VH1′s Tough Love: “Sex and the Male Brain”

March 30, 2009 Posted in Advice, Entertainment

Arian

The ladies of Tough Love were back last night and, as on the first two episodes, sexy Steve had a sexy lesson up his sleeve. He instructed each girl to set up their own photoshoot where they demonstrated what “sexy” means to them. The definition of sexuality is personal and unique to each individual, so this photoshoot would reveal how the women feel about their bodies and what they think men find attractive. The main test here is whether the girls can recognize the thin line between what is considered sexy and what is actually slutty.

Arian (Miss Party Girl) totally missed the boat and went straight for nudity and soft-core porn poses. Although I am definitely not surprised by her choice, I’m disappointed that she wasn’t able to see the point of this test. She knows that her ultra-sexual nature is what landed her in a Tough Love Boot Camp, so why did she waste this valuable learning experience by regressing? And with whipped cream, no less?!

Natasha

Natasha (Miss Fixing the Wrong Guys), however, surprised me when she looked like she was ready to beat a man into submission and make him kiss her boots. Who knew she had that kind of sexual confidence? Go on with your bad self, girl!

When Steve had a focus group of men critique the photos, they all agreed that “confidence is sexy.” They were put off by Arian’s skanky posing and Stasha’s (the European drill sargeant) over-exposure. What did the guys find the most attractive? Smiles, playfulness, and seeming comfortable and confident.

In attempts to drive the lesson home, Steve plans a lingerie party for the girls to teach them to be comfortable in their own skin and to test their comfort zones. Each girl was set up with a date and Steve was to watch them and see how they handled themselves. Most girls had issues wearing the lingerie, but Taylor (Miss Gold Digger) had issues with her date (and the booze). It didn’t take the girl long to find out how much money her date made and she immediately wrote him off for not meeting her financial standards (“My guy was broke!“). She even said it to his face, which just made me want to reach through the screen and grab that man for myself. Is he rich? No. Does he have delicious muscles? YES.

Taylor

Then there was Arian. I was proud of her for wearing a conservative outfit to the party (I was expecting nipple covers and edible panties) and abstaining from talking about exes. But after only knowing her date for an hour or so, she treats him to some goodies… in her bed…with massage oil. Hey, at least she did well during the first half.

But let’s get back to Taylor. After drunkenly throwing her body all around the room, she gets called out for her Gold Diggin’ ways. And that is when her too-thick eyeliner starts runnin’. Taylor explains that she’s a gold digger because she’s had a rough life and knows it would be easier with money. Some may fall for her crap, but I don’t know if I really care. Taylor is obnoxious and I’m not sure she’ll ever change. And with that said…I’d like all the men Steve sets her up with that she rejects.

And that is Tough Love.

So, do you agree with Steve’s methods? Do you think his rules are correct?

2561010 Comments2009-03-30+13%3A00%3A57 on "VH1′s Tough Love: “Sex and the Male Brain”"

Lauren - University says:
Mon, 30th Mar 20094:33 am

OMG that taylor girl has a real problem. I seriously wanted to smack her. What is wrong with these girls? Although, I have a feeling Steve would hate my own dating style so who knows how I'd react. I'd prob just try to date him

Kayla says:
Mon, 30th Mar 20096:08 am

I think that they are on this show to try something different… clearly what they have been doing hasn't been working. So they should actually TRY something different. At least for an episode or two haha.

Kristen says:
Mon, 30th Mar 20096:36 am

what kind of message is this show sending? that all women are flawed and they need to fix themselves in order to find a man willing to love them. because we all know men are perfect and every relationship problem is caused by the female. i'd like to see steve put the men he's going to be setting these girls up with through a boot camp as well.

Amy says:
Mon, 30th Mar 20097:28 am

I feel that this show provides a straight forward opportunity to glimpse into the behaviors of both the male and female sexes. Given it is a show inspired by the search for true love, it is important to realize Steve's message does not simply imply magnifying these particular women and their faults, but to have the viewer gain introspection on how their own individual behavior. Each behavior delivers a certain tone or message, and for most viewers the common response is "WTF?". Each woman is different (gold digger, bride, etc.) but notice too how these women judge each other as well.

Most of these women do not realize their own behavior which is why Steve's therapy and observation can truly help us all. The participants behavior is not only hindering them from finding the love they desire, but create difficulties in getting along with one another. If you cannot get along with another person, even one of the same gender, how can you expect to get along with someone of the opposite gender? Humans are all alike, and no one wants to be treated disrespectfully.

Take what you will from this show, but also realize that these women are still people much like us, but have given up a part of themselves to receive help, and to help you. If we were all picture perfect, we wouldn't lend an hour of our days to tune in to the show in the first place.

Rozy says:
Mon, 30th Mar 20097:48 am

I had zero sympathy for Taylor. "It's not about the money," MY ASS. So what if times were incredibly hard for you 'cause you were suddenly left with nothing? Life is hard! Good luck finding a financially stable guy in this blistered economy. Work for yourself too, woman! You've experienced the pains of child-rearing with no money, but the only way to grow is to keep on trucking instead of just "having something to fall back on." You're working harder finding and wishing for a guy like that than you are actually working. =/

Either way, this show is seriously my guilty pleasure…I-I LOVE IT.

Emmie says:
Mon, 30th Mar 20099:51 am

Kristen – Ever seen Tool Academy? There's a male equivalent of this show, don't worry.

tightie says:
Mon, 30th Mar 20096:20 pm

Here's a guilty pleasure and really gives insight into the mail brain

http://tightie.wordpress.com/2009/03/29/in_the_as…

Really it does!

lauren says:
Sun, 12th Apr 200912:55 pm

I love this show! I've learned a lot about what I'm doing wrong with guys just from watching. A little tough love never hurt anyone..

Tell us what you're thinking...