Is Being High Maintenance A Bad Thing?

When a woman invests serious time into her appearance, she is often labeled "high maintenance." But what does this term mean, exactly? In any other context the phrase would simply be an indication of the amount of effort necessary to maintain something. Often, it is beautiful, precious or meaningful things that require heavy maintenance. The Mona Lisa; high maintenance. The Museum of Natural History; high maintenance. Mercedes Benz; high maintenance. All the aforementioned are beautiful, desirable things that naturally require time, attention and effort in terms of their upkeep. When this term is used to describe a woman's beauty or self-care regimen, however, it takes on a new meaning. There is a negative connotation associated with the expression "high maintenance," where women are concerned. Why are women who pay particular attention to the maintenance of their image marginalized by this term?

Some will argue that investing valuable time into one's image is purely superficial. But in a society where so much emphasis is placed on beauty, can we blame women for succumbing to the pressures placed on them to achieve impossible standards of beauty? Furthermore, why should we blame any woman who feels the need to maintain a certain image? When did it become a sin to look good?

To some people the term high maintenance extends to cover women who demand certain standards of living as well. Again these women are regarded negatively. But should we condemn women who seek partners able to maintain their lifestyle? Sure, it is wrong to choose a man solely based on what he can do for you. But shouldn't that factor be considered in the grand scheme of things? While it's a blessing to find a man who is a great person, is it also wrong to want a great man who is also financially equipped to maintain a certain lifestyle? And can we separate materialism from the "high maintenance" concept, or are they indefinitely joined in a union of negativity?

Of course, as with everything else, there is a wide spectrum of high maintenance with extreme ends. Feel free to deplore the image obsessed, gold-diggers of the world. But what about the sistas who are just trying to look and live good, while putting effort into maintaining themselves. Why should that be a bad thing?