I Asked My Friends What Makes Them Feel Beautiful
Image Courtesy: Pinterest
In a time when beauty standards have an unforgiving grip on society, it is crucial to remember the things that genuinely make us feel beautiful, but what constitutes beauty? It is easy to forget the intuitive nature of beauty given the expectation to follow the rather objective guidelines set out before us (look a certain way, act a certain way, live a certain way, and so on), so I sought to discover the subtle idiosyncrasies embedded in the reminiscence of when people feel beautiful.
I asked a few of my friends, “What makes you feel beautiful?” and did not wish to limit them in any capacity. I encouraged them with the idea that it could be a time of day, a situation, a person, a state of existence, something you wear, hear, or feel – there is no wrong answer. I was so intrigued by the complexity of their responses that I decided to make a Google form and post it to my Instagram, craving more of these engrossing replies. I was not disappointed in the slightest.
Image Courtesy: Pinterest
To my lovely surprise, none of their replies were about looking a certain way, having certain features, or being anything society demands. My friends and respondents spoke of things that bore much more weight: Spending time with their friends, families, and loved ones or just surrounding themselves with people who make them feel happy and accepted. Drawing breath in spaces where they were not subject to judgment from others and could live freely. Engaging with their passions like painting purely for fun, cozily reading inside during thunderstorms, or doing something just for them without the care of being perceived. Looking in the mirror after a shower and skincare, embodying a radiant glow. Crispy clean sheets, a good tan, and a fresh haircut from the hairdresser. Being out in nature, soaking up the sun, and wearing colors meant to appear on their skin. Lots of laughter, dancing, words of affirmation, being noticed, and genuine acts of love from the people who matter most. To say that these answers are beautiful on their own is an understatement.
Image Courtesy: Isabelle Krukoski
Many friends were curious to hear my answer about what makes me feel beautiful. In all honesty, my answers are not too far from theirs: I feel beautiful when I wear an outfit I feel good in, when I am with people who truly see and love me, and when I am sincerely and utterly happy.
Everyone talked about experiences rooted in such profound meaning that the notions of being viewed as attractive were no longer significant. From hearing thoughtful compliments to wearing your favorite lip oil, beauty is not about a look – it's how you feel. I was suddenly in awe of all these beautiful things described in such detail, but how charming it was to recall where true beauty comes from. Hopefully, these all serve as a reminder to you, too, to wholeheartedly think about where your beauty thrives.
Strike Out,
Writer: Isabelle Krukoski
Editor: Layne Schulte
Tallahassee