by Shadows (ShadowsWithinMe)

Let me ask you an important question - one that is claimed to only be determined in the eye of the beholder:

Are you beautiful?

The answers vary from person to person. Some think they are absolutely gorgeous; others swear they couldn't be pretty if they tried. Some are totally okay with how they look; some wish they could change everything from head to toe.

Where do these two, polar opposite perspectives come from? While it's true that the "pretty" person may be a snob (as that can be the stereotype that society paints), the truth is that even nice people - kind, wonderful, amazing people - can be beautiful too. Many of us wish we looked like someone else. You know, like the ones you see in fashion shows or on magazines with near perfect bodies. Many of us have stared at these people wishing we could change ourselves, wishing we had the drive, the time, and the ability to be like them. Even Barbie dolls have been culprits of providing false impressions on what a truly "beautiful" person is.

I think the most important question to ask, out of all of these, is how we define "beauty?" What truly makes a person this way in our eyes?

Question: Do you think you are beautiful? Why?

"Yes. I mean, I'm tiny, African-American, and have bald spots in my hair because of trich, but I don't believe that beauty conforms to a single standard. When I was younger, I hated how I looked, but I've come to accept and love the way that I look because I'm unique in basically every way possible." - eleutheromanial

"Yes! I've always been told to be myself, and I've always found that I am the definition of my own beauty. I believe that I don't have to wear jewelry, put on lots of makeup, or be super skinny to be beautiful, because I'm impressing no one but myself, and as long as I'm happy with the way I look or feel, then everything is okay!" - me (Shadows)

"I think that I am beautiful--in an inner sense. I mean, I'm not the beach-bombshell version of beauty in this society, but I've always been taught by the people around me that it didn't really matter whether or not you had a certain number on the or skin colour--just what went on inside that could spread out. So, yes; I am beautiful, no matter what anybody says." - Kellie

"Being beautiful to me means smiling. I know it might sound funny but I believe that despite everything everyone is at their most beautiful when they smile." - Mandy

"Beauty to me is smiling and looking past everything life has to give you and enjoy those few simple moments life hands you. Beauty to me is being able to be happy just being who you are." - another-hopelesslylost-soul

"Beauty is living positively in your own skin. Red, blue, black, white, yellow. Beauty is YOU!" - reasons-tolive-on

(All quotes used with permission from the authors!)

I think it's safe to say that everyone has a different view on what beauty is, and that's perfectly fine! Beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder, and that isn't a bad thing. As long as we continue to show our peers, friends, and family that beauty is about their perspective (and not someone else's), then we can make the world a more beautiful place for any and everyone!