Have you ever skipped an invitation—not because you were too busy or didn’t want to go, but simply because you didn’t feel ready? Maybe your hair wasn’t done, your clothes got smaller overnight somehow, your skin was acting up, and you have that one huge pimple. It can suddenly feel like being around people is just too much to handle.
It’s not really about insecurity; it’s more like about exhaustion. Somewhere along the way, beauty turned from something fun into a must-have for being part of the social scene. If you’re not glowing, styled, and smiling, it can feel like people treat you differently. You might get overlooked, receive a few judgmental looks, or hear that awkward, fake concern wrapped up as a compliment.
And don’t even think about aging. The new flex is to look the same way you did in high school. News flash: Not everybody can do that.. Life happens, children happen, and now you don’t want to go the the class reunion because Suzy still looks 16.
So what do we do? Sometimes, we choose to stay home, skip out, or plan our social lives around “good hair days.” This is something we definitely need to talk about more: how beauty standards impact our social lives, not just our reflections.
It shouldn’t feel like we’re putting on a costume, nor should it be a requirement. You deserve to be seen, just as you are, even if all you bring is your wonderful presence.
If you’ve ever thought, “I’ll come if I feel better about how I look,” remember, you’re definitely not alone, and you’re absolutely not the problem. Those beauty rules are made up! You’re completely allowed to show up just as you are.
Everybody doesn’t have the same qualities, which makes us all different. We use what we’ve got when we can, and we evolve anyway.