While the old platitude informs us that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, western society clearly prizes some conceptions of attractiveness above others. Certainly, with the endless amount of models we see on the daily - all of whom sport long, lithe limbs and are retouched to perfection - it's easy to feel as if you fall short. And it looks like it's going to stay this way... well, until the technology gods create a round-the-clock face-tuning filter.
However, some of us should be thankful that we even improved since childhood. Puberty can be a wonderful thing; after all the angst, breakouts and hormones have calmed down, you can end up being more of a butterfly than a caterpillar. I mean, just take a look at these 12 former "ugly ducklings", who definitely don't necessitate the use of a Snapchat filter, anymore.
1. "Being an ugly duckling made me a much better person than I might have been had I always been 'pretty'"
People say that beauty is subjective, and that sometimes an ugly duckling can turn into a beautiful swan. It's true! Some people take a while to grow into themselves and go from being the sort of person that most people would ignore in middle school, to the kind of statuesque bombshell or muscular hunk who can turn heads wherever they go. The reverse is also true: some people are unbelievably cute as kids, or are simply gorgeous in adolescence, but then age and poor lifestyle choices catch up with them and take their toll, and they end up peaking too early. It's sad really.
But then there's another class of human being: the lucky ones. These are the kids who are adorable as kids, handsome as teens, and stunning as adults. They're a rare breed, but they've been dealt the winning hand. Think about the number of cute child actors who later went on to become famous beauties in their own right: like Drew Barrymore, or Kirsten Dunst.
One such example of this unlikely phenomenon is the marvellously attractive Thylane Blondeau, who has been known for her good looks since she was only six years old. Back then the cute-as-a-button kid was dubbed "The most beautiful girl in the world" after making her name for herself as a children's model. Now she's all grown up, and at the age of 17 years old, Thylane has once again topped TC Candler’s ‘100 Most Beautiful Faces of the Year’ list; ruled to have the most beautiful face of 2018.
Taking to Instagram to gush over her success, Thylane stated: "I just can’t believe it myself …thanks so much @tccandler and everyone who voted ... I never thought I was once number one!! I’m thankful to all of you I really hope you're having great holidays and spend a nice Christmas with your family ..all the best to all of you guys lots of love."
The TC Chandler's list describes itself as: "Not a popularity contest and it is definitely not country specific. It is not about the hottest or the most famous celebrity. Rather, the list attempts to inform & broaden public opinion, instead of reflecting it. The list introduces new faces to countries they ordinarily would not reach."
"The Independent Critics search far and wide, listening to the many millions of suggestions submitted by the public over the past couple of decades, and they then put together a list representative of the modern ideal of worldwide beauty. Aesthetic perfection is only one of the criteria. Grace, elegance, originality, daring, passion, class, poise, joy, promise, hope… they are all embodied in a beautiful face."
It's amazing to see what an elegant young woman Thylane has grown into. I'm sure this incredible victory will lead to even more success and acclaim down the line. I'm sure we'll be seeing much more of her in future.
Credit: Reddit / tdyyy92[/caption]
Now that we live in a society that has a huge social media presence, there is an added pressure to always look “Instagramable” in photos. Carefully selected outfits or locations, well-styled poses, and loads of filters or photoshopping all go into the art of making the perfect “candid” picture that we then upload to our social media accounts to look like we’re living our best lives. But rarely do we ever share the real us with our social media followers.
However, there is a renewed interest in the “ugly” photo on the subreddit PrettyGirlsUglyFaces. Scroll through some of our favorites and enjoy these hilariously ugly photos that women are proudly showing off!
[post_page_title]#1 The Two Faces of Fiona[/post_page_title]
Did you know, facial contortion has actually been a sport? Called gurning competitions, since 1297 in Britain, people at the Egremont Crab Apple Fair started out making grotesque faces after eating very sour apples? This woman definitely looks like she’s eaten a whole basket of sour apples.
[caption id="attachment_1963" align="aligncenter" width="691"]
Credit: Reddit / Irishisin[/caption]
It seems that others on Reddit agree. One user who goes by the name tuzdaychild said, “She’s a Disney villain who hasn’t been created yet.” Excellent point. Keeping on the apparent Disney theme, another user, Bex, wrote, “haha I think of a beautiful version of Ursula from The Little Mermaid when I see this!” Not sure if Ursula could ever be beautiful but perhaps so? Personally, to me, she looks a bit like Winnifred Sanderson from “Hocus Pocus.”
[post_page_title] #2 A New Take on the Duck Face [/post_page_title]
Here’s one that is a truly horrendous photo, but that also makes us laugh – hard. It’s a great example of how we are multi-faceted people capable of giving many sides of our personality if we choose to.
[caption id="attachment_1964" align="aligncenter" width="693"]
Credit: Reddit / KennKennyKenKen[/caption]
Reddit users found this to be quite hilarious. Reddit user Lulik said, “If you squint your eyes a little bit, you will see an adorable little duck or chicken on the second picture XD” Cute_Angel weighed in, saying, “She looks like the caterpillar in A Bugs’ Life XD Hella cute tho.” Can’t unsee it now that it’s been mentioned. And of course, someone – Redditor Lisa Holman – had to point out another thing that we’re all thinking, “wtf? Seriously…are these really plastic surgery disasters.” Thankfully for this woman, it’s a case of being funny and not having had bad plastic surgery.
[post_page_title] #3 Hello Boys![/post_page_title]
So this woman apparently was told by her mother she shouldn’t be posting such photos just in case a boy saw – such a mother thing to say. But in a middle finger to the patriarchy, this lady gives us the classic goofy face, with a beautiful double chin.
[caption id="attachment_1965" align="aligncenter" width="700"]
Credit: imgur.com[/caption]
Redditors got behind this look and what it stood for, with Koalamonster writing, “If a man doesn’t love you making a goofy face with no makeup on he is not the man for you anyway. Seriously your eye makeup there is really well done and you’re clearly lovely, no need to be serious 100% of the time.” User LMcN echoed a similar sentiment when they posted, “Stop posting in case a boy saw it? Are you kidding? Sorry, but this makes you even MORE appealing, it shows that you aren’t purely for looks, that you are a real person with a sense of humor that you are relatable. Your mom may need to reevaluate her comments.” We couldn’t agree more.
[post_page_title] #4 Magical Glasses [/post_page_title]
Forget the pretty vs ugly faces, can we talk about the trick this woman is pulling off with her glasses. She’s able to balance them perfectly between her lips while managing to align her eyes within the glass part. How?!
