Why do women like forearms so much?

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EstrogenBlockYa@reddit

Because nice shredded forearms indicates subconsciously how good a man can please her by fingering her and making her nut a consecutive amount of times, grabbing her hard whether it’s pulling her by the wrist or palming and squeezing her ass cheek feelin up her body makes her feel very wanted and turned on whereas if you have a weak grip it’s not as stimulating and it’ll give off little boy energy. Just train your grip guys don’t use gloves, when you deadlift don’t do that alternate grip, get strong enough to where you can pull your max deadlift with both hands gripping overhand. Do a lot of pull ups, deadhanging good for stretching your back muscles and decompressing the spine as well as working out your forearms

five skin

Nob like an aadvark's nose

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DonaldsDogma@reddit

Rollcall: Aaron Aardvark

'Here'

No, no fork handl-

Wow that joke really breaks down over text huh...

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External_Cut4931@reddit

im a maintenance engineer. i work pubs.

there is a pub i service called 'four candles'

they broke an ale pump handle.

i couldnt resist it. 'cant you use a fork handle instead?'

they all looked at me blankly. nobody got the joke.

so that's how i finally accepted that im an old maintenance engineer, and I should possibly be wearing an onion on my belt.

bloody kids.

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Onasixx@reddit

I would definitely say I am not of the usual age group for this style of comedy, but my dad had a wicked sense of humour and comedy was his thing, Tommy Cooper, Morecambe and Wise, Peter Sellers, etc

It wasn't until a few years back I appreciated the comedy for what it was, and my original comment is proof that it's timeless!

Rolled up sleeves on a shirt is always there frequently and loudly.

It isnt an unfair question based on an unusual body part. Like asking why all men like ankles on a women or why women like the little finger of the left hand of men.

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infj-t@reddit

I'm sorry but what?! Little finger on the left hand 😅 is that actually a thing?

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BlameableEmu@reddit

Idk about little finger on left hand. But i do like hands in general

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Qwsdxcbjking@reddit

The things I get complimented on most are hands, voice and confidence.

I've broken my fingers a total of 27 (I'm pretty sure) times, they've all been broken except left thumb, so my fingers are crooked as fuck.

My voice is very flat and monotone. Not even super deep or anything, just emotionless like an early ai assistant.

I also have pretty bad anxiety.

I don't understand the compliments I get at all lol. Like why you saying nice stuff about the worst shit?

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freeeeels@reddit

I've broken my fingers a total of 27 (I'm pretty sure) times,

I have moobs at the moment, and I'm pretty sure that it's not attractive to anyone.

But i get your point.

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Mothkau@reddit

Try a push up bra

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I_am_Relic@reddit

Lace, or sports? 🤔

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Mothkau@reddit

Honey Birdette makes very uncomfortable ones that creak and dig in your skin and will put your girls on full display, so these ones

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PeterG92@reddit

I'm the same.

Lots of cankles as we call them here. Essentially, the calf "muscle" blends into the foot.

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Vivid-Fall-7358@reddit

Long calf muscles with short Achilles tendon. Northern European genetics. Good power generation, favourable mechanics for going uphill. Poorly suited to running long distances.

Sorry mam but her looks dont come Into it ....

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Comwapper@reddit

Actually having ankles as a woman indicates she is in good health.

Yep. Ankles are generally quite a good indicator of walking ability.

whats the male equivalent of cleavage

-rolled up sleeves (surprise...revealing forearms)

-reversing with one arm over the passenger seat

They're all so common that the question is not just merited, but makes perfect sense

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Panichord@reddit

It's worth remembering that these are answers that frequently appear on reddit and are not indicative of what the wider population thinks. Yes a lot of people use reddit but many of the people who comment often are a specific demographic.

See also any thread about work/careers where like three quarters of the responses are from people who work in IT.

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YooGeOh@reddit

When it comes to things like attraction, it is indicative. The only requirement is that you're a woman who is attacted to men.

When it comes to things like employment, it is not indicative because of the overlap in the type of person who works with computers, and those who are online a lot. Your comparison doesn't really work at all.

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ExtremelyDubious@reddit

Just to be clear, the only compliments that men don't receive very often are unsolicited compliments on their appearance from women they're attracted to.

And that's precisely because women know full well that men will interpret those kinds of compliments as a come-on, and they know that 'leading men on' is a very dangerous thing to do.

