That’s not a skirt; that’s a napkin with a tag! As spring brings the glorious sun-shining weather to our doorsteps, it also brings a dramatic change in people’s clothing selections. The hotter the weather gets outside, the less clothes women wear. Granted, I am not the “typical guy,” but the abundance of skin does not make me more willing to like you; it makes me more likely to avoid you, as I try to respect you with my easily corrupted mind.

I am sure you are familiar with the clothes I am referring to, since it seems impossible not to see them everywhere while walking from class to class. Women seem to be wearing less and less; whether it is a short miniskirt or a revealing top, nothing seems to be the right size anymore.

Emily Latham, a senior nursing student, realizes that women have the freedom to wear whatever they want, but feels too many women show off their bodies inappropriately.

“I disapprove of women who flaunt their bodies to get attention from men,” Latham said. “But if they want to look ridiculous, it is their own fault.”

For some reason, women are surprised at the fact that the men they date only were after their bodies and sex, like a material object to be won. Can you blame the men? Was this not what you were advertising to them by wearing that outfit? By no means do these outfits justify the immature and inappropriate conduct some men engage in to conquer and degrade women.

By wearing these revealing outfits, you send a clear message to the men: I am a body; do to me what you will. This may be offensive to some of you, but sadly, many men are not interested in a relationship, a girlfriend or a person to grow old with: they are looking for sex. A woman wearing next-to-nothing is offering this to those kinds of men. Since the woman is half naked already, the men figure it won’t be too hard to get her completely naked.

Women want someone to care for them, give them attention and love them. An easy way to get this kind of consideration by men is to show off a nice body. Women that wear these revealing outfits are quite stunning, but I don’t think I would ever consider dating any of them. I find myself appalled by what women are wearing and am very grateful for finding an incredible girlfriend who understands the importance of modesty.

Those good guys that are so hard to find aren’t looking for bikini contest winners, because goods guys should be the ones trying to respect women and their bodies. In a world where those amazing guys are so hard to find, women lose hope and decide that their standards might be too high, so they settle for less – and that’s exactly what they get, less.

My heart goes out to women who use a miniskirt and cleavage to attract men; they will gain the men’s attention, but few of those men will treat them with the respect they truly deserve. The most admirable traits you will ever find in a woman are hidden beneath the surface: those things that are in her heart. If a revealing outfit is not the best method for attracting guys, then what is?

Modesty, integrity, kindness, solid faith, a sense of humor, a smile, intelligence and compassion are some qualities that truly impress me. I think women need to learn to respect themselves and be confident enough to know that who she is as a person is always more valuable than degrading herself by wearing immodest clothing.

Ashley Potts, a junior majoring in social work, disapproves of what women are wearing today.

“Dressing modestly shows more respect for yourself because it shows more confidence about who you are on the inside, rather than relying on your body for the attention of others,” Potts said.

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Andrew Stewart can be reached at [email protected]