Tell Me I'm Pretty
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Tell Me I'm Pretty

When will you feel pretty enough?

30
Tell Me I'm Pretty
123rf.com

Dictionary.com defines “pretty” as being pleasing or attractive to the eye, as by delicacy or gracefulness. Such a small word, yet it carries so much weight in society. Whether it is between girls comparing looks or men complimenting women, the word pretty holds an ironic connotation as it should be uplifting but can often times be destructive.

Growing up, I was told I was pretty by relatives, friends of parents, parents of friends, and the list goes on. I mean I think we can all agree that being called pretty by our parents sometimes feel obligatory, even though I know it’s genuine. The more time went on, I started to wonder if being called pretty was out of common courtesy or sincere admiration.

Now that I’m in college, being called pretty is a whole other different ballgame than what it was as a child. Common courtesy is no longer in practice when it comes to complimenting a girl’s looks. If you aren’t pretty, you won’t be told that. Simple fact of life, right?

Well I personally don’t think it is just a simple fact of life. I can personally attest to the very real hardships of women when it comes to comparing physical appearances. “She has longer legs than me. She is so tiny – I wish I were as thin as her. Her hair is so pretty. She is so cute. Wow I wish I had her cheekbones. Look at her body; I want that body. She is just so beautiful, why can’t I look like her?”

While these things might not be shared aloud and nonetheless to the person they’re about, it is a legitimate reality in every girl’s mind. I am all for being confidently beautiful and loving yourself regardless of comparisons and standards, but I think this reality must be acknowledged.

We, as women, constantly seek validation that we are pretty through compliments for men or likes on Instagram or comments on Facebook. I feel this firsthand, and quite frankly, it sucks.

We persistently compare ourselves to those around us, and seek to be thinner or tanner or leaner or just overall prettier. It is no longer about working on ourselves, the central focus has now been shifted to unnecessarily unimaginable feats we want to achieve in terms of outer beauty.

Is it normal? Yes. Should it be? No. Nothing is worse in this world than comparison. No matter how hard you look at other people or strive for their looks or body or anything they have, you will never feel fulfilled because you cannot be them.

What you can be, on the other hand, is yourself. Your beautiful God-created self. Your imperfections are nothing shy of magnificent because they distinguish your uniqueness.

I could go on a spiel about how inner beauty is more important than outer beauty, and while I completely agree, I also agree that sometimes you just need to be confirmed that you are indeed, an outwardly gorgeous person.

While we spend our days talking about the beauties of others, we never realize that others could be, and probably are, talking about our own beauties. There’s two sides to everything, but what matters the most is how you control your side.

Remember that regardless of the number on the scale or the color of your skin, you are unmatchable and you are significant.

Write it on your mirror or set a reminder on your phone. Do whatever it takes to remind yourself that you are more than what you think, and the world cannot tell you differently.

Likes on a picture or compliments from men are nothing but mere materialistic and subjective things that should contribute nothing to your perception of yourself.

Keep your head held high, and keep smiling, beautiful.

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

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

71541
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

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

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

133516
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

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments