Corny and Cutesy is romance dressed in everyday clothes.

~ASwirlGirl

As is often the case here at BBW, this week a small sidebar conversation erupted in the Question of the Week: “I’m Over 40–Am I Too Old to Swirl?” thread.

It started out innocently enough (it always does!). Several posters contemplated the whys and wherefores of “attractive” people coupling up with individuals who may possess faces that appear “plain” or bodies that are less-than svelte. A light banter ensued and the general consensus resulted in a “different strokes for different folks” conclusion. One post led to another, and the conversation took a turn when a certain gentleman who shall remain nameless revealed that he sported a pierced ear. When asked if he favored a hoop or a stud, the gentleman replied:

Actually when I first got it pierced at 40 – my midlife crisis – I favored hoop.  Last few years I go with a stud.  This year I have gotten out of the habit of wearing one at all because the school I teach at does not allow them for the guys, student or staff.  Although…. this will be corny…  when I have a regular special lady I want us to get a pair of earrings and each wear one….  I know that is silly…. I am into cutesy romantic stuff sometimes…

What??!

Shut. The. Front. Door.

This man wants him and his special lady to get a pair of earrings – and he wears one, and she wears the other – and he thinks that is “silly?”

Really????

Sir, this is the stuff that dreams are made of!

To quote our resident matriarch, Brenda55:

“That is not corny.  What woman would not like that? Cutesy romantic stuff is really, really good.”

Hear, hear!

DISCLAIMER: Cutesy and corny must NOT be confused with “Cheezy” and “Creepy.” Cheezy tries to masquerade as Cutesy and Corny. Yet, it always reveals itself for the fake and flimsy imitation that it is because its motives aren’t right. Cheezy takes no thought other than to try to impress; it bases itself on what it thinks a woman wants because it’s too lazy to take the time to really find out. Cheezy also takes short cuts and doesn’t bother to personalize or tailor itself to a specific woman; instead, Cheezy makes an assumption founded on mass market appeal instead of focusing on an audience of one.

Cheezy’s cousin Creepy is even worse because its motivations stems from a damaged, perverted, or even dangerous place. Creepy’s true reflection is inward and based on its own self-seeking needs and twisted desires. As a result, Creepy’s offering usually cause a woman’s inner red flags to wave wildly, raises the hair on the nape of her neck, and is usually accompanied by the developing of a sinking feeling in the pit or her stomach and a speedy search for the nearest exit. Cheezy and Creepy turn a woman completely off instead of on.

Ah, but all hail to Corny and Cutesy:  Corny and Cutesy is romance dressed in everyday clothes. Cutesy and corny, in their purest forms, require thought. They require viewing a woman as an individual; one who is unique, different, desirable, and special. And because the woman is special, Cutesy and Corny seek to express themselves by way of romance that is not contrived or clichéd. Cutesy and Corny don’t strive to appeal to a mass market – perish the thought! Why? Because Cutesy and Corny are individualized and focused. 

Once comfortable, Cutesy and Corny dare to allow themselves to show their sensitivity and vulnerability. The desire to connect is far greater than any sense of pride that would hold them back. Besides, Cutesy and Corny have properly vetted, and thus don’t reveal themselves to just any and everybody. Cutesy and Corny are selective, and once released, lend themselves to forming the warp and woof of the fabric that knits a couple together in loving, long-lasting relationships.

What about you? How do Cutesy and Corny display themselves in the “everyday clothes” of your relationship? What Cutesy and Corny things have you dared to do – or hope to do in the future?