The terms attractiveness and beauty can often be confused. Sometimes they can have the same meaning and, other times, refer to different qualities of a person. If someone is beautiful are they automatically attractive? Although disputable, the two do not always go hand in hand. Someone who is attractive might not be beautiful and vice versa. Attractiveness often refers to outer appearance while beauty encapsulates an entirety of the whole. One can still regard another as beautiful although they may not hold the typical traits of attraction. Sit back and relax as we delve into some of the characteristics of attractiveness.
There are four traits that often help determine attractiveness. These are essential to know and understand when considering cosmetic surgery and why a doctor will then refer certain procedures.
Symmetry
Symmetry is an important characteristic to attractiveness. Along with being associated with health and genetic fitness, symmetry is instinctively pleasing to the human eye. From the cars we drive to the plants and birds that line our streets, we enjoy images that have equal sensibility. Simple procedures such as laser resurfacing and chemical peels can often help even a face’s tone and texture. A slightly crooked nose can completely skew a person’s reaction to you without them even knowing it. Although no one should ever discriminate a person by their nose being slightly off center, many subconsciously will.
Youthfulness
It’s no surprise that looking younger is deemed more attractive than not. Although there is no way to completely reverse the signs of aging, a youthful look can still be achieved. Smooth, bare skin without marks or scars, clear and free of puffiness under the eyes and dryness around the cheeks and nose are commonly associated with a younger appearance. The best way to continue to harness a youthful glow is by constant care and appreciation for your skin. Washing daily, using moisturizer and sunblock to protect the skin, and always drinking plenty of water are preventative measures that can help fight aging. If there are more serious issues that resulted from adolescent acne or accidental burns, there are surgeries and procedures that can help reduce the scaring.
Averageness
Averageness is when the outer appearance of the subject has an average look compared to the characteristics of their genotype. However, this is a characteristic often skewed by the culture you live in. The genotype of the average female may not be what males expect from obvious evolution but rather from what pop culture has determined. Although your facial features might fit into what is regarded as an average look, many hope to extend their features to what is more widely accepted. A woman with full lips, a small nose, and wide eyes are commonly seen as attractive to males in western society. One may not be able to change everything about their looks, but some of these can be altered for a more complimentary look of averageness.
Similarity
The last characteristic of attractiveness is almost unchangeable. Similarity refers to like-attracts-like. As the saying goes, “birds of a feather flock together.” You will be attracted to people with similar facial features and style and they will be similarly attracted to you. This isn’t necessarily anything you can change. If you find someone breath-taking and want them to be attracted to you, chances are that they already slightly are.
Symmetry, youthfulness, averageness and similarity should be considered when striving for attractiveness. If you are struggling with self confidence when it comes to your outer appearance, look back at these four characteristics. Is there something you can change to build a more positive view of yourself? Remember that inner beauty can often be smothered by outer distractions, and focusing on these characteristics can provide a clear solution to restoring self certainty.
