I Am Just A Pretty Boy
By zed_k4
@zed_k4 (17589)
Singapore
May 6, 2008 7:30am CST
Hello my friends and everyone in mylot, how are you today?
When I was small, I used to be called "pretty boy" by my aunts and also my mom's friends. And lately, one of the previous days, one of my mom's long-distance close friend came for a visit and I just came back from work.
Upon seeing me, she gave me one look and commented "Look at you, Z!! Used to be a pretty boy and still is. Your son is indeed as pretty as he was before when he was still a young, lovely boy!!"
Explanation time: I admit that I look "pretty" when I was a toddler right up till 6 or 7 years of age. I have the kind of puppy-doe eyes and a cute innocent look. So, when my mom's close friend said that, I take it as a compliment, really, but it was quite embarrassing to be called a pretty boy in front of your mom's friend now that I've grown up to be a man and all.
I don't mind such endearment, but why do I blush and feel weird being called a pretty boy? How about you? Do you have a perhaps similar encounter like me and/or what do you think about being called a pretty boy or girl now that you have grown up.
Do share your thoughts. Thanks everyone and have a super duper exciting day.~
26 people like this
71 responses
@barbiegirl13 (1588)
• United States
6 May 08
Dear Zed,
I think that her calling you a pretty boy is sweet. I looked at your picture and yes you are "pretty". But here in the States I think that we usually say that a man is " nice looking". I often get the prtty girl comments. It does not bother me or make me feel weird to be called pretty,in fact, I like it.
5 people like this
@zed_k4 (17589)
• Singapore
6 May 08
Hello there barbiegirl. Nice looking is a much more better word if I'm labeled as that instead of pretty boy, LOL. But I'm thankful for any praises whatsoever though. Thanks for this and happy posting to you.
I'm sure you are a pretty lady. Take care.
2 people like this
@wickedangel (1636)
• Dominican Republic
6 May 08
Hi there Zed, like your new avatar by the way!
How wonderful to have compliments, sometimes it is so hard to accept them, isn't it?
Yep, when you are a kid being called a 'pretty boy' is OK but now that you are an adult, I think it is nice that she told you that you are good looking but perhaps she should have used the words 'good looking' or handsome. Like 'my how handsome you have grown'.
Me, nah, never had that sort of compliment, never been that 'pretty', just ordinary but full of beans. And I am happy that way!.
Thanks for sharing this with us and I hope you too have a super duper and exciting day!!!! :)
5 people like this
@zed_k4 (17589)
• Singapore
6 May 08
Thanks so much for liking my new avatar. I like it as well. Yes, it tend to be hard to accept compliments as such and I felt embarrassed no matter how well I know her intention was at that time. I think that you are more than ordinary. You are a great person and that shines in your discussions for they are truly beautiful.
Thanks to you too and I will be sure to have a great day ahead of me. Hope yours too. Take care, sweet.
2 people like this
@stephcjh (38473)
• United States
6 May 08
That is great that people think of you like that and call you nice names even in your adult years. I was never called any of those names but one of my sister's was always told how pretty she was. I was always made fun of and never noticed, and it is still like that to this day. I think I am a very decent person so I don't know what the problem is.
5 people like this
@whittby (3072)
• United States
6 May 08
Your Mom's friend probably meant it as a compliment, but older people don't always consider how embarrassing it is to receive remarks like that. Being a family friend, she is more outspoken and feels free to kid around with you maybe? Any kind of compliment is hard to take - just say "thank you" and leave it at that.
4 people like this
@zed_k4 (17589)
• Singapore
6 May 08
Yes, my friend, my mom's long-distance friend has a reputation for being outspoken and she used to praise me when I was little. I could still remember. It was another shock that day when she praised me and then the embarrassment came.
