Everyone gets them, or HAS gotten them. Anyone who denies it is clearly lying, and that's another post entirely. But what is so bad about them? For the wearer, sure, they're a clear sign that we're under some kind of stress or, are at the very least, warm. My first year of teaching, I wore layers or light colors, or black when I'd get observed because I'd be so nervous that I knew those tell-tale little marks would be showing through the course of the day. So, on this Sunday before I head out food-shopping and over-analyzing every detail of my life, I'd like to take some time to explore and possibly remove "arm-pitt stains" from the category of "lemon" in our daily lives.
In bringing up this topic to various ages and genders, I have found that our profound hatred of APS starts somewhere around middle school. Pre-teens and young teenagers view APS as extremely embarrassing and gross. Something is wrong with you if you get APS. Wear deodorant, shower, get a clean shirt...the list goes on to explain where their disdain for APS comes from. They snicker and talk about who has APS and even say that they don't want to be in close proximity to that person. Poor stained soul. Simple hormones and biology clearly don't figure into the equation when one is 13, but that's to be expected from an age group that views 30 as old and a month-long relationship as significant.
As we get older, I've found that the stigma of APS gets less and less. Particularly because our bodies are a little more well-adjusted and maybe we just don't sweat as much(?), BUT, also I think because there are so many other things to worry about, that a little thing like sweat isn't going to ruin our day. In fact, at least among those of my acquaintance, APS is a joke. Sure, we buy our clinical strength deodorants (Degree Clinical is legit!)...but I think somewhere along the way we stop caring. If you're in the gym, and you see someone working out and they're sweating, APS is almost a badge of honor. That person, male or female, is getting their swell on so hard that they are profusely sweating and need that natural help to cool down. Thumbs up.
I was out the other night and it was so crowded and so hot on the dance floor that everyone was "glistening" a little bit. I didn't see it diminishing anyone's inclination to keep dancing, nor did it stop anyone from gettin' their "bump and grind" on....quite the opposite. I'm not a scientist, but I've heard of pheromones, and they must be released through sweat or something because Twiggy couldn't pass through some couples and there was a lot of affection being shown...in short, sweat didn't put a damper on the situation. Pun intended. Another thumbs up.
In thinking about this more and more, why are we embarrassed by sweat or APS? There are so many other things to care about, and really, don't we want to see that someone is committed to what they are doing? Whether that be working extra hard at our jobs, exercising, or dancing, we do like to see commitment from those around us. Someone making a presentation or working really hard is getting their adrenaline going, and maybe that makes them break out in a sweat. Hey, they're working here. Cut some slack. Someone exercising just wants to look good naked or get in shape for swimsuit season. No qualms here. Dancing at a bar or club, hey if it's a good bar or club, it's going to be crowded and dancing is aerobic in nature (my sore feet and legs speak to this truth--dancing in heels is tough work)...so sweat happens.
Among friends, APS, and everything else, can be turned into a joking matter. A friend of mine has on her facebook page a great quote "Say what you mean and do what you want. The people who mind don't matter, and the people that matter don't mind". Let's apply that to APS. Who would you rather be friends with...the insecure person that hides their APS by only putting their arms up half-way or being the party-pooper who doesn't start jumping around like a maniac to "Jump Around"? OR the confident person that can laugh at themselves, throw up their arms, and say "HELL YEAH, I'm having a great time!"
What's most embarrassing? Not much at my age. I've seen and done most of tht stuff... and worse. Uncle Skip.
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