"You'd be pretty if..."
Those words. They're usually followed by something like, "if you wore more makeup" or "if you smiled more" or anything along those lines. Every time I hear it, I cringe inside.
I've only been told this a few times in my life but the last time is the one that sticks out the most. I was ringing out a customer at my job who had been making dumb jokes throughout the entire transaction (like "Oh it's not scanning? Must mean it's free, haha.") So I was already annoyed and he must have seen it on my face because he continued to say, "you'd be prettier if you smiled more."
Part of me wanted to cry, part of me knew I shouldn't say anything, and the last part of me wanted to flip out on the guy. But I simply said, "Have a nice day."
But now that a little time has gone by, I can gather my thoughts and say...
Why does it matter whether I'm pretty or not?
I'm at work. I have no obligation to impress you with my looks. And even if I wasn't, I still wouldn't need to look good for you.
Everyone's definition of 'pretty' is going to be completely different and that's okay. If my looks don't turn you on, I don't really care because what matters most is that I am comfortable with the way I look. It does help that I have my boyfriend to remind me that I'm beautiful every day but even if he didn't, I've learned to see someone pretty when I look in the mirror.
But my job is to ring out customers and ensure that they're getting the items they need from my store. It is not, and never will be, to be a model for you.
Also, why do you think it's okay to say that to a person?
You're just asking to look like that asshole that you claim you're not. If I'm having a rough day or look pissed off, the best way to approach the situation is to say "Keep your head up!" or just ignore it, instead of telling me I should change my looks.
If I was going to change my appearance to please anyone, it's going to be for me. And no one else. Of course some days I want to dress nicely for my boyfriend–but he's helped me see that I look good no matter what I wear.
Don't let idiots tell you what you should and shouldn't do to be pretty. It's up to you and you alone.