Why not be happy with you?

I'm fat. I'm too skinny. I'd be happy if I were taller, shorter, had curly hair, straight hair, a smaller nose, bigger muscles, longer legs. Is there something wrong with me?

Do any of these statements sound familiar?

The term physical appearance covers a lot of territory and stereotyping plays a major factor in the equation. Thanks in part to the visual media and advertising blitz's on TV, the Internet, magazines, newspapers and billboards we are overwhelmed with information telling everyone of the ideal weight, sexiest muscular structure,most desirable curves, most attractive hair color, optimal height, preferred eye color and the list of purely physical attributes goes on and on.

Women who are dating are most confident when their physical appearance most closely matches that of the models paraded before them- (which gets both ends of the spectrum) thin Victoria's secret model or the juicy bombshell. Men are most confident when their physical appearance most closely matches that of the latest idealized male form- The chiseled physique

Physique is defined the body with reference to its physical appearance for instance, muscular development. In other words the actual physical appearance of the individuals frame, musculature etc. Many, who feel themselves to be lacking in some physical sense from the perfection seen all the time, try to make up for their perceived lack by wearing certain types, design or color of clothing. Trendy styles are advertised as being capable of changing an individuals physical appearance to better conform to what society has proclaimed to be physically attractive and stereotyping the look in question, making it something all should attain.

Paying attention to how one decorates-dresses, applies scent, makeup, and/or jewelry-one's physique has been culturally important since man first appeared on this planet. Back through historical records there is evidence of this.

Physical appearance is tied into the ideal of taking proper care of yourself, promoting health, longevity not to mention lowering the chances of becoming a high maintenance partner at some point in the future.

These days the media provides a moving force to exercise by promoting the idea that an attractive physique is whole to proper physical appearance adding and stereotyping to that which is deemed sexy and that which is not.

One of the issues we must deal with as we age is the visual perceptions of others as well as our own personal stereotyping. Our society promotes the muscular, tight, firm abs and pecs that are naturally found in younger people. Unfortunately no matter the amount of good living and exercise pursued they tend to degrade somewhat as we age.

Physical appearance that's considered attractive is part of the first impression we all talk about. We form an instant judgment of that person's character and personality, whether correct or incorrect at the initial viewing of a person. Paleness, lack of muscle tone or mass, a 'weak' handshake are all looked down upon when meeting a male for the first time while a firm handshake, physically fit, well muscled, tanned, deep chested man provides a more favorable impression. And stereotyping has so much to do with the perceptions contrived from merely taking in an other's physical characteristics. Does that seem fair?

Women, on the other hand, are often viewed with suspicion if they don't present a charming, feminine, delicate, well-cared picture. Being tanned, exercised,under a certain weight, proper physical measurements - waist, hips and chest - are crucial variables to consider when trying to keep up with the latest criteria for evaluating an other's worth and stereotyping using physical appearance as the sole criteria.

Furthermore if you look at the ends of the spectrum like I mentioned earlier (Victoria's secret model and juicy bombshell) they make healthy relationships a very difficult task. On the male side anyway...I'm sorry but I have to say that you could find a woman that you find extremely attractive (this is worse if you find her and she is your "ideal") and she just does not like herself...she wants bigger breasts or a rounder backside or smaller hips, thicker legs or thinner legs or a more petite frame...and it doesn't matter that you tell her you are totally and completely satisfied with her physical appearance...she doesn't realize that you were attracted to her when you first met her. She is so consumed with what media portrays as "Hot and Sexy" she is totally oblivious to the fact that your more than content.

Men are guilty of it too. we hear our girlfriends oohs and ahhs over the hunky guy on T.V. and we wonder what the crap/ I look nothing like this guy...does she fantasize about him when shes with me...or is lying when she tells me that she likes my body type...and likes the little bit of love handles as opposed to the V-cut ken doll lines? get real for one..but for two we become victim of the same thing and thus a lifelong dedication to the focus on perfection....but for who? the people that have made perfection for the better good of the company's they represent? think about it....we are all criticized and guilty of being a critic from time to time....but what matters most is what is important to you ...what makes you feel good...not what someone else says you have to feel good about.