Is it weird for a man to want to look young and skinny, not toned and muscular?

[TomGarand]

Throughout my life, I was kind of lightweight for a guy. When I was in 12th Grade in high school, I was 123 pounds--maybe 128 pounds towards the end of my senior year. I knew that the ideal physique for teen boys and men is toned or muscular, but I never wanted that for myself. I personally didn't care for it.

Another thing is, I'm 5'6, so I'm short for an American man. And because of that (and me constantly shaving my mustache), most people mistake me for a teenage boy. So if someone looked at me, they'd probably think I was in high school. I actually like my youthful appearance, even if one of the reasons for that makes me unattractive to most women.

I guess this is kind of a beauty standard in South Korea and maybe Japan, I dunno. From what I heard some women from those countries like their men skinny and really young-looking. Kind of like the K-Pop group BTS. Seriously, look at them! These guys look like they're still in high school, and they have millions of women and teenage girls simping for them.

BTS, the Kings of K-Pop

And I'm not even Asian. I'm an African-American. But this "pretty boy" or "bishonen" look seems to be popular in those countries--or at least South Korea. Despite being black and American, I like that beauty standard, and I'd rather live up to that than have muscle tone.

Is it weird for a man to want to look skinny and very young? Also, ladies, what do you think about men like that?

[shinnaeun]

I don't think it's weird and the difference is it's not that Korean men want to be skinny or young, it's not the same as how people see KPOP idols and so on. Kpop idols tend to look skinny and not so muscular but in reality they aren't skinny and they're pretty muscular. It's just that because of certain diets and exercise, they don't focus on bulking up. It's easier to stay slimmer.

And they look young because well, a lot of them are young, and Asians don't 'grow' the same way White people or Black people do. Like BTS members look their age, especially if you walk into Korea and compare to other men...

[Anonymous]

Personally I like that.. now that I am over 30 I like a man closer to my age and looking around 25 :D.. but when I was your age I liked guys who looked even younger. Maybe because I am young looking and skinny myself xp. Though, I do prefer someone not bony skinny, but better than fat or buff for me.
Nothing weird in wanting to look different than the beauty standard, majority are far from it anyway. Maybe it is even a good time with things changing a bit in the western world with the Asian pop culture getting bigger.
Anyway, I am also sure there are plenty who prefer someone of your type, and it definitely is more attractive than the opposite (being fat).
And don't worry about the height either. You are taller than the average girl, so that is not a concern in general.

[TomGarand]

Well, a girl I'm hoping to date is 5'10 and a half, and she likes my shortness.

[Opinion Owner]

Ok. Cool. Hope she also likes your skinnyness :)

[TomGarand]

She doesn't mind it. In fact, she's also stronger than me.

[Feelicks]

It's definitely a fun look, I got a ton of attention looking like that when I was 18ish

[TomGarand]

How tall were you? Part of the reason why I look so young is because I'm short.

[Feelicks]

6 feet

[TomGarand]

Then your height is probably why you got attention.

[Feelicks]

Hmm, maybe a combination of both. I was skinny but toned and athletic and perfect pale skin. I probably could have modeled for a few years.

[In_Trance]

You would probably do the same if you were paid the amount of money they were

[Lanabear119]

Why wouldn’t it be? Not every guy wants to be 6’0 tall with rocking hard abs. It’s a stupid expectation of men. And looking young is something most people want. However different countries have different beauty standards for the two sex’s, it’s up to you to decide which one.

[AlexandraUchiha]

It's just unusual for western beauty standards. I personally prefer skinny boys

[TomGarand]

What if the guy is also short?

[AlexandraUchiha]

Well I also don't mind as long as he is not shorter than me. I'm 1.58 and also petite so I don't like big guys they make me feel like a kid XD

[TomGarand]

167 cm. My friend's sister actually thinks I'm cute, and she's much taller than me.

[AlexandraUchiha]

I like your height too.

[TomGarand]

Well, what if you were stronger than me?

[Aurora1010]

It's up to you.
If you're asking our opinion on such men, I personally do not like them.

[JosyJosy]

I don't know, never thought of it as something like that being weird

[JustaWoman95]

This is the west, that is Asia. Different standards.

[Ninjaflowers]

Not sure.

[Psychosocial]

... come one man.

[TomGarand]

That's a legitimate question, bro. I like pulling off this "Teenage boy" appearance. But the West absolutely adores men with big muscles--even more so if they're tall.