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g0ldcd@reddit

This. I think most men can either remember every compliment they've ever received, or are still waiting for the first.

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Blobby_89@reddit

Yeah, they should try doing it more!

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georgefriend3@reddit

On the flip side, as a man I would simply never compliment anything about a woman's appearance in a professional environment, there seems far too much chance of it being taken poorly or inappropriately and causing issues.

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hattorihanzo5@reddit

It depends on the compliment and how it's worded.

cockburnstreetwitch@reddit

Forearms have a dark and powerful magic, which make smart girls dumb.

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poptimist185@reddit

This is just a humblebrag

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Banditofbingofame@reddit (OP)

Honestly, yeah a little bit but I'm also utterly baffled.

It’s totally a thing. Check out the ladyboners sub, lots of men with rolled up sleeves

I think it just represents masculinity, a nice bit of hair and muscle. It’s suggestive of what’s hidden underneath further up the sleeves, less is more ;)

She was totally flirting as well btw

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bobdob1234@reddit

This is the right answer haha

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anordinarygirI@reddit

Post on man hands

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I kind of worry you’re obsessing too much about it. Don’t do anything with it, just accept it, get a nice little boost from it and move on

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highlandviper@reddit

Don’t be baffled. You’ve stumbled onto something that will do you well in the future if you’re a young single man and looking to have fun.

The forearm thing is a legit thing… but it only works with long sleeved shirts that are rolled up. Not t-shirts or short sleeves… you need a long sleeve shirt and then you have to roll up the sleeves to just under the elbow (never above the elbow). Wearing a white vest and undoing the top few buttons of the shirt so it’s visible also works for some reason. I’ve been dressing like this for 20 years (married and faithful for 12 of those) and my body count when I was in my 20s was pretty extreme and I’m not particularly attractive or charismatic… that’s a less than humble brag.

I do not know why this works. I assume it is to women what low cut tops and mini skirts are to men. There are lots of theories in this post… I imagine a bit of all of them is correct. But it is a legit thing.

Use this power and knowledge responsibly.

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Banditofbingofame@reddit (OP)

Thanks. I'm 13 years and faithful but it's interesting to know.

Just glad of a compliment tbh, I just didn't really understand it.

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highlandviper@reddit

You should ask your partner about your forearms then.

And maybe also request they compliment you a bit more. There’s no harm in wanting to feel desired, wanted or needed. Seems like you’re baffled because you don’t feel attractive. Asking for attention is a perfectly normal thing to do in a relationship.

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Banditofbingofame@reddit (OP)

I get your point but it feels odd asking for compliments. Would feel a bit forced after that and I'd feel like they were just to appease me instead of being genuine. Just me thinking through my own thoughts process.

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highlandviper@reddit

True. And it’s the same reason I’ve never had the conversation with my wife. Still grates on me though.

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Banditofbingofame@reddit (OP)

Yeah I'm with you. Feels like you shouldn't have to ask but if you do it negates it.

I think part of it comes from having not received a compliment for years and I don't really know what to do with it.

I normally just post them on reddit and ask people for elaboration so you're doing pretty well.

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MattSR30@reddit

I weight about as much as a wet towel and even I get complimented on my forearms sporadically.

I don’t think it’s as much a brag as it is a realisation there is something for everyone. I am absurdly self conscious about being a skinny man and yet plenty of women like that.

It’s not necessarily a sign that you’re bragging about something.

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2023mustgo@reddit

r/thatHappened

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ChielDawg@reddit

You really can’t imagine someone saying someone else has nice forearms? Do you exit your residence?

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2023mustgo@reddit

I'm sure it has happened once or twice in the history of humanity. I don't think it happened to this Redditor at their workplace yesterday. Not unless they prompted it somehow.

Come on, you believe this 'what is it about my lovely forearms that the ladies can't resist?' schtick?

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Jazzlike-Mistake2764@reddit

I'm sure it has happened once or twice in the history of humanity.

You think a human has complimented another human's physical characteristics "once or twice in the history of humanity"?

...what?

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slade364@reddit

I find it difficult to believe that you can't believe that someone complimented OP's forearms?

