I know. To each his own. This is true about ourselves. Inside.
And then outside, too. Yes, our outward appearance.
I mean, people want to be attractive, don’t they? I think, for the most part, every individual chooses a “way” to look that they believe is the most flattering.
Here is the thing. I’ve been blessed with a lot of goodness in my life. But. Let’s face it. I am no runway model. No pretty cheerleader. I never have been, and at this late stage in my life, I never will be. Yet I try to do the best I can with what I’ve been given where appearances are concerned. Although, “comfort” weighs heavily in those decisions for me.
According to the National Institutes of Health: “People feel better about themselves when they think they are attractive to others. We devote portions of our brains to evaluating characteristics of attractiveness that are remarkably similar among cultures. Our bodies are shaped not only for function but also to match the image of attractiveness to others.”
So there it is. We want to look good.
While the NIH says there are similarities and agreements about the characteristics of attractiveness, I agree to some extent. But where clothing, and hair go, all bets are off.
I suppose I’m getting old. But. The “shredded” blue jeans thing is beyond me. Really?
And the hairstyles and beards these days. Holy heck. I swear some people are modeling them after the early Dr. Seuss books.
Beards can be the worst. If you are one of those people who wear that scraggly thing straight down to your Adam’s Apple, I’m sorry for my criticism. But here it is. Blech. And. Why? In my opinion, there is nothing attractive about wearing a dead animal on the end of your chin.
Okay. Maybe my short hair isn’t your cup of tea, and you think women shouldn’t cut their hair this short. I understand. But at least mine won’t get stuck in the fan on the nightstand or dangle in the toaster.
Historically, beards have been bad.
For instance, let’s talk about the 16th-Century Austrian Mayor with the four-foot long beard. His name was Hans Steininger. And yes. The people loved this Mayor of Braunau am Inn, Austria.
But that beard. Steininger had a long one that measured 4-and-a-half feet long. He would keep it rolled up and neatly tucked into a pocket so as not to get in the way.
Except for this. On September 28, 1567, a fire broke out in the town. Steininger, in all the rush, tripped over his beard and fell down a flight of stairs, killing himself.
Bad beard.
To honor him, the town built a statue of their mayor. And. They cut off his magnificent beard before he was buried and put it on display.
If you are interested, the town still showcases the statue and the beard. And honestly? They would probably prefer to be remembered for Steininger, rather than as the birthplace of Adolph Hitler.
Anyway. It is not all beards I’m opposed to. Some men need them. I can think of two men I know, right off, that really need a beard on their faces. And some men look naturally handsome with a beard. My brother, for one. But the other 80% would do better with a clean shave, I say.
Especially the “Duck Hunter” wannabes.
There is a deal on razors over on Amazon. Just trying to help.
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“Beauty is not in the face; beauty is a light in the heart.”
– Kahlil Gibran
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“The best part of beauty is that which no picture can express.”
– Francis Bacon
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“Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself.”
– Coco Chanel
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That thing on your face. C’mon.