[caption id="attachment_1966" align="aligncenter" width="698"]
Credit: Reddit / dm_me_bitchlasagna[/caption]
Redditors were more taken by the second picture and how it looks like a hangover picture. Robert Greisberg wrote, “The next morning…” While Cute_Angel said, “sleep deprivation.” Either way, we’ve probably all been there in the mornings.
[post_page_title] #5 Same person photographed within the same week[/post_page_title]
It’s incredible what a little makeup, decent lighting, and a good angle can do for a person. This woman is the same person, but clearly in two different scenarios. The photo on the right definitely looks like any of us at 3 am during a Netflix spiral on a Friday night.
[caption id="attachment_1967" align="aligncenter" width="698"]
Credit: Reddit / Thomtits[/caption]
Redditors also saw that duality themselves. Robert Greisberg appropriately captioned it, “Filter vs reality.” Definitely, something we can all agree with. And Koalamonster gave the following insight, “It’s amazing what bad lighting and angles can do to a person. Add a little makeup and you’ve got yourself that look like different people. Seriously though it’s not just makeup – nobody looks good at that angle.
[post_page_title]#6 Instagram vs Reality [/post_page_title]
Perhaps a photo series that shows such truth. It's definitely something we can all relate to.
[caption id="attachment_1968" align="aligncenter" width="693"]
Credit: Reddit / leggiiiii[/caption]
Others on Reddit seemed quite impressed by her ability to hold in her chips with Edgy 3rd grader writing, “impressive.” Lucy Bell said, “What an unusual skill to have but impressive nonetheless.” And Redditor Kjorn asked the question on all of our minds, “wow…the pringle didn’t break?”
[post_page_title]#7 My Face when Someone Says Dinner is Ready[/post_page_title]
The caption says it all. We all get excited for food, and it's nice to see that we aren't alone in that. This woman is living proof of that with her two pictures.
[caption id="attachment_1969" align="aligncenter" width="698"]
Credit: Reddit / unanatkumot[/caption]
Redditors got in on the fun as ChiveChilly posted, “The caption tho XD” and Cute_Angel simply said, “Me Hungryyy!!!” Yes, that last one we can all probably relate to.
[post_page_title]#8 Photo Taken on the Same Day[/post_page_title]
Now this picture series probably isn't the best one - many people were doubtful that it even was the same person. Personally, I have a sneaking suspicion it may be the app that ages you? But that hasn't been confirmed yet.
[caption id="attachment_1970" align="aligncenter" width="698"]
Credit: Reddit / funky_s[/caption]
Users on Reddit weren’t sold on this picture either. Loads joked that it was the same day, only 15 years apart. But Redditor Michelle Line had lots to say, posting, “This is NOT the same woman in both images. Shape of the lips are totally different – and it’s not from the lipstick, either. On the left, the bottom lip is so much fuller. Shape of the eyebrows are different. And just the overall shape of the face, especially the chin. The one on the right looks to weigh quite a bit more, too. Also, the earlobes. It’s difficult to see, but in the left image, the earlobes are attached (meaning the bottom of the ear where piercings usually are doesn’t ‘dangle’) In the right image, they ‘dangle’.”
[post_page_title]#9 Making the Most of Good Hair Days[/post_page_title]
Sometimes we have good hair days. When they happen you definitely need to take advantage and get your best selfie. At the same time, you also got to have a little fun.
[caption id="attachment_1971" align="aligncenter" width="700"]
Credit: Reddit / AliceBunny88[/caption]
Redditor Terri Brittingham said it best when they posted, “Pinhead’s girlfriend – Braid Face.”
[post_page_title]#10 The Face that Can Even Scare a Father[/post_page_title]
Wow. If the caption is anything to go by, then the picture is probably guaranteed to be horrendous, since we all know that it takes a lot to shake a father.
[caption id="attachment_1972" align="aligncenter" width="698"]
Credit: Reddit / tdyyy92[/caption]
BusLady joked on the post, “Dad is wondering: Did I make that?” Something we can probably agree with, although Jo Choto argued that, “Dad should never be scared of a lovely daughter with a sense of humor.
[post_page_title]#11 He Still Managed to Put a Ring on It[/post_page_title]
You know you’ve found the one when they’re willing to marry you looking like the picture on the right. Everybody should show up like that on the first date.
[caption id="attachment_1973" align="aligncenter" width="700"]
Credit: Reddit / _vika17[/caption]
All Redditors could do was laugh. Karen Jenkins posted, “Wow! Hahahahahaa!” and Jo Choto felt, “That expression is gold.”
[post_page_title]#12 Can You Spot the Improvement[/post_page_title]
There is no doubt that sometimes the second take is the better photo. But perhaps not in this case? Either way, it makes us laugh.
[caption id="attachment_1974" align="aligncenter" width="696"]
Credit: Reddit / Rebekahflowers[/caption]
The eyelid thing is a little freaky though, with a lot of Redditors agreeing. Perhaps it was best put by Pavle Jankovic, who wrote, “Klingons do live among us.”
[post_page_title]#13 Her Proudest Moment[/post_page_title]
As this woman said, the pictures were her proudest moment making people wonder if she was a nutria or a human being.
[caption id="attachment_1975" align="aligncenter" width="700"]
Credit: Reddit / rain3y[/caption]
Makayla Bolton seemed to agree, saying “This might be my favorite.” Jo Choto also chimed in saying, “Full on nutria.”
[post_page_title]#14 Had to Share the Embarrassing Photo[/post_page_title]
Most of us don't really ever want to share the embarrassing pictures we take, so hats off to this brave young woman. She definitely exemplifies not caring at all.
[caption id="attachment_1976" align="aligncenter" width="700"]
Credit: Reddit / moonshineknox[/caption]
While she had said in her post that she wanted to spread the joy, Redditor Jessica Morgan commended her, stating, “You have successfully spread the joy.” Another Redditor by the name Lulik said, “Made my day! She looks so hilarious and cute at the same time – just like some clumsy kitten or puppy XD”
[post_page_title]#15 First Timer Showing off her Skills[/post_page_title]
There is always the first time poster that says they're a first time poster, but secretly we wonder. This woman's expressions are so funny, we have to wonder if she hasn't done this before.
[caption id="attachment_1977" align="aligncenter" width="698"]
Credit: Reddit / ashda1st[/caption]
Redditor Wyndmere joked with them, “Don’t add this to your resume.” And we have to agree that they may have a point – it’s a skill best left off the old resume.
[post_page_title]#16 The Monster[/post_page_title]
Simply titled by its poster, this image is very reminiscent of Ursula from The Little Mermaid.
