Is Beauty a Blessing or a Burden: How Does Physical Attractiveness Shape Our Lives and Perceptions?

There is no greater gift or blessing in this world than being born good-looking. Being born exceptionally attractive is an advantage for all those individuals who are born beautiful and handsome. It signifies that they possess an initial advantage over the rest of us, starting from a point that most of us struggle to reach. Almost everyone, if not all, appreciates beautiful or handsome things, particularly in people. When we encounter such attractive individuals, we subconsciously and automatically become drawn to them. We desire to converse with them, to be seen walking alongside them.

For those of us who do not possess conventional good looks – a judgment often influenced by others' opinions (as societal values of attractiveness are instilled in us from the beginning) – we strive to compensate for this through alternative means.

If we are not inclined towards narcissism or excessive aggression, we may resort to the following approaches for compensation:

Excessive Politeness: Being exceedingly polite is viewed as an effective strategy for gaining others' affection. We make efforts to please people and fit in, becoming highly attuned to this tactic. We adopt a saintly demeanor against any action that might come across as abrasive. Nevertheless, this strategy is draining and eventually backfires, as the constant endeavor to please and gain affection fosters resentment over time.

Empathy and Compassion: Some of us might compensate through empathy, compassion, and care. We consistently aim to fit in and appear favorable in the eyes of others. We offer gifts and gestures of goodwill, hoping to earn love in return. However, this compensatory behavior is rooted in the insecurity of our perceived lack of physical attractiveness and often results in exploitation by others.

For those more inclined towards assertiveness, compensation might manifest as:

Accumulating Power and Wealth: The pursuit of power and wealth becomes a natural recourse. While this may seem self-evident, people often seek increased power not solely for rational purposes, but also to compensate for perceived deficiencies, notably their appearance. These resources are acquired partly in pursuit of love, as control over others is established, and partly to mask physical shortcomings.

Becoming a Workaholic: Those realizing their divergence from society's ideal of good looks might attempt compensation through intense work engagement. They transform into relentless workaholics, investing profound passion into their pursuits. This behavior stems from a desire to be perceived as ambitious and capable beyond physical attributes.

However, attractiveness provides an advantage, easing the journey for those who possess it. Naturally attractive individuals, when coupled with a modicum of intelligence, navigate life's challenges more smoothly and expeditiously. This holds especially true for women. Beautiful women encounter fewer hurdles on average, particularly during their teenage and youthful years. They effortlessly attract affluent and well-connected individuals. They are also more rapidly employed than men in certain sectors like journalism, human resources, and customer relations. In the entertainment industry, they draw larger audiences than their male counterparts. Yet, they must tread carefully to avoid being perceived solely as superficial, as this could lead to unfavorable outcomes.

God's Jest:

Ironically, there exists a whimsical facet in how God designed beautiful individuals. Consider the analogy of an exceptionally beautiful woman – a sight that elicits wonder at God's mastery. A woman of stunning allure, possessing long, elegant legs, a regal figure, and flawless, radiant skin devoid of imperfections. Taller than average, she carries herself with grace, crowned by a perfectly poised head. Her facial features are exquisitely proportioned, with expressive eyes that can illuminate even the darkest abyss and a smile that melts even the most resolute hearts. Yet, amidst this grandeur, they possess an aspect that is equally human – an anus that excretes waste. This stark contrast, wherein they emit substances that emit unpleasant odors, serves as a jest from God, reducing all to the same level of vulnerability and reminding us of the duality of human existence.