I hate waxing. But, I would rather endure the pain than show my body hair

Call me a coward, but I don't care. Waxing did hurt, it hurt like crazy. Photo Courtesy: YouTube/ FavouriteVideos

All my life I've hated every form of beauty procedure that has involved removing body hair. This includes shaving, laser, and of course waxing. Now, if you are a woman with average hair growth, you understand how messy and painful waxing can be. So, I evaded the torture for as long as I could--until I tied the knot. It was then when I was forced to endure the agony of smearing hot wax on my skin to take off what God intended to be there--body hair!

I had heard many horrific tales from my friends, who had categorically told me time and again that waxing hurt like hell. And I was petrified. Yet, the mere thought of being called a hairy bride forced me to live my worst nightmare. So, I went ahead with it. And I will never forget my screams, echoing through the glass walls of the salon--much to the amusement of the attendant.

Call me a coward but I don't care. It did hurt, it hurt like crazy. And this made me wonder: why do we women put up with these extreme beauty procedures, anyway? Why are we so willing to endure pain than not conform to the beauty standards set by society?

Well, I believe that it's because we don't want to be the freak who looks different. The society expects women to be hairless Goddesses with glistening, smooth hands and limbs. And we are conditioned to believe that's the right thing to do. So, we are ready to go through hell than become a pariah--including me.

Also read: Here's what men think of women who don't wax or shave regularly

Honestly, is there any woman on the face of the earth who enjoys getting waxed? I most definitely don't think so. Yet, there's hardly a female soul who doesn't go through the anguish before wearing a dress that is bound to put the legs on display. And why? Because no one wants to be laughed at. Also, let me tell you--if shaving legs and hands is distressing, cleaning the underarms and other such sensitive parts are even worse. And yet, we comply.

In fact, during the course of my wedding, I had an aunt come up to me say that I had no choice, but to look pretty for my husband to deflower me. And in order to tempt him to do so, I had to get rid of all the body hair and look pretty. Apparently that's what all bides do, she had added generously.

Though her well-meaning advice had annoyed me immensely, I cowered. Because that's what is expected out of us women. My husband-to-be, on the other hand, had no such excruciating treatments waiting for him. All he was expected to do was wash his face and show up.

In fact, when I did complain about the pain to my mom, she went onto reprimand me for making a fuss over such a petty thing. In her words, I was woman fated to endure a lot more pain. Waxing was nothing in comparison to all that.

*Sigh* All I can say is that the world, the society, and biology are really cruel to us women. Why else would we go on to defend and rationalize something as excruciating and senseless as waxing?

Also read: "Sweet mother of God, why do you hate me so!" and other things I wish I could tell my parlour didi