However, I'm going to take your advice and duly say thank you each time someone mentions that I'm pretty again, ha. Happy posting and take care, whittby. :)-
2 people like this
@NCgirl (487)
• Philippines
6 May 08
I bet you still is!! Well, you will always be for your mom and her friends--who have seen you grew up. My husband is a "pretty boy" too when he was a baby, his mom even said he's the most beautiful baby ever. I agree with her, when I saw his baby pictures. Now that he is a grown married man, he still get those comments like you get now. He is a pretty boy until now really. And I know you are too, you wouldn't get the same compliment or comments to anyone if not. My husband blushes but doesn't mind being called that way, he got used to it I guess..lol He doesn't mind at all. He was the youngest in his family and he still have everyone's attention.
With me, and my parents' friends's comments when they see me? they'd say I am still the same little girl they knew, and they would start telling stories about me then. They have fond memories of me, and some of them if brought out today, are a little embarrasing to share..lol
Have a great weekend!
4 people like this
@zed_k4 (17589)
• Singapore
6 May 08
Thanks so much for your encouragement, NCgirl. WOW, that's truly awesome that your husband does face the same plight as me. I think I will get used to it like him too in future, LOL.
That is really a nice story there which you have shared about your family and you have a very lovely family. Fond memories are really my cup of tea and it's nice to reminisce about the past which were pleasant. I try to be brave though about that pretty comment, ha! Take care, sweetie and have a nice day. :)-
2 people like this
@bournecaindelta (2477)
• India
6 May 08
LOL Zed
.. Why do u feel shy?? or Embarrassed??? Its common. some people always appreciate beauty and it was your turn to face it .. It was so good of her to comment on you, the same way she did when you were a toddler. I have people coming home and telling me, " Haven't you got leaner?", " What's with you? why have you tanned" .. lol It sometimes feels good .. But aaahh.. Sometimes just drives me nuts..
And blushing is quite natural. Why do you worry?
bourne
.. Why do u feel shy?? or Embarrassed??? Its common. some people always appreciate beauty and it was your turn to face it .. It was so good of her to comment on you, the same way she did when you were a toddler. I have people coming home and telling me, " Haven't you got leaner?", " What's with you? why have you tanned" .. lol It sometimes feels good .. But aaahh.. Sometimes just drives me nuts..
And blushing is quite natural. Why do you worry?
bourne@zed_k4 (17589)
• Singapore
6 May 08
Thanks bourne, 
. I think the comments and questions would always be there and it's better to take it in our stride and just go through with it. I try not to worry too much about it and just let it pass me by. It's just the passing moment that I felt weird being called pretty. But I'm fine now. Good day to you. :)-
. I think the comments and questions would always be there and it's better to take it in our stride and just go through with it. I try not to worry too much about it and just let it pass me by. It's just the passing moment that I felt weird being called pretty. But I'm fine now. Good day to you. :)-2 people like this
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
6 May 08
"Pretty" is not a very masculine descriptive word. When I hear someone called a "pretty boy" it usually means the young man is a homosexual.
3 people like this
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
6 May 08
I am quite sure as it came from family and friends it was meant as a nice complement.
2 people like this
@TriciaW (2441)
• United States
6 May 08
You mom and her friends will always think of you as that little boy that was so sweet. I am sure it was a bit embarassing but it was sweet that they have such fond memories of you. I have never had it happen to me so can't give you any advice except know you will be their pretty boy forever and enjoy it because it means you are loved.
@drannhh (15219)
• United States
6 May 08
We were cleaning out some old papers yesterday and I found two long forgotten photos of me, one about 2 years old when I was a chubby kid, and another when I was 20-something and skinny as a rail with really long hair. Hubby said, "You were so gorgeous...(pause)...and you still are!" What a guy, I think I'll keep him another 40 years! But I always did something different from the "crowd" that set me apart, so I wasn't "pretty" in the sense that you describe, not after age 2 anyway! Some people said I had more of what they called an "exotic" look, which I always considered a put-down, but looking back on it, maybe they were just jealous.
It would only be embarrassing if they were just saying to get something.
3 people like this
@zed_k4 (17589)
• Singapore
6 May 08
Hi drannhh, I certainly think there's a fine line there; being praised truly and just for the sake of it to get something, like you have mentioned. Your husband is really a gentleman and yes, you are right. Do keep it longer and in fact, forever. -smiles-.