[caption id="attachment_1978" align="aligncenter" width="698"]
Credit: Reddit / somedumbretard666[/caption]
Redditor PeachPossum picked up on the similarity as well because they commented, "Vanessa meet Ursula" on the post. But you have to admit, being able to go from Disney princess to Disney villain is quite a talent in itself.
[post_page_title]#17 Better on the Second Try[/post_page_title]
Like I've said before, usually, the second photo is the better of the two, but not this time. I think we'd all prefer the first one with the cute cat in it as well.
[caption id="attachment_1979" align="aligncenter" width="700"]
Credit: Reddit / TheWitchofWonderlust[/caption]
Redditors all seemed to pick up on the subtle witchy vibe, and one user even claimed, “The right photo looks like she belongs in the movie Hocus Pocus.”
[post_page_title]#18 Exam Season - Expectations vs Reality[/post_page_title]
We've all been there during exams where we look at ourselves in the mirror and think "holy hell." This photo seems to capture just that.
[caption id="attachment_1980" align="aligncenter" width="700"]
Credit: Reddit / Dipitydoodahdipityay[/caption]
The humor seemed to be lost on the Redditors though, as many of them immediately began saying it's not the same person. Our favorite Redditor Michelle Line was quick to say, "Not the same person."
[post_page_title]#19 Nasal Acrobatics[/post_page_title]
The picture on the right probably is best summed up as what we all do when we're alone and bored.
[caption id="attachment_1981" align="aligncenter" width="700"]
Credit: Reddit / hellabathwater[/caption]
It's also a picture that had Redditors cracking jokes about what parents would say to that, with user BusLady posting, "Her mom's warning: Don't keep doing that, or it will stay that way." How many times have we heard that from our mothers?
[post_page_title]#20 The Face Only a Mother Could Love...or Not[/post_page_title]
As the woman said about her mother, she said she was pretty but could pull some ugly faces. But isn't that always the case?
[caption id="attachment_1982" align="aligncenter" width="700"]
Credit: Reddit / prettylittlenutter[/caption]
Jo Choto had words of encouragement for the poster, saying, "Take it as a compliment! I love when my daughter does this stuff."
[post_page_title]#21 The Nightmare Version[/post_page_title]
Now here is an example of how a bad angle can actually make someone look like the cousin of that girl from The Ring.
[caption id="attachment_1983" align="aligncenter" width="698"]
Credit: Reddit / messedupmermaid[/caption]
However, most people on Reddit were seeing Mr. Bean instead. That's quite plausible. Someone else also commented, "Someone from 'Orange is the New Black'." Also quite plausible.
[post_page_title]#22 Twinning with the Kitty[/post_page_title]
When trying to look ugly it's always a good idea to get your pet involved - they will naturally outshine you with their cuteness. The perfect example is this cute little kitty and her human.
[caption id="attachment_1984" align="aligncenter" width="700"]
Credit: Reddit / lazarus_lateralus[/caption]
Redditor user Miaow had this encouraging message of "Nailed it! :D" for the poster. We can't agree more.
[post_page_title]#23 Finally Getting the Courage to Show off a Skill[/post_page_title]
This woman posted her pictures and claimed that she was showing off her self-proclaimed only skill. In her defense, her skill is quite good.
[caption id="attachment_1985" align="aligncenter" width="700"]
Credit: Reddit / Howtomakethinhamster[/caption]
Her fellow Redditor Annette Rainbow stated, “Thank God I am not the only one who takes a terrifying photo. You are a beautiful girl, but your “ugly face” made me jump. Well done.” Well done, indeed.
[post_page_title]#24 When Dad Walks in On the Ugly Moment[/post_page_title]
Nothing creates ugly photo gold like when the moment is interrupted. This woman's father caught her in the act of taking an ugly photo and we are so thankful because the results are hilarious.
[caption id="attachment_1986" align="aligncenter" width="696"]
Credit: Reddit[/caption]
“Your dad walking in is what made this photo!” Redditor Ashley Wright posted. We agree. Let your ugly pictures have more exposure.
[post_page_title]#25 Confusing the Coworkers[/post_page_title]
It's embarrassing when you get mistaken for another person. It's especially embarrassing when your picture isn't the best angle.
[caption id="attachment_1987" align="aligncenter" width="696"]
Credit: Reddit / isavibe[/caption]
Redditor Chantel Atwell said, “She’s actually not that ugly in the second picture…” While birdhouse said, “She looks like Brenda Song!”
[post_page_title]#26 Teeth Whitening Gone Wrong[/post_page_title]
You have to love an ugly picture where something is obscuring the teeth, making it more embarrassing. This woman got it right.
[caption id="attachment_1988" align="aligncenter" width="700"]
Credit: Reddit / Dipitydoodahdipityay[/caption]
Her fellow Redditor Susan Gardner asked the question, “How do these faces get so fat in the same day?” To which another Redditor Ellie Ragsdale replied with the answer, “Bad angles vs good angles.” And that is absolutely correct.
[post_page_title]#27 This Woman Highlighted the Importance of Angles[/post_page_title]
This woman knew exactly what she was doing in her post by pointing out it's all about the angles. They really do make or break a picture.
[caption id="attachment_1989" align="aligncenter" width="700"]
Credit: Reddit / maddykerr7[/caption]
Redditor Kaisu commented on the post agreeing and saying, “Everyone has their good and bad angles, no one in the world looks good from every angle.” So true.
[post_page_title]#28 Post-Gym Picture Is Pitted Against Post-Shower Selfie[/post_page_title]
We have one question, who goes to the gym wearing a full face of makeup? Still gorgeous nonetheless, but we appreciate the realness of the post-shower "ugly" face.
[caption id="attachment_1990" align="aligncenter" width="693"]
Credit: Reddit / PaleMakeup[/caption]
A user by the name Full Name made the observation, “Post gym? I think she went there to use the big mirrors to do her makeup.”
[post_page_title]#29 The Face When You Deadlift at the Gym[/post_page_title]
The gym is the perfect place to take a gnarly-looking selfie - especially when someone else gets the shot for you while you're deadlifting weights.
[caption id="attachment_1991" align="aligncenter" width="698"]
Credit: Reddit / queenofthemeeps[/caption]
Reddit was taken by the second picture. Some of the comments made were, “Beyond constipated,” “Looks like she’s lifting 500lbs,” and “That moment before a serious F word.” All appropriate captions to such scary-looking picture.
[post_page_title]#30 Saving the Best for Last[/post_page_title]
This woman simply captioned her picture as "Scronch." We're not even sure what that means, yet it somehow perfectly sums up the face on the right.
[caption id="attachment_1992" align="aligncenter" width="700"]
Credit: Reddit / greendaruma[/caption]
While people had their reactions, Katchen probably said it best. This Redditor wrote, “This is like the opposite of the ‘girl becomes prettier when she takes her glasses off’ movie trope.” Well pointed out Katchen.
Credit: Moosemaster21[/caption]
The change, the great change of the age. Sorry, the great change of AGEING. We've all been through the family photo albums as kids, looking at our older siblings, parents, cousins or whatever. We have all likely pointed and laughed at the embarrassing images and polaroids of them, and if you say you haven't, you are almost certainly lying.
Right now, in the digital age where each of us has a near-innumerable amount of photos saved on our devices and across a plethora of social media profiles, this very modern age is perhaps the absolute monarch of embarrassment. Hands pointing at screens as hearty full-on meltdown-laugher reigns over each swipe and scroll.
However, many people pride themselves on their transformations or simply laugh it off. I have in front of me, hundreds of examples of such glow-ups, where the people of this here internet is showing off how it really all changes for them.
"It's not just a phase mom" - "Oh, it was... ok."
[post_page_title] #1 'These Are My Rebellious Siblings And I As Punk Teenagers, And This Is Us Now!' [/post_page_title]
Of all the images I have in front of my eyes, I felt I had to start with this one...
[caption id="attachment_4160" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Credit: Amanda Panda[/caption]
It was absolute unsolicited pandamonium! It is now well, still pandamonium, just with a highly probably earlier bedtime.
[post_page_title] #2 'I'm The Mom To A Neat 4-Year-Old, I'm Married, And I'm The Manager Of A Local Convenience Store. All Things I Told Myself At Fifteen That I'd Never Do. 15 And 25 Years Old' [/post_page_title]
Well, now, that's a transformation and half, isn't it? You go from hating the world, hating everyone you have to even look at and be aware of, no one understands you and nothing matters. I was a teenager in that era... it was, exactly like that.
[caption id="attachment_4161" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Credit: LemonMints[/caption]
Indeed, from hating it all and all the people within said "all" to managing people, marrying a singular "people", basically feeding people and then above all ADDING to the people by birthing your own singular "people". Glowing up at its absolute epitome.
[post_page_title] #3 'I Became A Fireman, If I Talked To Myself 8 Years Ago And Said You Would Cut Your Hair And Become Part Of The Fire Department I Would've Never Believed Myself' [/post_page_title]
"I'll never cut my hair" - "I'll never stop wearing these clothes" - "I'll never get a real job, leave me alone." Do grandiose statements right a bell? Likely. Do they match this next example of glowing the up? Yes.
[caption id="attachment_4162" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Credit: RealTerse[/caption]
From being defiant in the face of what is perceived to be a serious issue within the context of adolescent struggles, to be defiant against what destroys lives. Glowing up isn't half bad! Power to the flame destroyers!
[post_page_title] #3 'After The Whole Emo Stuff I Went To A Videogame School, Learned To Code, And Now Am Working At An Awesome Startup. Definitely A Phase. But I Really Had Good Times. And Also Did Very Stupid Shit, Especially With Drugs' [/post_page_title]
This one I felt really deserves to sit under the moniker of "best glow ups" as it shows perhaps one of the premier examples of what it means to make it in this world - and not just for the obvious reasons.
[caption id="attachment_4163" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Credit: Psykopatik[/caption]
This glowing glow-up is more than happy to admit the past, rejoice that they are over it, and stand there with no regrets in life. If you ask me, maybe we should make a new list, just this example over and over with perhaps a few color variations and added graphics!
[post_page_title] #4 'I'm Still Listening To Brand New, Work As An Administrative Coordinator For A Fortune 500 Company And Up Until Now Never Noticed It Wasn't Really A Phase' [/post_page_title]
I feel a little resonation with this one. Transformations aren't always as overt as you'd expect, especially through the context of this list of shock and awe!
[caption id="attachment_4165" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Credit: krisDemon[/caption]
KrisDemon may well be all glowed-up, working, earning and making her way in life but shes never truly what has made her who she is. If you truly love something you never truly grow (glow) out of it. Remember that humans of all ages! Just be you.
[post_page_title] #5 'Before - Year 2005, My 18 Year Old Emo Self. After - Year 2015, I Am A Loving Father And Husband. What A Difference 10 Years Can Make' [/post_page_title]
Life can take us on some twists and turns, this particular example is one of maturity but also comfortability. That and traces of a former self via a checkered shirt, I saw that I bet there is a stripey t-shirt under there!
[caption id="attachment_4166" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Credit: Dex2787[/caption]
There is absolutely no real correlation between these images. I guess this is glowing-up!
For the record, I really was clutching at straws with that checkered shirt and I humbly apologize.
[post_page_title] #6 'Became An Infantryman For The US Army. Going To College, Studying International Security And Conflict Resolution' [/post_page_title]
*Exclaims in surprise and sits backward in my chair as a result of this next example!*
[caption id="attachment_4168" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Credit: JToth11X[/caption]
If you were to encapsulate, epitomize and excellently envision the complete and utter point of this list, you would use this image. I mean, come on now, if the falsehood of "IT'S NOT JUST A PHASE MOM" was to have an image attached to its explanation then this would be it.
That's it, the list is over, I'm done.
[post_page_title] #7 'Me When I Was 15/16 And Now: 21 Year Old And Working In Some Carpenter Job' [/post_page_title]
This entry may seem like just another hair-cut transformation, but its the excellence and brilliance of the subtleties that these images and their accompanying explanatory statement that really make it. See if you can ascertain what they are before I give you a little nudge in the right direction.
[caption id="attachment_4169" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Credit: Axote[/caption]
Would the hair get in the way with this new profession? Yes, so there's that.
In Flames are a death metal band from Sweden - a heavily wooded area. Axote is now working for a carpentry firm and has chosen to include a photo showing clothing with such words written on it. Carpentry uses dead-wood.
I laughed, a lot, I wonder if A) you did and B) if old Axote realized all this.
[post_page_title] #8 'All That Hair And Makeup Practice Back Then Really Helped Me Become The Hairstylist And Makeup Artist That I Am Today' [/post_page_title]
We all have to start somewhere and each decision indeed makes us who we are later in life. Case in point...
[caption id="attachment_4170" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Credit: Russcarp[/caption]
From the pursuit of perfection, spending a long time in the mirror in a quest to look his best to doing the same for others to help them in their own quest for self-comfort. Glowing-up, helping others and being happy. Solid.
[post_page_title] #9 'I Became The Police. I Also Now Send Couple Christmas Cards. 2007 And 2015' [/post_page_title]
Straightening my hair in the dim light, I styled my hair and -
[caption id="attachment_4171" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Credit: an0r4k[/caption]
- the law won. Oh, and Christmas cards became a thing, apparently, because it's seemingly synonymous with being in a position of power. I don't make the rules.
[post_page_title] #10 '1985, While I Was In Art School And 2017, Successful Artist, Teacher, Mother. Still Me!' [/post_page_title]
Does any remember the Bowling For Soup song, '1985'? Well...
[caption id="attachment_4172" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Credit: Ms Phlit[/caption]
I think this may well be the newest and most up to date version where Debbie stayed herself, rocked it and did only that for the rest of her life, getting everything she ever wanted. Glowing-up isn't always about changing to fit whatever mold lay before you!
[post_page_title] #11 'Me And 2017 Me' [/post_page_title]
Eight years is a long time. A long-time where life-defining events bombard your existence until it has shaped you into something else entirely. At least, that is a common variable in this life we lead, but what, I heard you ask, are these eventful few years capable of changing? How will they be the catalyst for glowing-up and what exactly will change?
[caption id="attachment_4174" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Credit: Nick Dunham[/caption]
Hair, it's all about hair. The color, the style, where it is on your head? Hair.
Hair.
[post_page_title] #12 'I'm Now Married And A Stay-At-Home Mom To A 17-Month-Old' [/post_page_title]
There isn't a great deal I can say about this. From staying at home living that myspace, proto-selfie life to, endless trying to take the perfect pic before the age of front-facing cameras to -
[caption id="attachment_4175" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Credit: c48a4d893e[/caption]
- staying at home and caring for others. Who'd have thought it?
[post_page_title] #13 'Then Vs Now.. Still Wearing Black' [/post_page_title]
From paw-dorable...
[caption id="attachment_4176" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Credit Yvonne van der Pol[/caption]
...to glowed-up pawfection.
[post_page_title] #14 'We Cleaned Up Good! 2009 Vs 2016' [/post_page_title]
You're not alone, but the great glow-up is not something you have to face on your own. Or, perhaps, all we do is move from one phase to another? Enter the next example.
[caption id="attachment_4177" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Credit: Camilla Mundt-Hansen[/caption]
From the rebellious phase where doing anything but what your parents prefer to the next phase, glowing-up to whatever standard is perceived as the most normal - featuring a glow-stick headband!
[post_page_title] #15 'From 15 To 25. Still Listen To Metal And Go To Concerts But I'm A Kindergarten Teacher Now.' [/post_page_title]
This one, once again I feel I am resonating towards. Glowing-up is part of life. Indeed, this list is solid proof of such but that doesn't mean you can't use this societal construct for your own means!
[caption id="attachment_4179" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Credit: Teagan Haigh[/caption]
Getting on with it, making headway in life but still doing all the things that made you absolutely you back in the day? Teagan has nailed the glow-up!
[post_page_title] #16 'From 16-Year-Old Who Never Smiled To 29-Year-Old Who Can't Stop Smiling' [/post_page_title]
From the posing mystic out for attention to the pose of a happy person content with their place in life. You can't argue with that.
[caption id="attachment_4180" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Credit: Alexis[/caption]
No, seriously you can't, we all go on a journey to find ourselves no matter how cliché it is.
[post_page_title] #17 '15-Year-Old Little Punk To A 22-Year-Old Married Woman Who Likes To Knit And Bake' [/post_page_title]
The things we like to do often change. In many cases, what this often means is that we never really enjoyed those things, rather they were a passing fancy. But what do I know, eh? I just have all these hilarious case studies in front of me...
[caption id="attachment_4183" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Credit: Katia[/caption]
In all seriousness and contextual prose, however, what a change this is. From one phase to another. Now I obviously don't mean the marriage because that would be mean but this glowing out of bathing? Yeeesh. Not Cool.
Baking is cool and jumpers keep you warm, so there is that.
[post_page_title] #18 'From Crazy Colors And Straightener Abuse, To Embracing My Natural Color And Curls' [/post_page_title]
I like this one. "WE MUST FIND AND EXPRESS OURSELVES, IT'S ALL THAT MATTERS" is often the maxim of the teen in the Western world, don't deny it now, I saw the glint of admittance in your eyes!
[caption id="attachment_4184" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Credit: Christine Martinsen[/caption]
In truth, it's a healthy thing, but in our teens, where our emotions are somewhere else entirely, the whole process is in complete and utter overdrive.
However, sometimes, the best glow up is just to embrace natural progression and accept what you have. Hence this entry's place in this list of "WAIT... WHAT?!?!"
[post_page_title] #19 'I Got Married In 2014. I Suppose That's When Things Changed' [/post_page_title]
On my quest and mandate to find the "best" examples of glowing-up on this list, I really have seen everything. From the most overt and the unambiguously natural, it's been quite an adventure, and it isn't over yet!
[caption id="attachment_4185" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Credit: Shannon Whitaker[/caption]
Firstly, I admire the time it likely took to compile such a transformation and secondly, what a transformation this is! Of this list, this is perhaps the best at capturing how we progress of humans of this society.
[post_page_title] #20 '16 Vs 26' [/post_page_title]
Couldn't this be any different?
[caption id="attachment_4186" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Credit: Jade Michelle[/caption]
From a spikey fluffy misunderstood teen taking selfies once again in an era before from-facing cameras to something else entirely decade later.
In short, shyness to a confident glow-up.
[post_page_title] #21 'Played In A Hardcore Band, Then Became A Marine Now I Work In Private Armed Security' [/post_page_title]
From vehemently against the main, to fighting for the man and then onward to fighting for the man with the most money.
[caption id="attachment_4187" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Credit: Shawn Braly[/caption]
How our ideals change! Glow-ups are subjective, remember that. Each to their own!
[post_page_title] #22 '15 - 19' [/post_page_title]
Style comes and goes, with the same formulaic fads gaining popularity before falling to the next. We all know the game, for we play it throughout our own lives, or rather the quest to find out comfort within the greater game of life anyway.
[caption id="attachment_4188" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Credit: Harry Kidd[/caption]
This glow-up, from creased messy layers and wisps of vision inhibiting locks to smart and regimented, is more than proof that the system works. What a transformation though! From scrapper to dapper in matter four years, I'd love to see what the mid-point was in this process.
[post_page_title] #23 'About A 6 Year Difference. Went From Listening To Aa, BOTDF And Fir, To Keaton Henson, Cigarettes After Sex And RHCPs. Glad I'm Out Of That Phase' [/post_page_title]
Have you ever listened to BOTDF (Blood On The Dance Floor)? I think that be honest you should, for it will allow this entry to make SO MUCH more sense.
[caption id="attachment_4190" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Credit: Ariel[/caption]
From RAWRS of emotional anguish, utterly superfluous bows to defunct completely and marketed music that few would admit to once liking or rather falling for to looking her best. Ariel wins her spot on this list of glow-ups.
[post_page_title] #24 '2010 To Now' [/post_page_title]
Another well-deserved spot on this goes too...
[caption id="attachment_4191" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Credit: Desiree Hébert[/caption]
Desiree Hébert has gone from living in the moment of the all-important scene-kid photo to moving on and making the decisions that will enrich the rest of her life and looking truly happy doing it. Glowing-up? She's completed it mate.
[post_page_title] #24 '14 To 21. Too Many Phases To Count' [/post_page_title]
Too many? Or the correct amount?
[caption id="attachment_4192" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Credit: Maia Goddard[/caption]
I guess this is growing up? *Dammit - Blink-182 starts playing*
Is she finished, who knows?!?! For now, though, Maia is all glowed-up.
[post_page_title] #25 'Before & After 10 Years, More Or Less' [/post_page_title]
Some of these chronologies are as excellent as the effort that went into them. Hat's off to the chronological change-fest that is the long journey to this swish glow-up!
[caption id="attachment_4193" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Credit: Paddi Avalon[/caption]
What a difference a da-DECADE makes! Mr. Avalon has gone from scraggly bad-boy to a glowed-up and handsome young man. It really is remarkable how we change, if you only could see little selections of photos, you'd love them!
My apologies - laugh, you'd LAUGH.
[post_page_title] #26 '1989-2017. Waiting For My Next Metamorphosis.' [/post_page_title]
And now for another chronology capturing 28 years of glow-up. This man's transformation could have been cut off at any point into eight separate entries, but by the gods would it be far less striking!
[caption id="attachment_4195" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Credit: Joe Torres[/caption]
From years as a baby-faced pretty boy to years of long hair and a grungey aesthetic, one thing that ties this collage of glow together is the ubiquitousness of Joe Torres' ability to absolutely own any look he chose. Be the nice guy born from Mr. Serious-Business to the suave handsome older gentlemen look, this man glows no matter!
Excuse me, I now have a goal to achieve.
[post_page_title] #27 'Our Rebellious Teenage Stage Vs Being Married 7 Years Later With Two Kids!' [/post_page_title]
Phases are coexistent it seems! This couple has progressed and transformed together through it all towards glowing it up in adulthood with a side order of parental responsibility.
[caption id="attachment_4197" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Credit: Amber Chaves[/caption]
I have but one question though beyond the token and faux "THAT ISN'T THE SAME PEOPLE, NO WAY" exclaim.
Will the pattern repeat for the kids? Will they have their own scraggly emo phase? Only time will tell!
[post_page_title] #28 'No Regrets, But I Wouldn't Do Half Of The Stuff I Used To' [/post_page_title]
Once again, we have a stark contrast, owned and not regretted in the slightest, setting itself up for a latter glow.
[caption id="attachment_4198" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Credit: Rachel Leonard[/caption]
What was once missing was found and the hair follicle abuse was halted in favor of a full head of healthy hair. If there is one theme involved in nearly all the examples on the list of stark transformations, it's the hair! Oh, the hair!
I have come to the conclusion that all that matters in the world is hair.
[post_page_title] #29 The 90's Versus Now! [/post_page_title]
I do wonder if the people entering into the vast collection I am pulling from really believe what they are digging up from their care-free rebellious pasts? Humans live long lives after all and memory only goes so far.
[caption id="attachment_4204" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Credit: Rachel-erika Low[/caption]
I should think the above example was a catalyst for another exclaiming of something akin to "I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT WAS ME." From the care-free pseudo hippie '90s to the now and world exploration, well dressed and smiling. It certainly could be a lot worse and could certainly be further away from being a glow-up!
[post_page_title] #30 'Nuff Said'. [/post_page_title]
As much as I have said this a few times now, the idea of becoming who you feel need to be or rather who you have always meant to be is a journey all humans to varying degrees and to various longevities will endeavor towards. Regardless of how many times I say it or phrase it, its the truth. Enter the last entry.
[caption id="attachment_4201" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Credit: John Neu[/caption]
Finding who you are supposed is the ultimate glow-up!
Now we live in a society that has a huge social media presence, there is an added pressure to always look “Instagramable”. However, there's a renewed interest in the “ugly” photo on the subreddit PrettyGirlsUglyFaces. Scroll through some of our favorites and enjoy these hilariously ugly photos!
[post_page_title]#1 The Two Faces of Fiona[/post_page_title]
Did you know, facial contortion has actually been a sport? Called gurning competitions, since 1297 in Britain, people at the Egremont Crab Apple Fair started out making grotesque faces after eating very sour apples? This woman definitely looks like she’s eaten a whole basket of sour apples.
[[imagecaption|| Credit: Reddit / Irishisin]]
It seems that others on Reddit agree. Tuzdaychild wrote, “She’s a Disney villain who hasn’t been created yet.” Another user, Bex, wrote, “haha I think of a beautiful version of Ursula from The Little Mermaid when I see this!”
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[post_page_title] #2 A New Take on the Duck Face [/post_page_title]
Here’s one that is a truly horrendous photo, but that also makes us laugh – hard. It’s a great example of how we are multi-faceted people capable of giving many sides of our personality if we choose to.
Reddit users found this to be quite hilarious. Reddit user Lulik said, “If you squint your eyes a little bit, you will see an adorable little duck or chicken on the second picture XD”
So this woman was told by her mom she shouldn’t be posting such photos just in case a boy saw – such a mom thing to say. But in a middle finger to the patriarchy, this lady gives us the classic goofy face, with a beautiful double chin.
[[imagecaption|| Credit: imgur.com]]
Redditors got behind this look and what it stood for, with Koalamonster writing, "If a man doesn’t love you making a goofy face with no makeup on he is not the man for you anyway."
Forget the pretty vs ugly faces, can we talk about the trick this woman is pulling off with her glasses. She’s able to balance them perfectly between her lips while managing to align her eyes within the glass part. How?!
Redditors were more taken by the second picture, which looks like a hangover picture. Robert Greisberg wrote, “The next morning…” While Cute_Angel said, “sleep deprivation.” Either way, we’ve probably all been there...
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[post_page_title] #5 Same person photographed within the same week[/post_page_title]
It’s incredible what a little makeup and a good angle can do for a person. This woman is the same person, but clearly in two different scenarios. The photo on the right looks like any of us at 3 am during a Netflix spiral on a Friday night.
