Who decides what is attractive? Who decides what is pretty?
I am in the process of growing out my hair. Let’s be honest, most of the time it ends up in a ponytail, except for those days that I feel like making an effort. Some people make an effort to please others, I am not one of those people. I make an effort for me.
There is so much pressure to impress the rest of the world, and really that seems to be an act of futility. It is difficult enough to just make myself happy. Eyeliner, mascara, and that sparkly stuff that you smear on your face. Are we trying to hide, or accentuate our features? Don’t even get me started on hair color, manicures, and Spanx. High heels, skinny jeans, and plunging necklines.
Do all the accessories and paint make us pretty?
Probably not.
For me, the mascara and eyeliner give me a sense of confidence. I do not know why. This is the first time I have ever really thought about it. But, I have heard that confidence is sexy on a woman. So, bring on the eyeliner.
It’s funny, my most recent FB profile pictures have been me, without makeup. Pictures taken after I have been working out. (Or doing a TM- which left me looking pitiful, but I felt accomplished.)
So, is it personality that makes people attractive? Should we just try to let our personality shine through?
Maybe it is confidence. Or happiness.
I really do not think it is external stuff at all. Maybe it is just liking who we are and then other people like it too. The power of suggestion is strong.
But, let’s be serious. The magnifying mirror is not our friend. Examining our flaws, and looking for imperfections is not the way to feel pretty.
So, I ask again… who decides what is pretty?
Maybe it is up to me. Maybe I have to like what I am doing, and then I will like the results. I have been fighting a terrible cough, which is finally getting better, so I need to get back to the gym. I felt prettiest then. I felt strong and capable.
The gym is another thing that I do not do for other people. No one cares if I work out. I am the only person that benefits. I am ready. I am ready to embrace strong and healthy.
The Accidental Boxer 
My perception is that physical attraction gets people noticed. Personality gets attention and maintains it (or kills it). It all ends up being centered around confidence and what the individual is drawn toward.
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Who decides what is attractive?
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I think that’s a matter of personal preference. I, personally, don’t perceive make-up as adding to the attraction of women but it helps those I talk with feel more confidence about themselves and their appearance. I have my general stereotypes of what I’m initially drawn to but as conversations take place and I interact with other people, intellectual attraction can trump the initial one that was based purely upon appearance.
Confidence I think is perhaps the only universal piece that fits all areas of attraction.
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