Thanks for sharing your past here and describing what you looked like and everything. We always look very different when we were young and the goofiness would certainly be there, ha! Have a great day posting, sweetie and take care.
2 people like this
@sunkissed (4330)
• United States
6 May 08
Well I think that that is very loving and sweet. I am sure you must be a very handsome young man. As a matter of fact My brother was the same way. They used to tell him he was so good looking that he should have been a girl. At least they did not tell you that!!He had the biggest brown eyes long eyelashes and beautiful curly hair. So you will probally alway be their pretty boy. Nothing to be ashaimed about or embarashed for. I would think it would be a compliment!!
4 people like this
@zed_k4 (17589)
• Singapore
6 May 08
Thanks so much for your compliment there, and I was a very pretty boy, so to speak and like what you said too, there were comments saying that I would look gorgeous if I was a girl instead during that time. But those were the days. Now the pretty syndrome has gotten back again. 
.
But yes, like you said, I will try my very best to take it as a compliment. Take care and happy posting.
.
But yes, like you said, I will try my very best to take it as a compliment. Take care and happy posting.2 people like this
@Foxfire1875 (2010)
•
6 May 08
I suppose you feel weird because you're a grown man and it's strange to be referred to the way you were when you were small. I like being called pretty but then I'm a girl so it's kinda different as men prefer to be thought of as big and strong not pretty.
It depends on the country as well I suppose as here in the UK, it would be a compliment but maybe not in some other countries.
It depends on the country as well I suppose as here in the UK, it would be a compliment but maybe not in some other countries.4 people like this
@zed_k4 (17589)
• Singapore
6 May 08
Yes, you match my exact sentiments, foxfire1875..grown man don't take compliments like that well and it did feel weird, very weird at that time, LOL. That's new, I didn't know that it is a norm in UK. So, guys there are called pretty, if they are good looking, is that it?
Have a nice day there, foxfire18785.
2 people like this
@longbangod (1785)
• Philippines
6 May 08
You must be proud of that. Not all are pretty, lol.
I know when I was small I am cute too but now that Ive grown up, I could say those were the days...I dont look good now. Pretty is the farthest compliment any person could say to me this time. Poor me, huh!
4 people like this
@zed_k4 (17589)
• Singapore
6 May 08
Please don't say that, my friend. I'm sure that you are pretty in your own way. Don't worry too much about it. I'm not really proud about that fact, but I tell myself that my mom's friend meant well a lot of times in my head and I just forget the word "pretty". Believe me, it sounds funny to be called pretty when you are a man, ha!
But I shall take it in my stride. Happy posting to you, sweetie.
2 people like this
@jing_ocampo (135)
• Philippines
6 May 08
Wow! And the picture proves it all. Yeah, you are a pretty boy. Cheers to you growing up to be a pretty man! :)
4 people like this
@Katlady2 (9904)
• United States
6 May 08
Believe me, it's definitely a parental thing. That will probably stick with you for the rest of your life, and I'm sure your mom and her friends will remind you quite a bit about it. Just keep taking it in stride like you have been, and just put a big smile on your face. As for me, to some of my parents' friends that are still around, I am to this very day known as "Baby Carryl" even though I'm now 42 years old. My brother is 20 years older than I, and my sister is 18 years older. So when I came along that is what everyone nicknamed me. I just laugh when they say it. I find it to be cute and pretty darned funny.
2 people like this
@zed_k4 (17589)
• Singapore
6 May 08
Hello Carryl~....I smile when I read your post. Baby Carryl is indeed a very, very sweet name and that's such an endearment, personally in my point of view. You are right; it is a parental thing and I will always be called a pretty boy just like you will be known as Baby Carryl. . Sweet...
. Sweet...1 person likes this
@checapricorn (16061)
• United States
6 May 08
Hello zed!