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ChielDawg@reddit

Oh my god you’re real!! You really can’t believe it! I’m fascinated by you. Can I have some more opinions of yours please I’m obsessed

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SamVimesBootTheory@reddit

I'm nonbinary and ace so but

From a pure aesthetics thing hands and can arms just look really nice as im honestly not immune

Personally I disagree with the "women aren't as visual" thing. It's cool if you don't find yourself so visual ofc.

For me short sleeves or whatever don't matter, regardless of what he's wearing I find big male forearms with lots of defined muscles and veins incredibly sexy. They're one of my favourite things to see and touch!

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Inky_sheets@reddit

Exactly this, for me anyway.

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zombiepiratebacon@reddit

It’s not the forearms, it’s the implication

I don't but I'm gonna now.

Scientifically the brain gets mapped wrong, turns out the kinky part is next to the foot part.

https://www.livescience.com/33525-foot-fetishes-toe-suck-fairy.html

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earlgreytoday@reddit

Quentin has entered the chat.

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Shaper_pmp@reddit

Large boobs/butt and general height (of which legs are a large part) are a sign of good nutrition.

High hip to waist ratio implies wide hips, which means lower likelihood of difficulties giving birth.

Slimness and a flat stomach imply youth and general fitness, both of which are generally associated with fertility and healthy offspring.

Facial and body symmetry is also another near-universal element of attractiveness, as body symmetry is basically a quick, convenient checksum for genetic health.

Feet I have no idea about - that might just be a random paraphilia.

Speculating now, I would imagine a lot of women like strong forearms because it's a convenient, easily-visible signal indicating muscle tone and strength, which might indicate genetic fitness and physical prowess.

Also biceps and pecs (which many women also find attractive) might be selectively exercised by guys specifically to bulk them up, but few guys are in the gym specifically trying to build up their forearms, so it could be a useful indicator of their "natural" state before cosmetic modifiers are applied.

Similarly, decades ago people used to advise young men that you could tell what a woman's weight was "naturally" like (shorn of the modifying effects of lingerie, dieting, exercise, etc, with the implication the that's what she'd look like when she was older) by looking at her upper arms.

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Adam-West@reddit

Yeah but earlobes. Why them?

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Shaper_pmp@reddit

Earlobes are erogenous zones to touch or nibble, but what kind of weirdo finds them attractive to look at?

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SkandaFlaggan@reddit

If this is a part of human nature (seen as an average of the population as a whole, knowing full well that it’s totally normal for individuals to deviate from that average), then why wouldn’t it be OK? We don’t consciously choose what we’re attracted to. Sexual attraction emerged as a way of propagating genes, it makes total sense for it to involve attributes that subconsciously indicate the possibility of viable and successful offspring. It doesn’t mean that that’s all sex and relationships are or should be for humans, but to think we’ve evolved beyond that isn’t a serious position, either.

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Shaper_pmp@reddit

If this is a part of human nature... then why wouldn’t it be OK?

The trouble with these conversations is that you just can't win.

If you post about evolutionary-psychology reasons for attraction that imply objectifying value-judgments about age, fertility or the like then someone will invariably misunderstand and jump down your throat for "advocating" such a reductive, objectifying assessment of multifaceted humans, despite the fact you're clearly just neutrally describing unconscious processes that no-one has any control over...

... but if you take great pains to carefully point out that you're only describing subconscious processes and not morally advocating or justifying any particular value judgement, then polite people will misunderstand and gently probe as to why anyone could possibly object to those descriptions, or even the (completely unconscious) value judgements involved. ¯_(ツ)_/¯

The fact is, a lot of people will absolutely read a description and mistake it for advocacy, tripping straight over the Is-Ought Problem and not even realising they're doing it.

When I posted the comment above the very first thing that happened was it was instantly downvoted by a few people, and it only started getting upvoted after I added the edit explaining I wasn't justifying objectifying assessments of women's fertility or genetic fitness, or arguing that people should (consciously) use such objectifying considerations when assessing potential partners.

Collar bones and shoulders

*some women. And it’s because women often find body parts that aren’t directly used for reproduction to be very attractive. Like the forearms, legs, nose, neck etc.

Any body part that a man has, that is different from most women’s own bodies, and has masculine differences, can be found attractive. You’ll notice it’s never anything like belly buttons or tongues, as they look the same in men and women. But forearms usually don’t look the same in men and women. Men’s forearms tend to be less fatty, have hair, and tend to be more toned due to men’s ability to build muscle easier and faster than women.

