I anecdote you.

I go to the library and check out the large-type section. It is right next to the string of ‘Net PCs available. Two young ladies are there. Both have only their faces and hands to view – Muslim girls, now old enough to hide all that ‘seductive distraction’ from I guess endlessly adolescent males.

And, they are as pretty as any two blossomed roses in a garden.

They seem to be discussing what they are trying to do with the PC. I intercede, with a “Mornin’, ladies, can I help in some way?” I have a leg-up with young foreign-born women – I so resemble the beloved Grandpa they left behind, and I am invariably gentlemanly – not too mention too ugly to think that such a young beauty, no matter her birthplace, would be interested except as I remind her of her Grandpa, whose love she earned just by being herself. And, so, you see, I am EveryGrandpa!

They were wondering how to put a Word doc into a web-page entry box. Piece of cake! I showed them, and I was treated with smiles and little head bows. I bowed, myself – Sir Walter Raleigh, without the cape – and took to my bookshelf search. I had done my Boy Scout good-deed for the day.

But, I still can’t get over how very feminine the fully-concealed lady is. If the Muslim world worries over seduction, they do themselves no favor by hiding all but a beautiful face, with those very feminine large dark eyes, and graceful hands. Instinctively, I bowed to their gracious bows. They were two worthy ladies, worthy of any man’s attentive display. And, I even felt less ugly!

Do you think that the modestly dressed and accessorized woman is at once ‘more desirable’ even as ‘truly respectable’?

I remember that my petite little wife, Sharon, preferred attending such as weddings in long, simple gowns. She made them herself, so fitting as if out of her Ladyship’s expensive, extensive wardrobe. Hence, only her head and hands were unadorned with fabric. And, men I did not know would ask me if they could ask her to dance. And, they bowed to both of us, so courtly and respectful. Sharon was an enchanting woman, as if in that hall, any hall, any occasion, she was the very one princess her name (Sharon is from Sarah) means. (And, please hold the old 'Princess and the Ape (or Bear)' quips, to which I have been endlessly subjected.)

She is a great dancer, too, in that she could get me to dance at all well. ‘IS a great dancer’, now getting saints who never tried to get out and love to dance. I am certain that the Holy Spirit breaks in a lot. When you arrive in heaven, you will find that your great parade is led by the Spirit Himself, dancing for pure joy at your salvation, with His cadre of angels.

One gentleman who had danced an imperial Viennese waltz (try to find a modern orchestra that can play one of those) with her dropped her back at our table, as I rose to receive my beloved with honors. The gent leaned in to tell me I was ‘one lucky man’. I corrected him: ‘I am the luckiest man in the world’, to his knowing nod. In her feminine modesty, Sharon was the most becomingly desirable woman I ever knew.

Fishman

You make an interesting point.

Would you have some references to back up your claim?

Noel & Michael,

I, too, remember something of a study that held this - something like this? - to be the case. But, I cannot for the life of me remember where and when I read it. It has to be months and months ago, buried now in more immediate interests such as our interminable election season.

Fishman

I do not see your reply to my request for information.

I have been trying to find some myself.

I read:

The existence, function, and characterization of human pheromones has historically been a controversial topic, especially over the past ten years. Research has included question and answer surveys, bioassay guided isolation, and physiological characterization of receptive membranes. Much research in human pheromonal activity has been coupled to that of other mammals, such as rats, mice, and pigs...

Current controversy arises not from the question of whether or not these chemicals produce a physiological response in humans, but rather from the defining characteristic of a pheromone to have a significant impact on the sexual behavior of the receiving organism. Because of the complex nature of human behavior, quantitative measurements on actual behavioral changes due to the reception of pheromones have been questionable"(http://www.colostate.edu/Depts/Entomology/courses/en570/papers_2002/benore.htm).

There seems to be little solid research about the role of pheromones in humans.