On Physical Appearance

Looks. How do they matter to you? Does it really matter if everyone else thinks you're "hot"? Or have you already decided? How would you define "hot", anyway?

I don't know if I'm totally able to answer those questions I asked above just now, but I just thought of something that happened to me recently and really made me think about how my physical appearance matters to me. I think I keep an OK balance between being totally vain and totally self-loathing in the way of looks, heh, usually. But a week or so ago, I was doing my final project for my stage makeup class I took this semester, and I made myself look like the old peddler woman from Snow White and the Seven Dwarves (disney style.)

I did some 2D age makeup, painting in wrinkles and dark circles under my eyes.. I even had a latex nose prosthetic, which was quite.. "witchy" and had a wart on it. (It did turn out awesome, if I do say so myself...) But the whole process of creating this alter ego for myself wig, costume, props, even putting makeup on my hands to make them look old and wrinkly, and painting my fingernails yellow (eew..) It was really strange after about an hour and a half of working (and I wasn't even done), I just longed to see my real face. I looked so different. I thought of all the times that I wished my nose was smaller and cuter, and wanted my eyes and cheeks and mouth different. All of a sudden I just wanted my face back, my lovely face that I know is just full of me. I knew it was under all the makeup, but not being able to see it felt really strange. I realized that I dont't want to look like anyone else permanently, no matter how much I may want to. After the showcase was over and I revealed my real face again blemishes, birthmarks, messy eyebrows.. I was so happy and didn't care at all what anyone thought. :)

More later. Mari

Physical appearance to me is very important. I don't mean you can judge a book by its cover. However when you meet people and make friends you are going to notice their appearance. I love people watching. Its just so interesting to see how different people treat their bodies. Some women obviosly spent hours on their perfectly stiff hair and 5 inches of make up.And then some look like they rolled out of bed and walked out the door. Its interesing to see different people's comfort levels. I am not saying that either is beautifull. But physical attraction is human. Each person has certain things that they are attracted to. ANd Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. And I often find beauty in imperfection. Who wants to look like everyone else anyway? Appearance is what I first notice about someone I just met. Mostly their face. You can read someones feelings through their facial expression. You really learn alot about someone just by looking at them. Their mannerisms, how they walk, their laugh etc. I think the interest in physical appearance is very important in socialization. Now I am not saying by looking at someone you can know their every thought and feelings, but its fun to try =) -Abbi