There is a sense that this is a peculiarly Gallic phenomenon, a product of a national culture prone to preening displays of Enlightened virtue.
The girl is preening oneself in front of the mirror.
In short, the physical nonverbal maneuvering by women should be more expressive, while guys should probably keep what the article calls “preening behavior” at bay.
We were preening ourselves on having won another victory.
He's always preening himself on his success.
