Catullus 86

In poem 86, Catullus is describing a seemingly beautiful woman, names Quintia. In poem 43 we also had an instance where Catullus was describing a woman, possibly his mistress. This instance, however, was different in how he called Quintia beautiful but the other woman he subtlely insulted her.
Everyone thinks that Quintia is gorgeous - she is fair-skinned (something valued back then), as well as tall and upright (good posture). However, as a whole, Catullus feels as though Lesbia is the most beautiful woman in the world, and therefore Quintia could not compare.
I think Catullus represents a good husband (supposing that Lesbia and he are married, that is). he's a role model, I believe, for men everywhere, if you choose to look at this poem through my eyes. If you think your wife is the most beautiful woman in the world, tell her! if you can think of little things about the person you love - details - then tell them. Catullus could have been less of a man by agreeing that Quintia is beautiful and going on about it, or saying nothing more than that. But instead, he says that while he "confesses to each of her features individually," he does not like the whole of her; she lacks any flicker of whit. He brings Lesbia up, as any man should do. I believe it makes Catullus a bigger man to bring up his wife or girlfriend in comparison with another woman. It's nice that Catullus can recognize that she's special and that anyone else pales in comparison.