by Linda Joyce

Created on: May 16, 2009   Last Updated: May 30, 2009

Random House Dictionary defines modesty as:

1. quality of being modest; freedom from vanity, boastfulness, etc.;

2. regard for decency of behavior; speech, dress, etc.;

3. moderation, simplicity

I agree heartily with all of these definitions, particularly #2, and upon reading them over again, I realize more and more that modesty is a lost virtue, especially among young women today.

It's hard not to believe this when everywhere I look, I see women in dress that, to say the least, is immodest. When I see low-cut tops, midriffs bared, low-slung jeans, and skirts that barely clear one's rear end, it confirms my feeling that young women today do not even know the meaning of the word modesty. And what's more, they don't even seem to realize or care that their clothing is provocative. It makes me wonder also what kind of female role models they have and if there is anyone at home that cares about how they go out of the house. In my day, I would never have gotten as far as the front door wearing some of the get-ups I see each day.

I don't want to sound like a prude, but I remember the days when women wore dresses, suits, and heels to work, never pants. In those days, women looked like women, and I believe because of the picture they presented were treated with more respect than they inspire today.

It's not to say that there aren't places where certain types of apparel are okay, for instance, the beach or at home; but many of the clothing items I described above are seen commonly everyday in the workplace and out on the street.

Another look that needs explaining is the pregnant woman who wears tight shirts to emphasize her expanding body. This is not attractive, at least not to me. Pregnancy is a beautiful time for a woman, but she need not display every inch of her pregnant body to others. If it were up to me, I would pass a law stating that old-fashioned maternity clothes, the ones with plenty of material which draped from the shoulders, should be worn by all pregnant women. Sue me if you don't agree.

In my mind, the sexiest most attractive thing about a woman is the sense of mystique that she creates. Why not give a man something to fantasize about, rather than blatantly exhibit all of your wares right at the git-go? Don't you think it becomes boring or commonplace when a man can look around and see women in revealing clothing everywhere? It's the woman who keeps a little mystery about herself that gets the attention, and rightly so. Why be like everyone else when you can start your own trend or fashion?

So, if you truly desire modesty, it doesn't take much work to develop it. One of the easiest things you can do is to wear appropriate clothing in the appropriate setting.

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