Is it okay yet? - Page 2

islandgrrl · ‎06-20-2010

@SeaMaiden wrote:
I see a lot of women who do not care....if it does not bother them, go for it. I am not that person. I will not show STUFF I hate. I will dress to cover or disguise my “issues” the best I can. That is just me.

it has always been OK to let it all show....but people’s house see you ,even if they say nothing out loud, they are THINKING “OMG GROSS!”

If you can deal with knowing that and it does not bother you then let it all hang out😄

@SeaMaiden

I found your comment super interesting. I rarely see anyone whose appearance seems to indicate that they don't care. In fact, I almost feel the opposite. Last week I ran into a long time family friend and it was clear to me that he was dying his hair (a sign that he cares A LOT). I walked away thinking how interesting it is that men are starting to follow conventions that once were only heaped on women as they age -- coloring hair being just one example.

Jtdmum · ‎03-17-2010

@BirkiLady wrote:
Beauty lies within. The things you are talking about (or questioning) have been "earned" through years of a life well lived.

I enjoy the look of graying temples and don't worry about the thinning hair. Scars are part of my history and memories. Wrinkles are laugh lines and years of fun in the sun with family and friends. Swollen ankles show I've inherited fluid retention from previous generations; a diuretic helps. Odd looking lumpy growths on my wrists, shoulders, knees, etc., are parts of Lupus. That's part of my weird autoimmune system.

I've had had health problems since birth and consider myself very fortunate to reach 71, live alone in my own home and be very independent. Worrying about such trivial things seems shallow. Dressing well is important. But living a productive life, volunteering and having great family and friends is a higher priority than worrying about outer beauty.

Interesting post. Anxious to read how other's respond.

Personal best, how you handle and perceive beauty is very individual. It sounds like you handle it "beautifully" @BirkiLady

ECBG · ‎01-08-2011

@Shanus Honey, I really want to see myself in the best light too!!!!

Call me "vein"! OK!!!

blackhole99 · ‎08-22-2013

Well, we can't deny we have flaws and whether or not you are comfortable flaunting them is up to the individual. I don't think it's an issue unless you make it one. No matter what age I am I want to look my best, do I want to display flabby arms, cellulite, a big droopy behind, absolutely not! I am comfortable with my wrinkles and gray hair though. Thank goodness for those sleeves and tops that cover the behind.

SilleeMee · ‎05-22-2016

I'm thankful for all of the options I have to 'fix' the flaws I see in my mirror. Whether or not I choose to make use of them is another story. But at least I know there's something out there that can help and that is somewhat comforting to know.

Less stress, more living.

Ms tyrion2 · ‎05-08-2017

I don't believe it is vain to make the most of what you have.

Watch the diet. Exercise. For me, color my hair and make sure the style flatters me. Wear clothes that are flattering as well without fretting so much about age appropriateness. Use makeup to enhance what I like and reduce what I don't.

I find freedom in making the best of what I have rather than letting it all go and feeling sad and neglected.

GCR18 · ‎07-03-2013

No, it's not okay yet. It won't be okay until all body shapes/sizes are no longer shamed. It goes both ways. Being too slim or too heavy.

RoughDraft · ‎03-09-2010

@Desert Lily wrote:
So, it seems to me that our value or perception of beauty has moved toward the positive a little recently. But, is it okay yet for us to have cellulite and not hide it? Is it okay yet for us to have "junk in the trunk" without having to wear, for instance, a shaper? Is it okay yet to let our upper arms show rather than wear sleeves that extend at least to our elbows if not to our bracelets? What about full calves or vericose veins? Is it okay yet to let some of the fine wrinkles we've earned show, or the gray hairs that seem to pop up? Aren't many of these attributes inherited? We may no longer shame others for physical attributes, but do we as individuals feel our own shame for what may still be seen as less than perfect to others? I was a buyer for 19 years and I appreciate line, color, movement, balance, style, etc. in fashion. But, I wonder if we need to take another look at our perspective on what's beautiful and what's not. Does it say something about us as a society?

I read and re-read your post several times and honestly, I don't know the answer. I do believe over hundreds of years, society does set it's own standards of beauty and they do change. What was considered beautiful in another century looks odd and out of place in today's world.

Who sets the standards for what should be idolized vs. who should hide their body parts from polite society?

Everyone who sincerely cares about these standards should certainly adapt, stylize, cover what they don't feel comfortable about. It's their right to do so and if they feel better about it, it might make them more comfortable about navigating this complicated planet we live on.

Does it say something about us as a society? Unfortunately, yes, but then society in general has a plethora of problems that need improvement and most of them don't include what an aging body does to people.

~The only difference between this place and the Titanic is that the Titanic had a band.~

phoenixbrd · ‎03-27-2010

@BirkiLady I share your priorities.

Pook · ‎03-20-2010

I can't change how others perceive how they look or I look but I want to look and feel my best and will take advantage of what's available to improve what I don't like about my appearance. What others say or think of how I look is of no concern to me. It's their issue - not mine. The problem appears to be each individual's perception of themselves or others and with those that spout such nasty things about others. I can't change anyone's attitude and what hurtful things they say about others but I will speak out against it every chance I get. I would not want to live in a world where no one even tried to look their best. It's ok to do things to improve your appearance but not ok to shame others for how they look and the choices they make concerning their appearance. Everyone should just be themselves and be comfortable in their choices on how they look and enjoy life without all this PC stuff. If Cellulite, gray hair, wrinkles, flabby arms, varicose veins, etc bothers you - it's ok to choose to cover them or use products that can improve your appearance! If these things don't bother you then don't make excuses for not caring about such things - just be who you are.