I previously wrote about how I had gotten the wrong impression of the British as being exceptionally conservative and restrained, however perhaps in some cases that perception isn’t so skewed. It seems that some British folk still think that modesty isn’t outmoded just yet.

According to Steve Doughty of the UK’s Daily Mail (07/26/06), some city councilors believe that men who can’t take the heat should leave town, not their shirts at home. They wish to pass local bylaws to deem men parading shirtless in urban centers as anti-social, similar to existing statutes banning drinking on streets or preventing swarms of youth congregating in gangs.

A former local government minister, Nicholas Bennett has presented said plan to various councils across England. He says, “But one of the things that is depressing for anyone going shopping is the numbers of shaven-headed men, mainly in their 30s and 40s, who seem to think people want to see their torsos.”

In my city, which can be rather chilly from September right up until May, I can say the first day that it’s even close to room temperature outside, the shorts and mini skirts come out en masse. As it gets hotter and hotter, men and women wear less and less, whether or not they have the ideal bodies for showing off flesh.

It might not turn me on, per se, depending of course on the individual. Nevertheless, in a way, it bolsters my self-confidence as I say if that dude with the gut isn’t shy or that chick with the roll of fat hanging over the hip-huggers says to herself why not, shouldn’t I learn to embrace my own imperfections.

Conversely, when I see someone with a six-pack or bulging pecs, it is far less stimulating for me to spend money on ill-fitting clothes, an ice-cold draft or that slice of pizza I’m craving. Instead, I start to think I should suck it up (not just in) and join a gym, which is something I never actually pay to do.

I say shameless behavior always stimulates spending. Beer bellies and love handles reinforce a spirit of self-indulgence far more, than healthy, toned abs do. Be flabby but fabulous and I’ll be fat and frivolous too!