The Power of Primping

There’s something that happens to me every time I’m in Paris.

Maybe it’s because I’m a veteran people watcher in a legendary people-watching-city. Maybe it’s because I’m a Matchmaker and I’m looking for love for all of you.

Maybe it’s because I’m fascinated by how men and women define beauty and attractiveness, which ultimately commands their preferences and desires. 

I grew up spending summers with my French grandmother in Paris. In my 30s and 40s, my treasured Parisian summers became shorter and shorter, due to the realities of work, marriage, motherhood, and other adult obligations. Post-divorce, that leisure time grew even more limited.

So, this past October I traveled to Paris with the express purpose of spending five solid days with my grandmother, who just turned 104.

From the time I was a small child, my summer mornings began by watching my grandmother prepare for the day, seated before her huge three-mirror vanity. Her morning routine was just so: Careful placement of eye liner, lipstick and assorted powders. Precise selection of jewelry. A practiced choosing of coordinated clothing – shoes always matching a color within her blouse and/or skirt.

This daily morning routine was a big process, one she performed with patience and pleasure, while I studied her from my small cushioned stool next to hers.

And there was always perfume.

And lastly, a scarf, tied differently each day.

Grandmother did this every day, whether we had elegant lunch reservations, a picnic at the park, or a day filled with mundane errands.

She followed her morning ritual as a young bride, a mother, a grandmother, and a great grandmother. It was never about pleasing anyone, other than herself.

Every time I visit Paris, I invariably fall into a mini-version of her routine. I take time to dress, look in the mirror, I pull out make up from the very bottom of my beauty bag. I make time for the ceremony.

It is an effort.

I do it because when I’m in Paris, and I look around, it seems like everyone else does it too, men and women alike.

They honor themselves because they know something that I seem to forget each time I leave Paris: taking this kind of care of ourselves makes us feel special, and beautiful. 

We are more attractive to others, when we feel attractive.

I spend hours coaching women and men through the dating process, so I’m keenly aware of the connection between dating and self-confidence.

My Parisian lifestyle is radically different than my NYC life, where I sometimes never make it out of my yoga pants until the evening or ever pull my hair into anything other than my messy bun.

Though, when in Paris, I give myself a special gift of time. And, every time I’m there, I feel beautiful.

Why not feel extra attractive? Why not assign time for primping before stepping out of our homes, whether it’s out for a date or a trip to the supermarket?

I’m confident that the design and execution of your own “personal ritual” will increase the likelihood of successful dates, attracting others to you, no matter the setting.

Would you like to join me in a little experiment?

I’ve vowed to continue my Parisian morning practice when I get back to NYC. Join me and let me know how it works out for you!

P.S. My Grandmother still performs her morning ritual daily. She’s lived to 104 and turns heads to this day…she’s got to be doing something right!

Eat Date Love, 

Brigitte Weil, Tawkify Matchmaker, Chef + Founder, I Hate Celery Sticks
For more information on Brigitte, click here.