I agree with Ozzie about the self esteem part that plays in this. I mean some of those things that are just for the men could very well have been done out of vanity or hoping this is the thing that finally gives them positive self image they seek(breast augmentation,liposuction). Other things are natural compromises that are done in all relationships. Still others are probably signs of low self esteem and the need that gives of people pleasing.

Not all of it can be pointed at that tho. The stereotype of the man waiting while the woman spends 2 hours getting ready. Ask the women and they will probably they say they are looking good for the mans benifit. Ask the man and he will say he hates the waiting and would rather she just go "as is". Some men are like the ones in the examples in other posts. Some women get so obsessed with their own looks and have so much plastic surgery they make Michael Jackson look normal. The normal of each tho dont do that in my opinion.