The slow unzip

When zippers made their fashion debut in 1937, religious leaders deemed them inappropriate for women's clothing -- they made the undressing process too quick and easy.

Only audacious women wore zippers.

Those leaders could not foresee women like us -- women who would grasp the zipper and calculate the effect of the slow unveil. For women like us, the process became an enticing strip-tease.

In the 1950s, the era of nesting, the zipper was placed on the back of dresses in an effort to stop the "slow unzip".

Instead, that slow tease became a game for two. He could unzip me at any moment. Or, the only thing between my hand and her bottom is that zipper.

It was the cause of the baby boom, I am certain.

Now, for the most part, the power is back in our hands as we incrementally lower our zippers, tooth by jagged tooth, making our men wait.

It may begin with a whispered command. "Remove your pants," he could say.

And just as the jangle of his belt buckle awakens in you the slick memories of times before, you know that the hushed movement of your zipper makes him pulse and throb. Your eyes may lock with his, or perhaps your lids will coyly close in time with the zipper's descent.

Breath is held and hearts wait as the zipper finds its midway. Will you keep the steady pace? Or will you pause and glance, a silent question of, "Really? You want these pants down?" passing between you.

Yes, he wants those pants down.

But, by all means, take your time.