I think the women take care of their looks for their self esteem, to impress other women and to impress guys. The proportions of these 3 will be unique to each woman, and I think it also varies depending on her age/relationship status.
I agree with all of this^^. And find it quite insightful actually.
Speaking only for myself and I've pretty much always felt this way, I take care of my looks for ME (my own self-esteem) as when I "look" my best, I "feel" my best, I'm at my best self!
Thus I can be a better and happier partner, friend, sister and person!
Don't you guys take care of your looks (working out, etc) for the same reason? To be at your best selves?
Sure there are insecure women who do so to compete with other women and attract the lustful attention of thirsty men. I personally know such women! Not friends just acquaintances.
But if a woman is centered with a decent level of self-esteem, she doesn't need to compete with other women and she knows that she doesn't need to look like a glamour girl to attract men.
Not a brag but only to make a point, I can go to the market wearing leggings, a tee and sneaks with hair in pony wearing a baseball cap and I'll get approached!
In fact I get approached
more when dressed down and not having made much effort!
That said do I want to please/impress my boyfriend? Yes absolutely! So I make a lot of effort to look and be at my best for
him.
Re impressing other women, my friends? No I can honestly say I don't give a rats rear end about that. Never have.
But again I DO know plenty of women who do but it's not an absolute.
Re my friends, we accept each other no matter what we look like that day.