Beauty

[monicakm]

But wouldn't because I know how things can get nasty around here from a very innocent question. So I went to my go-to, Google. Generally speaking, do we think we look better than others think we look? I know most people are their own worst critics but here is what Google said...most people think they look better than other people perceive them to look.  Well that's a bummer!  Please don't turn this into something it's not. It's just an innocent thought that's been circulating in my brain for monrhs

[JudyL]

Interesting question.  I would not have thought what Google says is true because women, at least some of us, tend to be our own worst critic and are critical about how we look.  Have always felt other people don't notice what I think is wrong with myself or how I look that day and think I look just fine.  

[Goodie2shoes]

At 74 I'm blessed to still be able to care for myself, dress myself and wear what I feel is appropriate to go out into society. I just got a compliment this morning at Walmart by the cashier who liked my 2 toned blue sketchers sneakers that I color coordinated with my blue ankle pants and blue top   I don't wear a full face of makeup everyday, only lip gloss but I must have my hoop earrings on. I do wear makeup to church but I don't overdo it. So as long as I feel I look decent I don't worry about what others think. I have seen some very shamefull looks out there such as shorts on young ladies that are less than a inch from showing their underwear but that's not my concern.  

[ThinkingOutLoud]

I know someone who spends too much time and money to always look put together. I'm sure she thinks she looks fab but those who know her personality and that how she treats people is less than pretty, aren't as impressed as she would like to think.

[Citrine1]

Hmmm.  Not quite the same, but I know sometimes I get myself dolled up and think I look pretty good, then catch my reflection in glass or a mirror when I'm out and realize I don't look as good as I thought.

But, overall, I have to say yes for me.  I probably don't look as good as I think I do.  haha

I've seen your picture @monicakm .  I think you are very pretty.  

[timeless]

Good question!

As a "fabulous over 50" (ick) woman, I notice I still think I look like I did in my 30's and then pass a mirror and get a rude reminder I'm not as good-looking as my mind seems to be stuck remembering!

Something I noticed years ago while watching myself on a video someone in our family made is I definitely have mannerisms and facial expressions that I think are one way but in reality look nothing like I thought.  Even my voice and cadence of speech come across different than it sounds to me while speaking.

So, yes, I would say there is a perception difference one has about themselves, but to say they aren't as attractive as they think they are...I would like to see where Google came up with that. 

[Puggywuggy]

I am my own worst critic, lol @JudyL @monicakm and the majority of my female friends are the same way.

[teganslaw]

I never thought about this question. When I get ready and apply make up I don't anticipate what other people might think. 

As far as Google's response, my thought is that someone programmed Google to come up with that answer. Therefore, whatever A1 says is the opinion of whoever programmed it. I wouldn't live my life by that. 

[SloopJohnB]

For me anyway, I feel that I don't look as good as I think I do when I look in the mirror.  In other words, if I see a pic of myself, I don't look as good as when I see my reflection in a mirror.  I would say I am not photogenic.

[BlueFinch]

People have realistic and unrealistic thoughts about many issues, so it's not a surprise that many would have elevated ideas of their appearance, while others would be self critical. Sometimes maybe signs of both, depending on the situation, since who we're with and the setting can influence confidence -- for good, or bad. 

I personally don't think most people think they look better than they are perceived by others. If that was true, we wouldn't see nearly as many women going overboard (sometimes in debt) trying so hard to impress. Why would they need to?

Not sure data collection regarding appearance would be accurate. Self perceptions are often not what they appear to the observer, or even truly revealed. 

Even the most beautiful women I've ever known had body flaws that bothered them and they could be self critical. One was a family member who was stunning. She was oblivious to every head turning when she walked into a room. Everyone saw her beauty, but her. She simply didn't find it significant. She was a treasure.