Be Your Own Kind Of Beautiful
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

Be Your Own Kind Of Beautiful

Define beauty. I dare you.

322
Girl on Beach
Rhea Mundle

What is beauty?

I don't think I have ever asked myself this question before, which is honestly so strange considering how often the term is thrown around. They say "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" and "true beauty is inner beauty," but what exactly is it?

Writing an absolute definition of the word beauty would just seem lackluster or insufficient. There is so much attached to the word, whether it's due to society's influence or the variety of contexts that the term is used in. So, do society and our environment define beauty? Or do we, the individuals, form its meaning?

I realized on my trip to Seoul, South Korea that beauty is looked at in both similar and different ways. In Korea, skincare and overall physical appearance are so strongly emphasized. It is seemingly wrong to not wear nice clothes and makeup, whether you are a man or a woman. In the beginning, I was amazed. It was so nice to see that people put forth such effort in presenting themselves well. It showed that they cared.

Eventually, I started to see the extents to which people cared about their appearances. I remember walking into a skincare or clothing store and feeling like the workers had a clear idea of what they needed to do to "fix" me. It didn't totally matter that I had a nice personality, but suddenly my dry skin and outdated dress were of more importance. Without asking, I was given advice on what I needed to change to be more beautiful.

Now I don't mean to bash Korea or its beauty standards, because trust me, I have a lot to say about its better qualities and the US's pros and cons of beauty standards. With that being said, I think Korea's beauty standards also stem from a need to recognize how to make yourself feel better and more put together, which I agree when it's only to a healthy extent.

Similarly, I think it's also important to recognize the parallels and differences in beauty standards in America. I might say that in the States, physical appearance, down to someone's body parts, is criticized sometimes more than a person's personality or behavior. Well, guess what? Even physically beautiful people can be ugly on the inside. I think when you start picking at the physical appearance, you realize that there is more to a person than what they wear or what they put on their face to seem presentable to others.

At the same time, I don't mean to "glam-shame." While some feel that makeup and certain clothing styles are unnecessary, others may feel is integral to who they are. If that's what beauty is to you, then so be it. Don't let others tell you that your chipped nail polished nails or socks and sandals look is not beautiful.

My point is, whatever it is that makes you feel beautiful is what you should do. You can wear whatever or act however you'd like to if that is what makes you feel beautiful. At the end of the day, I'd be happier feeling my own sense of beauty than putting on a show for others to prove that I fit the societal or dictionary definition of the word. Fitting in is exhausting, and I really don't have time for it.

Don't let beauty define you. Rather, define beauty for yourself by your own set of standards.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

52185
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

33544
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

956340
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

181230
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments