posted December 15, 2009 04:10 AM         

I used to believe that physical beauty was the "be all and end all" until I experienced things differently.

For a long time, I considered myself "average".I didn't see myself as sexy nor even as cute(on a physical level)but it didn't matter because I was(and still am :laughing a guy- and if you are a guy,at-least in my culture- it really doesn't matter how you look.

I played on the soccer team and finally, even though at first my Coach was skeptical,was elevated all the way to Captaincy. What was interesting is that, as my popularity grew, so did my "beauty".

Oddly, even though I am gay and have been openly so, I gained so much more momentum from females than males because most females thought that they could "change my mind" and ,ironically,the males grew more and more threatened by my seemingly unaffected so-called "masculinity". Why guys still believe that being gay affects a person's playing abilities is beyond me.

Suddenly,when I looked in the mirror, I had so much more to be thankful and greatfull for, I felt proud to be in my body. I guess it was through seeing myself through different eyes?

I then went off to varsity. I didn't participate in any sports this time around,I guess I was lazy,but my high self-esteem was still intact.

I approached a guy one day, who just blew me off coldly, and I felt shattered after that rebuff but than I realized "Hang on, this would have never happened to me in high school. Do I now have to prove my worth all over again?"

When I looked in the mirror, I was still the same guy from high school. So what changed? And then it occured to me "Don't be silly dude, you don't need people to make you feel beautiful and special,you only need to keep seeing yourself in the same eyes; as beautiful, special, perfect and for god's sakes-be greatful, stay in that place of constant gratitude."

It is really ironic that on the one day when I didn't care who was watching me; having a great time with my friends, that this wonderfull guy took an interest in me. I am not the best-looking of my group-not by a long shot-but he said that there was something "natural" and unpretentious about me that drew him to me.

I guess it is true what the old proverb says about beauty: "True beauty is confidence; to be unapologetically who you are wherever you are and with whomever you are with."

Years later, I now think that I am beautiful and I can say it with feeling.I've even been complemented by people(so I guess when you belive it, it starts to show itself on the physical level). I am always comfortable in my own skin and don't need to "impress" anyone by being someone other than who I am.

posted December 15, 2009 04:20 AM         

I think the most beautiful person is one who has a beautiful heart. IT means so much more than physical beauty. Loving yourself also means other people love you as well.

I guess beauty to everyone is different.