So, as a woman, I get this. For me it’s specifically the inner forearm (I googled this prior and that is a thing) so like inside wrist to inner elbow - something about how soft that bit of skin is. It’s so… tender. It’s also the hairless bit, don’t know if that’s a factor but maybe.

But yes, other commenters are right that most of the time I stare at them when a sleeve rolled up.

It’s the same effect the neck has for me. When a shirt collar looser/unbuttoned and you can see more of a man’s neck - ooft. Sexy.

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NebCrushrr@reddit

Four arms?!

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losers_discourse@reddit

I have scrolled so far and not one person has said cos they are the fingering muscles. You all need to meet some lesbians.

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EmMeo@reddit

Men’s forearms are pretty masculine to me. Have you seen women’s forearms? Delicate curves, soft skin, lovely. Men’s forearms sometimes have that vein, hairy sometimes. Guys think women look at muscular biceps but I think it’s mostly other guys that look at biceps. Women are looking at your hands, what you’re doing with them, and then their eyes wander up to the forearms and you can see the hint of muscle and masculinity.

I dunno that’s my guess at least.

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Crafty_Ambassador443@reddit

Because toned forearms are hot!

If he has nice forearms, he will have a nice strong muscly arm. That's just.. hot as hell.

My partner who works on building site has great arms, I always tell him. Its just sexy. It makes you imagine the rest.

Muscular, strong looking, dominant and often veiny

Yep, love them!

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hesgotarobitbrain@reddit

Vile that she would comment on this at work. Imagine if it was the other way round and you said had nice calves .

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Background_Fox@reddit

I would imagine it's a similar thing to how men often like shapely legs on women - it just does the thing. All hail the thing

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audigex@reddit

Forearms in rolled up shirtsleeves, thighs in a sundress

Even if you have a bit of spaghet arms, you'll still more likely to have more muscle than a random woman. Guys are just programmed like this. We need for our body to be 25% of fat to even start menstruating, you manfolk can grow muscles like there's no tomorrow. Also, as to why forearms are rad: imagine sitting in a nice Chesterfield armchair. What do you do? You lean your arms against armrests, right? Feeling all cosy and nestled, right? So, that's why we like forearms. It's a promise of a REALLY decent backhug. Decent big spooning.

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C2BK@reddit

What is it about forearms that women like?

Without far more detailed context, nothing.

Bottom line is that you've been given an indication that this person does not find you entirely physically repulsive.

OP is right that there is statistically significant evidence that women like forearms but not the body part per se.

They like fit men with rolled up sleeves. My wife says it just makes us look rugged and ready to do work. And apparently that's sexy.

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katie-kaboom@reddit

They hold your hands on really well.

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80878087@reddit

Its the difference between male and female forearms, this person probably notices these differences more than other body parts. This is like men with foot fetishes, the difference between a sexy womans foot and a blokes hairy sweaty foot is huge.

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jacquedteetedape@reddit

It's probably to do with being an indicator of strength which implies you'll be able to protect them.

tormented-imp@reddit

I instantly think of Gaston from beauty and the beast haha. Cartoonishly large forearms have been used in animation to convey masculinity/good looks since disney (and probably long before, that’s just my childhood point of reference!)

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Happy-Thinker@reddit

Straight women. Like straight men get preprogrammed response triggers to certain stimulus. No choice the brain fires an automated pleasure response and it is what it is.

As a lesbian i would sit with a bunch of women who went absolutely batshitcrazy over what they called a "Hot" man .... My brain was , "meh, not a stimulating target image". Given what i saw them looking at, it was probably your ass they were looking at. Muscular forearms usually are attached to a fitter active body. Their brains were overriding their ability to keep quiet.

And it's actually not about you when someone perves at you. Its always about them.

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hooligan_bulldog_18@reddit

My forearms are disproportionate to the rest of my arms/body like popeye but not as dramatic.

Im a straight dude but I can appreciate a guy that has nice forearms, something about them is just very pleasing to the eye.

Also, veins. Despite having gained some weight, I have very visible veins on my hands which my gf, and some other women I used to talk to, used to absolutely love them. As it is with forearms, something about veins is just very pleasing to look at.

