1. Strong.
This quality is often overlooked by society. It takes a lot of anyone to pick themselves up when they fall, but I'd rather be able to get back up whenever it happens to me (and I fall quite often) than be pretty.
2. Honest.
In our modern society, we are constantly telling lies -- from little white lies to huge lies that take over lives. Honesty, however, solves more problems than it causes. It is much more attractive than physical attractiveness.
3. Kind.
Kindness is associated with weakness, but it is in fact the opposite. Kindness is strength.
4. Loving.
Loving is another trait associated with weakness and femininity. Love is healing. To love is to have the greatest strength of all.
5. Independent.
We have a fiercely independent culture, something that is not necessarily a bad thing. I rely on my independence more than any other characteristics.
6. Courageous.
Highly undervalued in our society, courage has become cliche. It takes courage to stand up for what you believe in, and I try to do just that.
7. Authentic.
This goes back to honesty. Whatever I do, I try to be authentic. Don't do something if you do not mean it. There is no point in that.
8. Self-Confident.
Love yourself. Believe in yourself. If you don't, who will?
9. Poised.
Be self-assured. Carry high expectations wherever you go. Not only for yourself, but for those around you. There is nothing wrong with that.
10. Freethinking.
Probably the most important trait on this list is the ability to be freethinking. By thinking for myself, I allow the other desirable traits to come with it.
As you can see, these are just some of MANY things I would rather be than "pretty". Physical attractiveness isn't something you can control; it's just something you are born with. There are so many more things we should be valuing more than prettiness. As a society, we need to look at that. What are we promoting? We need to change and that change starts with individuals. I believe that if we change our thinking of what we consider "beautiful", we can change the world. I believe - do you?