Moments before, I's watching a TV program debating ‘yes to beauty contest?’ It’s a well discussed issue but I thought I must join my opinion group. That’s it...\nU expect we all should rise to the level of perfection, mentally and physically? I believe we’d rather subscribe to a notion that we each and everyone should’ve his or her comfortable space around to live. Uncalled for competition and standardization shouldn’t get in to our life to ruin it. Should we focus a few girls or boys (so-called beauty or sex icons) only? Be it a beauty queen or an ordinary girl – a girl’s life is not hers only. Case is same for the boys also. It is about a family, about the future generations of a nation, and a lot, lot more. So, shouldn’t we try to focus on standardizing what perhaps we all could try without hurting, insulting or elbowing others? U couldn’t overlook a harsh reality that the most people around us to matter most in our life were conformist and so we couldn't ignor everything so simply.
136532
I'm quite happy for other people to take part in beauty contests.  I am sure most boys would prefer to spend an evening with the winner of a beauty contest rather than with me. All this guff about beauty being on the inside is nonsense, I'm afraid. I have a truly stunning inside, kind, gentle, generous, intelligent and lovely, but the outside is crap and I know that only too well!
667515
D! How come the guys get to choose from decent women but us women get the bottom of the barrel to choose from? Just Kidding. I'm sure these are all really nice guys. I just thought that this would be the perfect time to come out of the closet and let the world know I would rather be GAY!\nLove & Light\nSharon
503878
I agree. There are so many things I would do If I was prettier. People say im beautiful ... but I have always just been so down on myself. I once read a book called "feel the fear and do it anyway" which pretty much sums up what we should do... Whats the difference between successful people and average people? Average people play it safe and successful people take risks and feel the fear .. and do it anyway!
382596
It is all a matter of confidence. If you know what you want, realise what is best for you and exerce your own judgement, you can listen to advice, criticism, or publicity and either ignore it or take it into account but do your own thing. It is so sad to see all these women who follow a fashion or a trend slavishly when it does not suit them at all or who pretend to be something that they are not to try to impress others.  \nWhere we live young women (ladettes?) gather in great numbers and challenge one another to drink and drink at the week-end. They get completely plastered to be "in with the crowd" then go and relieve themselves in shop doorways or are sick in bus shelters. They just do not realise how pathetic they look and that the boys who are there are not in the least impressed.\nI believe that in due course they will realise the pointlessness of what they are doing and will seek more civilised pastimes.
574880
i think a lot of people who want to be totally present cannot be because we are humans that way.  we strive for it, of course, but nobody would could be completely that.  even the greatest, most intuned people has to think about the past and the futrue.
209154
You know what, sweetie?  This world is so focused on the outward appearance that it is a darn shame.  We are who we are and God made us this way.  Unfortunately people feed on Hollywood and glamor.  There are those out here that don't judge on looks...it's what's inside that really matters.  We are all children of God....if you are happy, then who cares!  AND.......\n\nThe response before mine....that life.....was made by someone who has no regard for feelings and has no business even responding.  RUDE.....you should be turned in and not allowed to be in this space with answers like that!\n\nYou, my 270lb. friend, take care and God bless.  The weather is so nice, take walks at lunch...that might help!
318563
I like this country, but it doesn't mean it's perfect. \n\nInequality (between race, gender, class) Double Standards\n\nEtiquette (things like road rage and rudeness in the public)\n\nEverything has to be done at this exact moment or everybody loses their mind (learn more patience and self-control)\n\nBody Image Issues (It seems like there is a show or commericial every 15 minutes about some kind of product geared towards weight-loss, body shaping, or enhancement product, also it seems like all you hear about nowadays is plastic surgery...shouldn't people be happy with what God gave them)\n\nToo many laws and regulations
224076
I tend to agree. (Note the quote says an "element" of narcissism, not that shy people = narcissists).  \nThere is something very egocentric about believing that you and your appearance really matters to other people.\n\nThat doesn't mean that shy people are "bad" or "egotistical", but they are putting way too much emphasis on the impact they think they have on other people.
