A fun day touring the mall with a friend can easily become a hazardous invasion of how you see yourself as a person. On your right is a glistening poster of a celebrity, with her dark eye shadow and perfect hair. On your left is a white, anorexic mannequin who stares you down. You feel sick to your stomach, realizing that you have messy hair and no makeup on at all. You hear the voice in your head tell you you're not that good looking. Commercials everywhere sell the idea that you are worse off without this product. Of course, strategic advertising is how products get sold, and I'm not against that. I am, however, against the advertising that blatantly tells me I can't be happy being me.
How does one possibly combat the mixed feelings that erupt from seeing advertisements such as these? The incorrect approach would be to buy the object immediately, realizing that "your life is pointless without this item" and "by accessing it, you will find the true center of happiness". Yeah, right. Another solution would be to not buy the product, but to allow yourself to dwell on the fact that you missed an opportunity for "real happiness". There must be a better way, you say. Why, yes, there is.
I propose a reality check. First, be happy with how you look and what you own. Happiness is a choice. Choose to be content. Second, realize that advertisements are there because they want to sell you something. Sometimes we get so focused on turning what we see into reality. Well, it isn't reality. No one looks that good in real life. And no one magically becomes happier with a new car. Once you break the trance, you'll realize the stress and worry was for nothing. Spoiler alert: Products in stores are not attached to happiness. Third and finally, inspect the product if it really catches your eye. None of this impulse buying now. Think: Do you need it, can you afford it, or will it suit your long-time needs? Practice looking past the thick layer of promotions and you'll see the product for what it really is: a piece of material that will eventually deteriorate.
I know I tend to have problems on low self-esteem. It's easy to get tangled in the web of expectations of society. But advertisements are just businesses trying to sell their products, not ruin your life. We don't need to feel bad about ourselves. Just remember that you don't have to look perfect and you don't have to be the best. Rock your messy hair, old car and natural face. Take this time to enjoy your life and breathe in some good old-fashioned air.
