Quote by Julie Burchill
'Stress' was the catch-all every pamper-pedlar I spoke to used to explain why healthy women feel the need to be regularly patted, petted and preened into a state of babyish beatification.

Summary
The quote suggests that "stress" is often used as a justification by those in the business of providing self-indulgent services to explain why seemingly capable and healthy women seek constant pampering and grooming. It highlights how women may turn to such activities as a coping mechanism or a form of relaxation, aiming to achieve a state of childlike innocence and beauty. The quote implies that the idea of stress has become a commonly accepted reason for these behaviors.