The man I am with right now has helped me understand this better, without making me feel insignificant, too old, too motherly, or too defensive. He just encourages me kindly to allow him to see me. I have expressed my discomfort sometimes, but I understand how important it is now, so allow him to soak it all in. He says, "I'd rather have you in my mind and my daytime fantasies than another woman...so I need to have something in my visual memory to pull up." I don't mind anymore so much, but this has been a journey. He looks at other women just like any other man. But, he gets more of me:)

I used to be critical of this. My ex was very drawn to other women when we were out. It was very offensive to me. I have had my moments staring at other men...like 2 in my life and I felt terrible afterward, like I had committed some sin. And they do it all the time! No more judging. Just accepting that we are biological creatures.