Article March 10, 2008 Issue

REAL BEAUTY IS MORE THAN SKIN DEEP

BY AMY RICHMOND

IT HAS NEVER been harder for women to feel good about themselves. Ironically, we have more "things" to help us in the process—technologically advanced makeup, an abundance of expert advice about nutrition and exercise, and even drastic medical procedures such as elective cosmetic surgery. But still, many girls and women feel unattractive and unworthy.

The other night at my exercise class one of the youngest attendants, a beautiful girl with a lovely shape, told us that she'd had only two granola bars that day because she was determined to lose weight. She was adamant that she wanted to be like the models and actresses she sees in magazines. And even though she looked like a model to me, she wasn't satisfied. She's not alone, either. Many girls and women—especially in the United States—wish they looked different from how they do.

I grew up with a pretty healthy self-image, but even a mostly positive view of ourselves, while preferable to a negative slant, isn't enough. We deserve better. And here's a tip: If you look in the mirror and don't like what you see, you're looking in the wrong mirror.

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