Because a simple reason: to be attractive, to be admired by a potential romantic partner, or to fit in. Typical thoughts along these lines are: “If only I looked more like my friend, maybe this guy I’ve met would be interested in me.” Or, “If I weighed less, I would look more professional and get the promotion I’ve been working toward.”

In addition to the pressures of cultural beauty norms, we are bombarded constantly by the media’s ideals of beauty, which are generally unrealistic and unattainable for the majority of women. Living up to these ideals is connected with being accepted, successful, and popular; and with finding love and belonging. This leads to social pressure to strive for these ideals.

My opinion? Beauty can be a definite asset in life, just like being intelligent or having a friendly personality. Beautiful people are pleasant to the eye and likely to be considered good people, which can attract both professional and personal interest from others— benefits that can lead to connections and possibilities for a better life. But physical appearances are fleeting, and interest or attraction based solely on prettiness eventually fades if other, more deeply attractive qualities, do not complement it. On its own, beauty can be a problem if it becomes the single objective and focus of life. Take care of your mind, your body and your soul!