So, a priest, a rabbi, and a Baptist minister walk into a bar and the bartender says, "What is this, a joke?" That's the kind of reaction I got the few times I told someone I'd decided to get a Brazilian wax. Then after the laughter subsided, and after the initial disorientation that followed the realization I was serious, came the question, "But why?" Why indeed. How ARE the choices we make derived, anyway? There are so many experiences that go into making a life--so many things that have affected our perspectives and desires--some in ways about which we remain totally oblivious. How could I answer that question? I could tell them I liked the feeling of being smooth "down there," or that the impulsive side of me had been yearning to do something wild and crazy--but these were hardly complete answers. No doubt it had something to do with my parents' inadvertent, but comprehensive, efforts at making me ashamed of my body when I was a small child, but whatever the reason, I was in the market for a "manzilian." Trouble is, there aren't many places which offer such services. My initial attempt to find such an establishment was met with failure--more than failure--utter rejection would sum it up more accurately. Going through the list of salons that offered waxing services in the "Yellow Pages" (none specified for men), I was not merely told that such waxing was not done at their salon, I was usually told this in a certain tone of voice--a tone that conveyed a certainty about my being a candidate for placement on the sex offenders registry. After a dozen or so affirmations of my apostasy to decency, I gave up in despair. Later, however, it occurred to me to do a search on the internet for "Brazilian waxing, male, Kansas" and though nothing came up for my hometown of Topeka, two salons in the Kansas City area showed up. Finally! I could call one of these places and be fairly certain that my inquiry would not be met with disdain. And sure enough, when I called "Back 2 Body" I spoke with Andrea (who performs the waxing services) and there was no hint of that "tone" in her voice. She was overtly friendly and encouraging, and I was able to talk to her openly about some of my concerns regarding the pain and--ahem--my anxieties surrounding being "fiddled with" down in my nether regions. When the day for my appointment came, my heart was pounding loudly enough that I was reminded of Poe's "The Tell Tale Heart," but like the police in that story, Andrea and the costumers in the waiting area didn't seem to notice. Later, lying on the table, unveiled, my heart continued to pound, but Andrea gradually helped me to feel more at ease with her friendly, professional, down-to-earth manner. For those who have never undergone this experience, and are thinking of doing so, it would be remiss of me not to acknowledge that what followed was painful. A few of the pulls were painful enough that I yelped a certain four letter word (you know, the one whose middle two letters are "u" and "c"?) No! Not THAT word, I'm speaking of "ouch!" Make that several ouches, but it was all very bearable, and in fact, thanks to Andrea, it was actually kind of fun--in a surreal, Twilight Zone-ish way. I also opted for a massage immediately afterward which really topped off the day. Male or female, if you are in the market for a Brazilian wax or any other waxing services, for other skin care or a massage, Back 2 Body is a place you should consider. My appointment with Andrea for my next waxing and massage has already been made. read more