Reply #25: Not quite clear what you are getting at

[LondonAmerican]

Though I do prefer guys of any age who have the self-respect to take care of themselves as opposed to being obese, unkempt and slovenly. 'Bear culture' just seems a shallow attempt to fetishise the state of being a large bellied couch potato. It could only happen in a place like the US.

Though most 'bears' are usually of baby-boomer age there are also a lot of older guys who do take care of themselves, who are active and fit and respect themselves. I think you see more of that here in Europe than in the States where the 'bear culture' has unfortunately metastasised on the gay scene as the population has become more and more obese. That's probably one reason why I prefer London to most US cities.

Hope that's clearer now.