Why is physical appearance so important?

[equestrian]

Don't get me wrong, body image is important to me. I care about the way girls look and I'm sure that girls care about the way I look. But I think too many people are overly concerned with

A. Their own body image.
B. Other people's body image.

I told my cousin about this girl that I honestly care about on an emotional level and I was so excited to share how I feel about her. But of course, when I mention her the first things he says are; "show me a picture", "what does she look like?", "is she hot?", "does she have a nice a**?". I HATE IT! Why couldn't he ask questions like; "how did you two meet?", "what do you like about her?", "do you love her?" etc?


I'm not going to pretend to be some sort of relationship gandhi who only cares about deep emotional stuff. She isn't perfect physically; I don't expect her to be, but I love being with her so much that I'm able to look beyond her subtle physical imperfections. In many ways I actually like how she doesn't necessarily have the best "features". At least now I know people won't objectify her as much.


Also, why are people so obsessed with their bodies? It's ridiculous. Girls are trying to be so skinny. Lots of skinny girls call themselves "fat" and don't eat enough. Guys work out so much. It's crazy. You don't need an 8-pack. Ugh I guess this thread sort of turned into a rant about society.

[tundravortex]

from what i know and experienced is that they wanna look good just so they can get some ass,get popular and so they can get more ass pretty much....if you dont look "good" for them they will just pass you on as a nobody,dont know why but yea.....basicly it all come down to sex in the end for some reason

[ksdnfkfr]

Objectify - that is a good word.
Like she is supposed to be some kind of trophy.
I think maybe the term for ppl and their looks is validation.

[Blood]

People care so much about looks because looks are important in a relationship. If you're not physically attracted to the person, there's a chance the relationship isn't going to last very long. It's really good that you can look past her "imperfect" characteristics.

People are so obsessed with their bodies because society pushes the theory that beauty is based on how you look. And who doesn't want to be beautiful?

[thermid]

Also, why are people so obsessed with their bodies? It's ridiculous. Girls are trying to be so skinny. Lots of skinny girls call themselves "fat" and don't eat enough. Guys work out so much. It's crazy. You don't need an 8-pack. Ugh I guess this thread sort of turned into a rant about society.

i think it's biological man. we all want partners that are traditionally physically attractive because the qualities that the most traditionally attractive people have are probably more desirable from an evolutionary standpoint. of course nobody "needs" an 8-pack, but being healthy is attractive to a lot of people, and for some that means someone who is tan or has a six pack. to each their own, man

[NeuroTiger]

Everybody has different tastes and objectives in choosing a life partner.

Jake, I share your point of view.

[Living For Love]

I know a lot of girls of my age that are really really pretty and are deep in love with guys that aren't just attractive at all. And when I say they aren't attractive at all, I mean that they don't have tanned bodies with strong muscles and an 8-pack and all those features that most people find attractive. I think it all comes down a bit on each person preferences. If you're happy with the girl you love, and if you think she's pretty in her own way, then you're totally fine.

[Marius44]

Because it often gives a rough first impression of the person without someone having to talk to them.

[Fallen_Eagle]

Because our culture is superficial and perverted... And the option of looking at it from a scientific perspective also exists. Things like ''long legs suggest that a woman is more fertile and men subconsciously know this'' (not sure if that was an actual claim but it just serves as an example) and all that jazz.

[Hyper]

For one teens are a fair bit more shallow than adults.

Two the culture we live in objectifies and puts pressure on people to look a ''certain way'' creating insecurities and discomfort in many individuals who may or may not be ugly or great looking to begin with.

Third it is a bit of human nature... Because the very first impression we get of a person is their looks. There is no getting around that unless you go on a blind date blindfolded.

[unknownuser]

Personally, when I see someone good-looking/fit/pretty hair, make-up, or clothing, I kind of take them as being attentive to details and more put-together, not lazy slobs... and I, as a hard-working and attentive to detail person tend to like people like that because I assume they have a similar personality to me... which I know is stupid thinking and not 100% true.