8199
The media portrays an acceptable girl as perfect.  Models are way too skinny for the most part, and when you see some of the celebrities such as Jessica Simpson with no flaws in her body as it would appear you have to live up to that.\n\nI personally have never felt comfortable with someone who tries to make themselves perfect.  I'm not perfect, and I don't think there's a lot of men who are.  Those who are vain enough to spend that amount of time on themselves are working around a different mental limitation.  But deep down inside I wish I spent yesterday working out so I'd look better today even though I know that would do no good.\n\nSee if you can break the mold and just be healthy and comfortable with yourself.
622186
In respons to Rivers of Life\n\nHey pal.... watch who your dissing! We're not all like that. Most of the girls on here are only 14, 15 years old and incredibly insecure. Though I understand some of what you said, we live in a FREE country... where woman have the right to do whatever the hell they want. I wonder what you were all about at 14? Its called puberty, so get off your high horse and where the other persons moccassins, and while your at it, don't insult an entire country.
583458
Thats a great idea.... Cheers me up to see a pretty face...! \n\nIt'd be interesting to see if it made men feel increasing pressure to subscribe to a certain 'look' the way these female models do for women. Apparently that's already happening a bit (what with boy bands, male models etc) - sorry for boys that they have new insecurities but it might make em scrub up a bit...!
553972
I've noticed there are a lot of rash judgements made on here. I think most people that do that are trying to make up for their lack of authority in life (whether they're young or just generally feel inadequate). Possibly it is an accurate reflection of the world, possibly not. Don't let it get to you too much. Just focus on separating the wheat from the chaff. :)\n\nSorry to hear about your daughter and the challenges.
113008
Yes it totally is!  all these girls around the world that r starving themselves just to follow suit with Hollywood standards!  Its crazy!  Too many people choose their men and women solely on their appearance and not what they have to offeras a person.  THATS why everyone is always asking where they can find love at!  Because they r too busy picking out faults on everyone that they cannot even see the good in people.  very sad world we r in!  beauty before happiness?  I think not!
478881
Prissy, I am an American and I appreciate that you clarified your question because there is some truth in what you say.\n\nAs an American, I know that I was not spoiled growing up.  I do appreciate a lot of things and I'm sure many others do too.  There are some of this younger generation (my adult sons are included in this) that do not appreciate much and expect more than they actually deserve.  These are children who watch the exploits of television and young stars like Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie (who is anorexic, starving herself on purpose) and others.  They feel it is their right to have everything their heart desires.\n\nI grew up with six brothers and sisters.  My parents were not rich but we weren't poor, so we were taught the value of a dollar.  For Christmas, we were allowed two items and that was it.  We did not get name brands and it didn't bother us not to have what every child in the neighborhood had (we learned to be happy with what we had).\n\nWhen I went to Africa earlier this year, I saw people who did not have much and were content with that.  They did not set their eyes on "bigger and better."  They were thankful to God for the little they had - very humble people.\n\nI do wish we would bring back those values because at one time, we did have it.  I am tired of hearing people put Americans down as if we are the only country with these kinds of attitudes.  I think Prissy's question clarified more of a parental point and asking about standards.  \n\nSo for those who quickly point out how greedy and selfish Americans are, look in your own backyard.
191101
I agree with you to an extent. I think as a society there is too much emphasis on labeling and marginalizing people. Everyone's different though. I'm sure plenty of people are specifically attracted to one gender and not the other, while some people could potentially be attracted to/fall in love with someone of the same or opposite sex. I think people should accept love wherever and however they find it.
130143
I understand what you are saying too.  I mean who is it who decides that "skinny" is beautiful.  Some of those stars look absolutely pathetic.  I mean, don't they ever see what they look like, with their stick arms and legs?  It is a very sad reflection on our society when we place that much value on how people look and not on how people treat one another instead.\n\nBelow is a site with info on a country where girls are actually force-fed to get fat so they will be seen as more desirable.  Not that I agree with that, but it just shows that not all the world agrees with "skinny".
412279
I agree. Beauty isn't everything. These days, it's how much cleavage can I show without showing my nipples, or how much makeup can I wear without having to chisel it off.\nI don't care much about the look, and I don't watch much tv anymore because it scares me. Really does. Perfect people (want to be perfect people, that is), the way they portray themselves, and it makes me wonder what the world is coming to.\nI know some great singers, but I think they still look attractive in their own way. In my book, everybody is beautiful. My book is all that matters to me,