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Nov 19, 2011, 12:33 PM
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Member Since: Jun 2007
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Posts: 5,518
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(((Happycheeks)))
I know how hard it is to be comfortable with your own face when there is so much pressure out there to be perfect - and the definition of "perfect" keeps changing. IMO, the goal isn't to achieve perfection and the "oohs and ahhs" from strangers. The goal is to be able to look at yourself in the mirror and like what you see. The goal is to be able to walk out your door and feel confident, inside and out. If you can achieve this, it won't be as important/necessary to seek the approval of others.
I used to have a pretty face, and I also enjoyed wearing makeup. People would tell me I was pretty. I tried not to take it to heart because I knew beauty fades, and I had a mother at home who constantly cried about losing her beauty. It seemed very selfish and shallow to me. I had a lot of respect for women who could age gracefully without trying to stay 21 forever.
When I was diagnosed with the same illness as my mother ( a rare form of amyloidosis) that afflicted my mother, I got a taste of her medicine. I no longer have a pretty face - medical literature describes us as freaks with a bloodhound-like appearance and places us at a "socio-aesthetic disadvantage" because of the way the illness attacks the face. People (strangers) used to make rude remarks and jokes about my mom's face/appearance whenever I'd take her out in public - now they make jokes about me. I can't wear make-up - it wouldn't help anyway. My forehead is falling over my eyes. My teeth are breaking and falling out.....so is my hair. Due to the illness, plastic surgery is out of the question.
When I look in the mirror, I'm horrified at what I see - but it's MY face. I'd rather have my face than no face at all. I'd rather have the face God gave me than anything a makeup artist or plastic surgeon can create. For me, it's only going to get worse. I hope people (society) will be able to stand me - I have serious doubts.
Take a look at yourself in the mirror one more time. You ARE beautiful, and you always will be - despite the trends that come and go. 
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