[[imagecaption|| Credit: Reddit / Thomtits]]
Redditors also saw that duality themselves. Robert Greisberg appropriately captioned it, “Filter vs reality.” Koalamonster gave the following insight, “It’s amazing what bad lighting and angles can do to a person."
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[post_page_title]#6 Instagram vs Reality [/post_page_title]
Perhaps a photo series that shows such truth. It's definitely something we can all relate to.
[[imagecaption|| Credit: Reddit / leggiiiii]]
Others on Reddit seemed quite impressed by her ability to hold in her chips with Edgy 3rd grader writing, “impressive.” Lucy Bell said, “What an unusual skill to have but impressive nonetheless.”
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[post_page_title]#7 My Face when Someone Says Dinner is Ready[/post_page_title]
The caption says it all. We all get excited for food, and it's nice to see that we aren't alone in that. This woman is living proof of that with her two pictures.
[[imagecaption|| Credit: Reddit / unanatkumot]]
Redditors got in on the fun as ChiveChilly posted, “The caption tho XD” and Cute_Angel simply said, “Me Hungryyy!!!” Yes, that last one we can all probably relate to.
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[post_page_title]#8 Photo Taken on the Same Day[/post_page_title]
Now this picture series probably isn't the best one - many people were doubtful that it even was the same person. Personally, I have a sneaking suspicion it may be the app that ages you? But that hasn't been confirmed yet.
[[imagecaption|| Credit: Reddit / funky_s]]
Users on Reddit weren’t sold on this picture either. Loads joked that it was the same day, only 15 years apart. But Redditor Michelle Line had lots to say, posting, "This is NOT the same woman in both images. Shape of the lips are totally different – and it’s not from the lipstick, either. On the left, the bottom lip is so much fuller."
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[post_page_title]#9 Making the Most of Good Hair Days[/post_page_title]
Sometimes we have good hair days. When they happen you definitely need to take advantage and get your best selfie. At the same time, you also got to have a little fun.
[[imagecaption|| Credit: Reddit / AliceBunny88]]
Redditor Terri Brittingham said it best when they posted, “Pinhead’s girlfriend – Braid Face.”
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[post_page_title]#10 The Face that Can Even Scare a Father[/post_page_title]
Wow. If the caption is anything to go by, then the picture is probably guaranteed to be horrendous, since we all know that it takes a lot to shake a father.
[[imagecaption|| Credit: Reddit / tdyyy92]]
BusLady joked on the post, “Dad is wondering: Did I make that?” Something we can probably agree with, although Jo Choto argued that, “Dad should never be scared of a lovely daughter with a sense of humor.
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[post_page_title]#11 He Still Managed to Put a Ring on It[/post_page_title]
You know you’ve found the one when they’re willing to marry you looking like the picture on the right. Everybody should show up like that on the first date.
[[imagecaption|| Credit: Reddit / _vika17]]
All Redditors could do was laugh. Karen Jenkins posted, “Wow! Hahahahahaa!” and Jo Choto felt, “That expression is gold.”
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[post_page_title]#12 Can You Spot the Improvement[/post_page_title]
There is no doubt that sometimes the second take is the better photo. But perhaps not in this case? Either way, it makes us laugh.
The eyelid thing is a little freaky though, with a lot of Redditors agreeing. Perhaps it was best put by Pavle Jankovic, who wrote, “Klingons do live among us.”
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[post_page_title]#13 Her Proudest Moment[/post_page_title]
As this woman said, the pictures were her proudest moment making people wonder if she was a nutria or a human being.
[[imagecaption|| Credit: Reddit / rain3y]]
Makayla Bolton seemed to agree, saying “This might be my favorite.” Jo Choto also chimed in saying, “Full on nutria.”
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[post_page_title]#14 Had to Share the Embarrassing Photo[/post_page_title]
Most of us don't really ever want to share the embarrassing pictures we take, so hats off to this brave young woman. She definitely exemplifies not caring at all.
[[imagecaption|| Credit: Reddit / moonshineknox]]
While she had said in her post that she wanted to spread the joy, Redditor Jessica Morgan commended her, stating, “You have successfully spread the joy.”
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[post_page_title]#15 First Timer Showing off her Skills[/post_page_title]
There is always the first time poster that says they're a first time poster, but secretly we wonder. This woman's expressions are so funny, we have to wonder if she hasn't done this before.
[[imagecaption|| Credit: Reddit / ashda1st]]
Redditor Wyndmere joked with them, “Don’t add this to your resume.” And we have to agree that they may have a point – it’s a skill best left off the old resume.
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[post_page_title]#16 The Monster[/post_page_title]
Simply titled by its poster, this image is very reminiscent of Ursula from The Little Mermaid.
Redditor PeachPossum picked up on the similarity as well because they commented, "Vanessa meet Ursula" on the post. But you have to admit, being able to go from Disney princess to Disney villain is quite a talent in itself.
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[post_page_title]#17 Better on the Second Try[/post_page_title]
Like I've said before, usually, the second photo is the better of the two, but not this time. I think we'd all prefer the first one with the cute cat in it as well.
Redditors all seemed to pick up on the subtle witchy vibe, and one user even claimed, “The right photo looks like she belongs in the movie Hocus Pocus.”
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[post_page_title]#18 Exam Season - Expectations vs Reality[/post_page_title]
We've all been there during exams where we look at ourselves in the mirror and think "holy hell." This photo seems to capture just that.
The humor seemed to be lost on the Redditors though, as many of them immediately began saying it's not the same person. Our favorite Redditor Michelle Line was quick to say, "Not the same person."
It's also a picture that had Redditors cracking jokes about what parents would say to that, with user BusLady posting, "Her mom's warning: Don't keep doing that, or it will stay that way."
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[post_page_title]#20 The Face Only a Mother Could Love...or Not[/post_page_title]
As the woman said about her mother, she said she was pretty but could pull some ugly faces. But isn't that always the case?
However, most people on Reddit were seeing Mr. Bean instead. That's quite plausible. Someone else also commented, "Someone from 'Orange is the New Black'." Also quite plausible.
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[post_page_title]#22 Twinning with the Kitty[/post_page_title]
When trying to look ugly it's always a good idea to get your pet involved - they will naturally outshine you with their cuteness. The perfect example is this cute little kitty and her human.
Her fellow Redditor Annette Rainbow stated, “Thank God I am not the only one who takes a terrifying photo. You are a beautiful girl, but your “ugly face” made me jump. Well done.” Well done, indeed.
