failed to realise the only others that are interested in such tosh are themselves. British women have far too much attitiude and very little substance. Go to any bar in any town on any friday/saturday night and you'll see what I mean, mouthy, unhealthy, unattractive drunks! Back at work monday morning, and its who gets the points for the most ridiculous antic, no wonder there are so many 20,30,and soon 40 somethings without a mate, foriegn women are so much more civilised and elegant.

Mark, Devon, England

Safran is right of course. British women simply do not have the intuitive and graceful sexuality of their more feline Continental counter-parts. Result: frumpiness. The error of his earlier article was in extolling the laboured artificiality that passes for beauty among vapid American women, many of whom are carrying the same rather sad Ango-Saxon gene.

David , Greece,

Well, I perhaps shouldn't be so shallow as to say it, but I loved TS's article. I'm a Brit woman who enjoys a long grooming session as much as the next Prom Queen but mostly I enjoy a good laugh, which is what TS gave me.

Annie, Hampshire,

OK. What excatly is it that you like in english women as you have confessed to doing?

Kate M, London, London

The biggest reason the Asian community in Britain is perceived as unwilling to "integrate" by the Indigineous masses, is that the women are not willing to go out on a Friday night and get hammered, vomiting in recycling bins and sleeping with anything that stands in front of them. The sheer ugliness of the sight of seeing such women makes me question whether women truly are liberated in the UK, or whether they are the real slaves to the chauvinistic white male's image of how "proper women" should behave. I for one find it disgusting and if that means I'm not "proper British" then so be it!

Sarina Patel, London, UK

Safran comments that 'Unfortunately, if you throw a rock in a British city centre, you’re slightly more likely to hit a girl resembling Vicky Pollard than Kate Moss.' Possibly so. But then if you threw a rock in a US city centre, you would be more likely to hit Vicky Pollard than Julia Roberts. Get real, Safran. Not all US women are glamorous, any more than all UK women are mingers.

Josie, Leeds, West Yorks

We won't shoot the messenger - we have a thing called gun control in the UK to stop that sort of thing.
However with all the rocks that will be flying about trying to hit Kate or Keira I'd watch out for any that miss.

James, Glasgow,

I LOVE the comments from the "belles" of the American South about how beautiful they are. Hah! if there is any place on the planet with, erm, a plumper population (of both genders) than the American South -- I've yet to see it.

Sarah, Seattle, Washington, USA

It seems to me that you've been let off lightly. You talk about the ills of british women like they only occur in britain. The underlying message I get from your articles is that you think that a woman is there to be well groomed and proper for all men out there, and God forbid if she looks her age if she's 35 or above. You ask, what do British women have? I ask you, what do you have that gives you that authority to ridicule so many and classify them under the same characteristics? Have you the the simmering sexuality of the Spanish, the sophistication of the French or the openness of the Scandinavians? And I wonder if you've ever considered that most men let themselves go before they even hit 25, but ofcourse they are guys, it's in their nature, right?

Isobel, London,

I agree with all the things he has to say. Women in London In particular fall in to two categories. The beautiful frigid type who view sex as a chore something to do till they go shopping. Or the ugly bitchy type who only shag fellow working class cockney barrow boys. Women in London are asexual but it is not their fault you could possibly argue it is the weather that makes them pale and white and as a result reluctant to show off their assets.

Plus he is correct about women in this country drinking too much and puking up on pavements afterwards.

Va, London, London

I have to agree with the author on this. It's not to say that Americans are naturally more beautiful than British women, but just that there is more effort put into looking good when a girl has turned into a woman over 25. Normal American women are not the Botox obsessed, anorexic Beverly Hills oddities seen in the media, but the great majority of us still try to do the best with what we're given. I am from the American South, where southern belles past the age of 25 leave their houses with hair blown out, and all bumps, bags, and under-eye circles concealed and powdered, mascara, blush, and gloss at the least. When I lived in London, I found that I could do the bare minimum (think concealer, ponytail and ChapStick) and still be more made up than most of the women I saw in London.

Elizabeth, Birmingham, Alabama, USA

Get over yourself. It's time to go back to the states to grab a handful of silicon induced, botox plumped, waxed, moisturized body part, and stop bad-mouthing British women.
At least your first article was provocative; this open replypaints you as whiny and sexist.

Quit while you're ahead love, and stop digging a deeper hole.

Dee, San Francisco, USA

Oh please! Again? Can't we just deport him back to LA? Or at least get him to write a damn piece on how much HE spends on grooming? And keep him out of the stables while you're at it - his skin care product range shall surely spook the horses.

Anamika, London, UK

Well said Tad. I'm so glad to see that you didn't hang your head and apologize. I laughed out loud at your first article and again reading this one. I think you're right in implying that your criticism hits too close to home. No one would be upset by your evaluation of British grooming if it weren't perhaps, true! Look me up if you're ever in Nashville. I'm a US size 6, go to the gym 5 times a week, but also have 2 college degrees, a professional license, a fabulous career and can also carry on an engaging conversation. Oooh, a British woman's worst nightmare!

Carmen, Nashville, TN USA

Tad - I'm assuming that's you in the picture, right? Have you looked at that picture - or in a mirror? It must be wonderful to be this delusional.

You have fat cheeks, a weak chin, no hint of a jaw, a VERY prominent nose and the beginnings of a uni-brow. They also cropped off the top of your head in the photo, hiding a receding hairline I assume? And why aren't you standing there bare chested so we can see your six-pack abs? Jesus, why don't you get to work on yourself?

Frankly, if you throw a rock in the middle of a British city your far more likely to hit something that looks like you than say, Daniel Craig.

Kate, San Francisco, California