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palaire@reddit

There’s something so masculine about a man’s forearms, and I’d agree in saying as a woman that it’s just for some reason quite attractive. There’s parts of a man’s body that are just so unmistakably male regardless of size (not talking about underneath lol), like wide shoulders, wider neck, big arms, etc. and therefore naturally draw you in like a woman’s cleavage, hands, long nails etc. for a man. I wouldn’t go so far as to comment that to anyone personally but I’m sure she was flirting or likes you, sounds like she has a confident/direct personality.

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ArtistEngineer@reddit

Big strong forearms are good for birthing.

joe--totale@reddit

It's not just women, my friend ;)

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YourSkatingHobbit@reddit

I like forearms, and I’m pretty weak for shirts open at the neck as well, where you get a nice view of his throat/neck and top of the chest (unless he’s super hairy, no offence meant but it’s not for me). For me, it’s at least partly a sort-of style thing (I can’t explain it otherwise). Like, a smart shirt - bonus points if there’s a waistcoat too - something usually associated with being neat and straight-laced, made more ‘untidy’/casual by rolling the sleeves and undoing buttons at the collar. I go equally as weak for men neatly dressed in a tailored three-piece suit.

No-Echo-8927@reddit

"Nice hairstyle"

autumnbutterfly24@reddit

I'm a big fan of forearms. Especially muscular but not overly so, not too hairy, bit of a tan... just shapely?

It is hard to say why, just one of those things!

If you're single and she's single I'd definitely consider that encouraging. Otherwise just enjoy it friend, you have a forearm fan!

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Banditofbingofame@reddit (OP)

Thanks!

Superssimple@reddit

Grip strength comes from the forearms and is a good indicator of overall stregth. Its used often in scientific studies relating to strength of individuals.

Basically bigger forearms means stronger and better protection

Strong_Roll5639@reddit

I love veiny forearms. Makes me imagine them doing something. At least my husband anyway 😏

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ManlinessArtForm@reddit

I think its just like seeing a nice pair of boobs or a well rounded bottom.

Its masculine and hits a certain part of the hind brain.

Yes. But just like hammer curls, that are built for biceps. They target many areas of the arm.

There is a big contrast between men’s and women’s forearms. It is one of those striking differences. Big or obviously muscular forearms connote desirable masculine strength.

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fredonions@reddit

You misheard "foreskin"

Zip up dude.

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daphuqijusee@reddit

Good solid forearms are great because it means you can carry more shopping bags for us ;)

Are we supposed to believe that. Put the picture or get lost. (No, I m not gay)

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hairychinesekid0@reddit

Moved on to Q2 reporting analysis.

I'm fine with it, I was re-enforcing the point. But if that's all you have to add then there we go.

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JewpiterUrAnus@reddit

Of course I am. Ha. Ok mate.

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JewpiterUrAnus@reddit

I’m chilled.

I’m just saying, arms are a more direct part of the body than ‘hair’

You go comment on a woman’s arms in a team meeting and see what happens. Hair is quite a formal and safe thing to comment on and IMO is not looked at the same as if you were to comment elsewhere on the body.

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Banditofbingofame@reddit (OP)

How is that gaslighting?

I provided a precise example of what you said couldn't happen.

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JewpiterUrAnus@reddit

By ironically choosing a formal and quite casual area of the body to compliment.

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winobeaver@reddit

There have been plenty of times when I have complemented women's appearances in the workplace and they have not felt the need to report me to HR.

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Exactly my point, I agree with you.

However, if it was roles reversed people would be up in arms.

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averageinformant@reddit

if it was roles reversed people

I'm sorry but this phrase irks the hell out of me. Just creates more battles between gender, races etc. If something makes you feel uncomfortable fair enough, tell them or report it to HR if you feel the need to.

People have different level humour, banter call it whatever. People as different thresholds. If they're a grown up let them decide for themselves if they want to be offended.

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Dry-Yogurtcloset-796@reddit

People like this guy are frothing at the mouth over hypothetical situations where they could get back at women and report them to HR but they're fat losers who would never be in that situation, so they push this bullshit on other people.

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symbolsofblue@reddit

Curious, why legs? Wouldn't the equivalent be their forearms, too?

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Gralenis@reddit

I used that an exmaple as its a well known equivalent that has been historically popular to compliment.

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symbolsofblue@reddit

Does it matter if women don't feel sexually harassed if you compliment their arms?

I LOVE square broad shoulders

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Man receives compliment

Reddittor : OMG this cannot ever happen

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