What aspects of your appearance do you cherish? Just last week, we posed this question, prompting numerous readers to send in their photos. Here, eight women reveal their kind eyes, curvy legs, and strong noses…
Rebekah (above), hailing from Tulsa, Oklahoma, shares, “I feel radiant in the evening light, almost like it highlights something golden within me. I was intended to soak it all in.”
“I feel so fortunate that J.Lo made it big during my middle school years because I grew up believing that my ample Puerto Rican figure was truly beautiful. Influences from fat activists like Virginia Sole-Smith and Aubrey Gordon also inspire me. During my book tour last fall, a moderator captured this image of me — round belly and all — and described me as ‘a bright, brilliant light.’ When I reflect on this photo now, I see what she saw: my body as a space-giving entity instead of one that merely occupies.” — Marian, Portland, Oregon
“I adore my dimples! They’re distinct, as though someone pressed their fingers into a soft ball of clay when I was born. My maternal grandmother (‘Nana’) also had beautiful high cheekbones and a broad face. Every time I gaze into the mirror, I see her reflection within mine, her vivid red lipstick perfectly aligning with the divots.” — Emma, New York City
“In high school, as I accepted my National Honors Society plaque, my aunt commented, ‘Oooh, look at those lovely legs!’ I felt mortified at the time. It took me two decades, but I now appreciate her compliment. My curvy legs beautifully support this body. As soon as the weather warms up even slightly, I exclaim, ‘Sky’s out, thighs out!’ and find the shortest shorts available.” — Abby, Chicago
“Since entering my thirties, small dark moles have started to appear; they’re dermatosis papulosa nigra, benign moles commonly found among Black individuals. I noticed three tiny stars at the corner of my eye and thought, how wonderful to have a face that continues to evolve, reminiscent of the night sky that guided our ancestors!” — Sarah, State College, Pennsylvania
“When I smile, my eyes become squinty and virtually vanish. It’s my unmistakable joy! Here, I’m with my child on a flight, alongside my kids engaging in Tashlich by a river during Rosh Hashanah.” — Jill, Cousins Island, Maine
“My masi (maternal aunt) was viewing daguerreotypes of Indian women and said, ‘They have such wise faces, thanks to their strong noses.’ The women in my family possess strong noses as well, and I’ve always considered that the highest compliment — to appear intelligent!” — Sukhie, Seattle
“I appreciate that I look kind. My two-year-old daughter captured this photo, taken while we were conversing on the couch. My gaze is directed at her, I’m beaming, and my eyebrows are raised as if she’s sharing the most captivating tale. I felt overwhelmed when I first saw this image, since it starkly contrasts my mother’s expressions towards me. I hope this is the face my daughter recalls from her childhood memories.” — Jenn, Vancouver
Thank you immensely for sharing!
P.S. Nine women reveal their remarkable hair transformations, and 12 readers discuss their hometowns.
**8 Individuals Disclose What They Treasure About Their Appearance**
In a realm often governed by curated visuals and beauty ideals, appreciating one’s own appearance emerges as a profound act of self-love and assurance. We conversed with eight individuals from various backgrounds to uncover what they hold dear regarding their physical traits. Their insights serve as a refreshing reminder that beauty is profoundly personal and frequently intertwined with narratives, heritage, and self-acceptance.
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**1. Maya, 29 – Her Natural Curls**
“I used to straighten my hair daily throughout high school, believing my curls were too unruly. However, I have grown to cherish them. They’re integral to my identity, linking me to my Caribbean heritage. Now, I fully embrace the volume and texture—it feels liberating.”
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**2. Jordan, 35 – His Smile**
“My smile is the first quality people notice about me, and I’ve come to appreciate that. It may not be flawless, but it’s authentic. I’ve been told it brightens up a room, and knowing that makes me feel good. It serves as a reminder that warmth and kindness can be perceived even without words.”
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**3. Aisha, 24 – Her Skin Tone**
“I take pride in my deep brown skin. In my younger years, I didn’t always feel that way due to colorism, but now I view it as regal and luminous. It radiates in the sunlight, and I value the effort I put into its care. My skin narrates a tale of resilience and beauty.”
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**4. Leo, 42 – His Eyes**
“My eyes are a striking green and have always been a focal point. However, what I value most is their expressiveness. People often say they can gauge my emotions just by looking at me. I consider that level of emotional honesty to be beautiful.”
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**5. Priya, 31 – Her Hands**
“As a ceramic artist, my hands are continually engaged in shaping, molding, and creating. They’re not delicate or manicured, but they’re robust and capable. I cherish how they narrate the story of my craft and artistry.”
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**6. Marcus, 27 – His Height**
“At 6’4”, I often felt awkward and out of place during my teenage years. Yet now, I’ve grown into it—both in stature and in presence. I value the confidence my height imbues in me and how it helps me stand out in a crowd.”
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**7. Elena, 38 – Her Freckles**
“As a child, I despised my freckles, thinking they made me look oddly different. Now, however, I perceive them as distinctive and endearing. They resemble constellations on my face—each one a testament to time spent basking in the sun and enjoying life.”
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**8. Samir, 45 – His Beard**
“My beard symbolizes maturity and tradition in my culture. I take pride in grooming it and maintaining its health. It has evolved into a defining aspect of my appearance, something that makes me feel distinguished and closely connected to my heritage.”
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**Conclusion**
These heartfelt reflections illuminate the various ways individuals relate to their appearance. Whether it’s a characteristic they once battled with or something they’ve always adored, every narrative emphasizes the significance of self-acceptance and the beauty of individuality. By celebrating what we love about ourselves, we not only nurture confidence but also motivate others to recognize the beauty in their own reflections.