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[post_page_title]#24 When Dad Walks in On the Ugly Moment[/post_page_title]
Nothing creates ugly photo gold like when the moment is interrupted. This woman's father caught her in the act of taking an ugly photo and we are so thankful because the results are hilarious.
[[imagecaption|| Credit: Reddit]]
“Your dad walking in is what made this photo!” Redditor Ashley Wright posted. We agree. Let your ugly pictures have more exposure.
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[post_page_title]#25 Confusing the Coworkers[/post_page_title]
It's embarrassing when you get mistaken for another person. It's especially embarrassing when your picture isn't the best angle.
[[imagecaption|| Credit: Reddit / isavibe]]
Redditor Chantel Atwell said, “She’s actually not that ugly in the second picture…” While birdhouse said, “She looks like Brenda Song!”
Her fellow Redditor Susan Gardner asked, “How do these faces get so fat in the same day?” To which another Redditor Ellie Ragsdale replied, “Bad angles vs good angles.” And that is absolutely correct.
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[post_page_title]#27 This Woman Highlighted the Importance of Angles[/post_page_title]
This woman knew exactly what she was doing in her post by pointing out it's all about the angles. They really do make or break a picture.
[[imagecaption|| Credit: Reddit / maddykerr7]]
Redditor Kaisu commented on the post agreeing and saying, “Everyone has their good and bad angles, no one in the world looks good from every angle.” So true.
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[post_page_title]#28 Post-Gym Picture Is Pitted Against Post-Shower Selfie[/post_page_title]
We have one question, who goes to the gym wearing a full face of makeup? Still gorgeous nonetheless, but we appreciate the realness of the post-shower "ugly" face.
[[imagecaption|| Credit: Reddit / PaleMakeup]]
A user by the name Full Name made the observation, “Post gym? I think she went there to use the big mirrors to do her makeup.”
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[post_page_title]#29 The Face When You Deadlift at the Gym[/post_page_title]
The gym is the perfect place to take a gnarly-looking selfie - especially when someone else gets the shot for you while you're deadlifting weights.
Reddit was taken by the second picture. Some of the comments made were, “Beyond constipated,” “Looks like she’s lifting 500lbs,” and “That moment before a serious F word.” All appropriate captions to such scary-looking picture.
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[post_page_title]#30 Saving the Best for Last[/post_page_title]
This woman simply captioned her picture as "Scronch." We're not even sure what that means, yet it somehow perfectly sums up the face on the right.
[[imagecaption|| Credit: Reddit / greendaruma]]
While people had their reactions, Katchen probably said it best. This Redditor wrote, “This is like the opposite of the ‘girl becomes prettier when she takes her glasses off’ movie trope.” Well pointed out, Katchen!
Over the years, I've come to terms with the fact that I'm not particularly good looking. I'm not playing the world's smallest violin here: I'm not especially ugly either, just distinctly average. I don't have the chiselled jaw, the straight teeth, the gleaming smile or broad shoulders. I can't sweep women off their feet with a smouldering look and heads don't turn when I walk into a room. But that doesn't mean that I haven't fantasied from time to time about being super-attractive.
It's because we tend to imagine that being über-hot gives one an inherent societal advantage; and in fact, there's plenty of evidence to suggest that it does. In polls, conventionally attractive people are thought of as being more charming and trustworthy, and beautiful people, on average, earn more and have an easier time finding love. In many respects, it's a blessed life. But it could be that us normies are overestimating just how easy our enviable counterparts have it? Maybe being stunning isn't all it's cracked up to be? This sentiment may well be true, but it's one that very few people will have any sympathy with.
In fact, being attractive means that people are often just as likely to see you as thick as they are to view you as a sophisticated bombshell. There's nobody who's on the receiving end of envy and resentment more than attractive people. But try moaning about it in public and see how far you get. You'll be shot down faster than a clay pigeon at an NRA convention.
If you need proof then look no further than the online furore surrounding an article written by Alexa Tsoulis-Reay and recently published in women's magazine The Cut. Why was it so controversial? Well just take a look at the title: "What It’s Like to Go Through Life As a Really Beautiful Woman." Sounds a bit like something from Zoolander, huh?
In it, Tsoulis-Reay interviewed an anonymous 50-year-old woman, who talked candidly about the misery of being gorgeous. The subject stated that she was first told that she was beautiful in her youth, and in adolescence, she seemed to relish in it. But in the adult world, however, things were different. She now blames her stunning good looks for her unhappy love life and difficulty forming female friendships. Men were often too scared to approach her and women were deeply jealous of her. Her colleagues would allegedly bully her, spread rumours about her, attempt to sabotage her career, and wouldn't invite her to parties.
"One of the worst things about being beautiful is that other women absolutely despise you. Women have made me cry my whole life. When I try to make friends with a woman, I feel like a guy trying to woo her," she said. "Women don't trust me, they don't want me around their husbands. I'm often excluded from parties, with no explanation. I imagine their thought process goes something like this: 'what does it matter if I hurt her feelings? She has her looks and that's more than I have. Life has already played favourites.' It's kind of like being born rich. People don't believe that you feel the same pain. It's a bias that people can't shake."
On social media, the reaction to the article was predictably one of derision, with many admonishing the subject for her perceived vanity and self-pity. For example, twitter-user Anna Khachiyan tweeted that woman’s anecdote about other women attempting to sabotage her by planting alcohol at her desk had been fabricated. Another sarcastically stated: "I am grateful that we all learned what it’s like to go through life as a really beautiful woman today." Other tweets were more supportive. Twitter user Dorothy of Israel wrote "Been seeing too many people mock this 'what it's like to be beautiful' woman, and y'all are horrible humans. Try practising some empathy, cuz clearly you didn't bother to read the piece," while Jessica Wakeman wrote: "The piece could have been really good. Maybe not as an as-told-to, though. Beauty privilege is a topic we need to discuss more. A lot more ... The problem is that when a beautiful woman herself tries to discuss it, she's automatically accused of being self-involved and oblivious. And you know, people want to see pictures. When a 'regular' women tries to discuss is, she's accused of being jealous ... So to dismiss any discussions of beauty privilege, or jealousy, especially amongst women, because it's too "shallow" or not worthy of serious examination/critique is short-sighted." [[twitterwidget||https://twitter.com/JessicaWakeman/status/980963013313298432]]
I have to admit, when I read the article in question, I did feel a twang of guilt. Speaking from experience, I know how easy it is to treat someone poorly on the assumption that their good looks have given them an invincible ego. Instead of treating the person in question as equal, I was mean and dismissive out of spite. I'm sure there are good-looking people out there who have coasted, but to lump everyone into the same category is just callous.
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