Venus and Mars

Venus was a Roman goddess and Mars was a Greek god, and they have both come to symbolise men and women today. Billy Connolly, the famous comedian, says that we're not the same, and that we shouldn't try to be the same. I tend to agree. I don't think men and women should morph into one hybrid gender.

I enjoy being female. I love that we can show emotion, indulge in tasty snacks, moan about monthly cramps, try on all our clothes until there's nothing left in the closet, wear heels and talk about eyeshadow colours in tones so serious you would think it was the topic of discussion at a UN forum.

Every now and then my partner Darren and I will be chatting about something (or more likely getting ready to go somewhere), and Darren will come out with the inevitable line "I'm glad I'm not a chick". This will usually come after I am having trouble with a: clothes b: makeup c: hair.

Fundamentally, men do have it easier. To go out, they shower (hopefully), choose a shirt to go with their jeans, spray on some cologne (Darren insists men DO NOT wear perfume), slick in some hair product and away they go. Taking as they leave a cellphone, wallet and keys.

The average woman takes a lot longer to get ready before going out. She has a shower, usually blow dries her hair and maybe straightens or curls her hair as well. This is followed by putting on makeup and perfume, getting dressed (with possible further wardrobe changes intermingled among these steps), choosing accessories and jewellery and possibly changing handbags from day tote to evening clutch.

As you can see, a lot more steps. No wonder men say we are high maintenance. But we women have a secret.

We love the steps which we take to make ourselves feel and look good. There is nothing like an aromatic facial to relax you, a haircut and colour before a special event or a new outfit to boost your spirits. We love that we can look dramatic or demure just by alternating kohl pencil with shimmer dust, candy pink gloss with magenta lipstick.

So yes, we do spend a lot more time and effort on our looks than most men. We occasionally moan about our appearances. But we have more fun with them too.