Do you have a perverse view of beauty?

I halfway agree with you, it is a problem of the mind. But the beauty industry plays on those needs and insecurities to turn a profit--which isn't wrong, but it certainly doesn't do it in a way that improves anyone's life. I remember reading a book about Esther, I think it was called Hadassah which was the name given to her at birth. I was in second grade and a tubby, ugly girl that others made fun of. That book made me look at myself and pick out features that were attractive and I didn't feel like such an ugly person anymore. I also admired her character and loyalty to her people. Thanks for bringing back that wonderful memory!

Oh I don't know if I go that far. I mean, isn't that relative? Who are we to determine what "improves anyone's life"? I have met more than a few women who have undergone gastric by-pass surgery, and slimmed down to a size 3. They claim they have more energy, more confidence, less health issues, and live a fuller better life. I also know girls that have had plastic surgery, and claim the exact same thing, only without better health improvements. Similarly, I know girls that love Mary Kay (overpriced makeup), I'm sure you know about it if you don't use it. They seem to think it improves their lives. Now none of those things are of any use to me. I not pretty, but I don't care about Mary Kay. I'm heavy, but if I want to lose weight, I'll do it without surgery. So to me, yeah, they would not improve my life. But for those other people, who am I to determine what will, or will not improve their life? Am I God, that I can presume to determine what everyone else needs? No I am not. In a similar discussion, I told one lady that if I had a wife, and she wanted plastic surgery, I would tell her in no uncertain terms, that in my eyes she does not need it, but if she really wanted it, I'd support her choice. Why? Because maybe it would make her feel better, even if it didn't help me. Yes Esther is a great model. She stepped up when God was looking for someone he could use, and risked her life on God's plan. It shows that beauty is nothing, unless backed up by honor, morals and glory to God. Now if only the air heads in Hollywood understood that.

I have heard that, too. I would much rather someone be beautiful inside, though. I find non-symmetrical faces much more interesting than "perfect" ones.

I would much rather that women be natural and not cake their face with makeup--I mean, you might attract someone when you look that way but won't he see what you really are at some point? So what's the use? I hate what we have let the cosmetic industry do to us! I have that color of eyes, too, to a point. They used to be blue but the Southwest sun faded them to a greenish color that looks bluer or greener with the color I wear. And I don't dye my hair, either. It's salt and pepper right now and I wish it would hurry and silver up! I think gray and silver hair is beautiful.

I personally think that staying in shape is healthy but the constant dieting and working out is not good for a person. Our perceptions of what an attractive body is has become very warped.

Yes, it has changed through the years. Up until the 60's, a full (not overweight) body was considered attractive on women and men were attractive without having to go to the gym 3-5 times a week. Now it's quite different and I don't think it's healthy at all.

I do think, as someone else said, that a person can become beautiful to someone who loves them. By looking only at the outside, people bypass someone who would be perfect for them. They prefer the "beautiful" people who are, so many times, shallow and unrewarding and whose outer beauty is all they have.