“That's always seemed so ridiculous to me, that people want to be around someone because they're pretty. It's like picking your breakfast cereals based on color instead of taste.” - John Green
Sometimes it is easy to fall into the habit of thinking that the best thing someone can be is attractive. As a society, men and women alike all too often feel an enormous pressure to always have the best body, have a nicer looking face. I've learned that there are so many things better than being merely "pretty."
1. Be Intelligent
To me, nothing in the world is better than having an intelligent conversation with somebody. Teach me something new, open up my mind, be witty. Never stop learning and never stop sharing your knowledge. Intelligence is so much more attractive than a pretty face.
2. Be Creative
A world without creativity is a world of misery. Creativity makes life so much more interesting and fulfilling. Having creative people in your life makes everything brighter and more enjoyable. Be that light that people search for.
3. Be Nice
Nobody likes everyone, it's impossible. However a great show of character is being kind to even those who differ from you and looking past their negative traits in order to find the good.
4. Be Generous
Being selfish is so easy. And while being slightly selfish is sometimes necessary for a person's own happiness, being selfless is so important. If you can help somebody by giving and sharing your wealth it goes a long way in showing the depth of your character.
5. Be Confident
Confidence equals freedom. Freedom from self doubt, anxiety, stress, failure - freedom from anything that does not serve you. A confident person is a stronger person, and strength is so necessary in this world with all of its adversity and challenges.
Please do not just be "pretty." There are so many more endearing qualities you can possess aside from the fleeting nature of beauty. Be pretty intelligent, be pretty creative, be pretty nice, be pretty generous, be pretty confident. But don't ever just be pretty.
