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 l