You know no matter how grown up are you, your mom will always be proud of you and will continue to appreciate you with other people! LOL,
I have experienced that before especially if my dad is quite drunk, LOL, he will start to appreciate my sister and I in front of our relatives and I don't like it. I am embarrassed too but I realize that they are just happy to have us, you know!SO, cheer up and just give everybody a smile in situation like these! LOL
2 people like this
@checapricorn (16061)
• United States
7 May 08
I know they mean it also! Thanks for dropping by! Have a great time zed!
2 people like this
@zed_k4 (17589)
• Singapore
6 May 08
Hello checapricorn, I think your story is sweet and I will use it as a motivation for me to just go through with it. I think parents and family members will always use too sweet terms on us and it's just something that we have to live with, ha!
Have a nice day there...
1 person likes this
@dierdre (2207)
• Philippines
7 May 08
oh i see, so that's why you your eyes seem to look "bigger" than your singaporean counterparts! you can pass for a thailander, indonesian, filipino, or latino, "pretty boy" hehe. just kidding. just tell your aunt that you would like to be called a "stud" or a "hunk" LOL! or instead of "pretty boy" she could just call you "handsome boy" LOL
you can pass for a thailander, indonesian, filipino, or latino, "pretty boy" hehe. just kidding. just tell your aunt that you would like to be called a "stud" or a "hunk" LOL! or instead of "pretty boy" she could just call you "handsome boy" LOL 1 person likes this
@zed_k4 (17589)
• Singapore
10 May 08
Hello dierdre, sorry for the late comment on this. LOL, I'm thankful to be having looks as you've mentioned. Quite a lot of people real life have mentioned that I can almost pass off as any race, and I thank God for that.
I would tell that to my aunt or whoever labels me as pretty guy to call me a "hunky dude" then, ha! -just kidding-
Have a nice day yeah. :)-
@zed_k4 (17589)
• Singapore
6 May 08
Thanks dierdre. Yes I totally agree that it tend to be extremely nice if it's meant for a girl and that's why I am truly embarrassed at that time. By the way, to answer your question, I am of a pure Asian breed, which you said as a typical Singaporean, but I don't have small, "chinky" eyes. (like that word chinky, ha!).
However, one of my ancestors on my dad side had an Italian blood because of mixed parentage. But my parents are both Asian though. Maybe the down-line do affects the way I look.
Happy posting to you and take care there.
2 people like this
@eastrologer (192)
• Delhi, India
6 May 08
Dear I have seen every body is thinking like you. It is a spirit to win.
2 people like this
@Hatley (163776)
• Garden Grove, California
6 May 08
You blush and feel weird because you are a
man now and this embarrasses you. Ihated being
call oh shes so shy we call her bashful and still
do when someone says you are so shy or you are so
thin skinned when they have just said some thing
like if you were slimmer you'd be really pretty.
Now just what would they want me to say after being
told I am not pretty? thank them? give me a break.
No matter what our ages we do not like being told
we are border line ugly. wow.
@zed_k4 (17589)
• Singapore
6 May 08
I agree, Hatley. I will never comment on anyone being ugly or questions like putting on weight and stuff like that. I respect an individual and will try my best not to pull down someone by asking the kind of questions that can offend others. I think weight issue is another popular question amongst people.
1 person likes this
@sexyjo (69)
• Trinidad And Tobago
7 May 08
hey zed it's a nice compliment to be called pretty boy, jus say thanks, i think they are right, when my sister met her husband, he to was called pretty boy ,oh yes every one called my sister pretty girl ,so the pretty couple got married and have pretty kids, :) its true ,i always say if some one was pretty ,handsome, goodlooking, what the hell give them a compliment ,yuh just can't help but being who you are. any way i think you are hot, keep sweet and humble :)
@zed_k4 (17589)
• Singapore
7 May 08
Thanks for your compliments there. I must say that your sister and her husband are indeed a very pretty couple, judging by what you said. I have said thanks to her the other day, but I suppose my face could not hide my shock during that time, ha!!
Take care and have a nice day there my friend.
1 person likes this
