Why are women so afraid to call themselves beautiful? Or say that they are pretty?

There has been a continuous manipulation of societies standards of who is beautiful and who is not, so what is beauty? Because it truly is in the eye of the beholder, and the beholder should be YOU. Validation from a family member, boyfriend/girlfriend, or via a number of likes on Instagram shouldn't help you determine the way you feel you look or your self-esteem.

I come across so many women on social media and through my personal interactions that are continuously speaking down on themselves. You know you too, have heard it before, "I look so gross today," "wow I really need to lose weight," or "I'm too ugly for anyone to look at," and yes it gets worse.

If you think about it, what is the point of talking down about yourself? Do you get satisfaction from it? Are you just craving attention or a sleazy compliment from someone?

I don't apologize for being blunt, because this may be a wake-up call to some women or men out there. I want you to know that if you feel pretty today, tomorrow, or any other day in your life, you can go ahead and say it. If someone compliments you accept it, don't reject the compliment by saying "oh no I'm not pretty."

The way you talk about yourself and to yourself can have a huge effect on your mental health and the way you project yourself to the outside world. If you get ready to go out for the night, or on vacation and feel great, snap a picture, tell yourself you look good. When you compliment yourself, you create confidence subconsciously, and other people around you will see that as well.

When you look at yourself in the mirror in the morning, give yourself a compliment.

Appreciate something about yourself that day, even if you are sick that day, hey your hair might look good. I would be lying if I said I was confident 100% of the time, and I'm not saying you have to be, but I am saying you should aim to be.