What Women thought in 2008.

From the economy to pop culture, spending habits to happiness (or lack thereof), BettyConfidential.com tapped into women’s thoughts throughout the year and today released a roundup of some of the most fascinating findings of 2008.

“Through our polls, we find out what women are thinking and feeling on a day-to-day basis. Some of the results are very surprising, while others reflect the stresses of the current economic climate,” says Myrna Blyth, editor-in-chief of BettyConfidential.com. “When women learn that they are not alone in their attitudes and beliefs, it can be comforting and affirmative.”

Women on the Economy

The economy, of course, was THE issue of the year. In an October survey, BettyConfidential.com unveiled just how drastically women are being affected by today’s financial crisis. Women reported a dramatic downturn in their spending habits as well as in their psychological well-being. In the survey of more than 100 women, 75 percent of respondents indicated that on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being “not at all” and 10 being “extreme”), their anxiety about the economy was at a 6 or higher, with 2o percent rating their anxiety at an 8 and 21 percent at a 9. 

The survey found that the economy is directly impacting women on a day-to-day basis. In addition, 44 percent reported that the economic downturn is affecting their retirement plans.  Also affected:

Career plans (27 percent)

Plans to own a home (14 percent)

Wedding/honeymoon plans (3 percent)

In addition, 29 percent of women reported that they are afraid they will lose their job.

Women on Politics and Pop Culture

Brad Pitt doesn’t always do it for women. When asked who they’d rather have dinner with, 40 percent chose Barack Obama – over Michael Phelps (30 percent), Brad Pitt (20 percent) and Bill Clinton (10 percent).

Speaking of Brad … When asked which of Pitt’s two most recent women they liked better, 65 percent chose Jennifer Aniston over Angelina Jolie.

52 percent of women said they would like to change places with a celebrity.

Move over, supermodels. When asked about their dream job, 60 percent of women said they would like to be a best-selling novelist, while 16 percent chose supermodel, 12 percent chose talk-show host and 12 percent Fortune 500 CEO.

While a strong majority of women like (80 percent) and admire (74 percent) Michelle Obama, 63 percent reported that they did NOT like her choice of dress on election night.

Not so surprisingly, very few (14 percent) were surprised by the outcome of the election.

71 percent of women said NAY to Sarah Palin for president in 2012.

Women on Shopping/Spending Habits

91 percent of women reported that they are cutting back on holiday shopping this year.

Despite the downturn in the economy, women are still willing to make small purchases to treat themselves and give themselves a boost. In response to the question “In this economic downturn, what small purchase most comforts you?” respondents answered:

Beauty products (18 percent)
Manicures/pedicures (18 percent)
Chocolate (16 percent)
New shoes (10 percent)
Lingerie from Victoria’s Secret or Gap Body (3 percent)
Other answers included books and having their hair done. Only 15 percent chose “none.”

Women on Body Image and Sex

Women continue to struggle with their body image … 78 percent of women polled said they wish they were thinner.

And 68 percent of women say they lie about their weight.

Perhaps the cougar movement is helping? Surprisingly, 83 percent of respondents say they don’t lie about their age.

When it comes to their sex life … 71 percent of women report their libido is NOT in sync with that of their husband.

45 percent of women have faked a headache to get out of sex.

64 percent say if they cheated on their guy, they would tell him.

Women on Happiness (or Lack Thereof)

In not-so-happy news, we found:

57 percent of women said they don’t consider themselves truly happy.

Almost 64 percent of women report that they aren’t living the life they thought they would be 10 years ago.

39 percent of women said their mother makes them crazier than their boss (22 percent), their guy (22 percent) or their children (17 percent).

67 percent of women say they have a secret that they have never told anyone else.

 For more information at http://www.BettyConfidential.com