From Lara Matossian-Roberts…

Last month I wrote about the compulsive need some of us – including me, of course – feel for getting our nails done.   This month I share with you some more thoughts revolving around a similar issue.

A few weeks ago I picked up a leaflet at the counter of one of the first spas that established itself as a leading name in Dubai before there were any other spas.

One side of the leaflet says: Just for girls, the other, yes, you’ve guessed it: Just for boys.

On the girls’ side of the leaflet it says, “Grab a friend and unwind for a moment.  Forget about the pressures of being a teenager,” – FORGET ABOUT THE PRESSURES OF BEING A TEENAGER?! – with the following treatments on offer:

“It’s about ME, Manicure & Pedicure – Express yourself with the color or colors of your choice.

Pretty Young Thing Facial – This is a brilliant introduction for the basics of skin care, ideal for skin brightening and blemish blasting…that leaves the skin sparkling and glowing.

De-stress Back Massage – School, friends, exams, oh the stresses of teenage life!  This back massage is awesome treatment to relieve the tension associated with your busy social and school schedule.

 “BFF” Best Friends Forever – Friendship isn’t a big thing – it’s a million little things.  Enjoy this treatment with a friend.  Spend time relaxing together.”

And, my absolute favorite: “Sweet As Candy Wrap –Stressed?  Answer: CHOCOLATE.  Be exfoliated from head to toe, then smothered in chocolate mud, delivering the sweetest results for your skin.”

I’m sorry, but the first words that sprung to my mind were, “Are you kidding me!”  I don’t know if I am wrong reacting like that.  I am not, in any way, belittling the issues teenagers face in their day-to-day lives.   I am sure these are as important to them as are the adults’ equivalents, but – are you kidding me!

Surely, there are more wholesome ways of resolving issues than sending a teenager packing to the spa!I can visualize it as a birthday, or even graduation treat, but seriously, “It’s about ME, Manicure & Pedicure”? – for teenagers – why?

I am neither anti-spas nor mani/pedis, but when I came across that leaflet, I just thought, ‘Hang on a second; that just doesn’t feel right.’  At the risk of sounding like a non-modern, “old” person, I’m going to say it, “What sort of children are we raising?”  Isn’t it our job to educate our children so they don’t fall for this kind of spin doctoring that attempts to entrap them with this reasoning?  ‘Oh, I had a fight with my best friend.  Can I go to the spa and get a massage to relieve all that tension?’

Of course, the boys’ side of the leaflet does not have as many treatments on offer; an “Urban Facial” and an “Athletic Back Massage” that is “specifically designed for teenage guys.”  Observe the terminology, “athletic” – anything to trick them into coming.  Honestly, I just can’t see a teenage boy going for a massage; I can’t see one staying still enough for the duration of it!

Everything inside my head screams, “This is wrong.”

But that might just be me.  I might be wrong.