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37 Things I'd Rather Be Than "Pretty"

Courageous. Brilliant. Bold.

Lillian Hogle

Sep 19, 2016

Clarkson University

Google

From birth, women are taught to value their looks above all other aspects of their being. When we are little, we are told we're "pretty" while boys are told they're "strong" and "smart." When we are adolescents, we are taught to compete for the attention of men. We are taught our value depends on how desirable men find us. Popular makeover shows, movies, and magazines teach us that our value lies solely in our appearance: how we do our hair, how we wear makeup, what clothes we wear, and how we exercise. Companies feed off of these taught insecurities, pushing products and promising cures for imperfections they created.

It takes a lifetime to unlearn the toxic notion that a woman's value lies in her looks. Fortunately, there are so many things I would rather be than "pretty."

1. Genuine

2. Courageous

3. Generous

4. Kind

5. Brilliant

6. Humble

7. Passionate

8. Spontaneous

9. Intelligent

10. Sophisticated

11. Assertive

12. Witty

13. Compassionate

14. Loving

15. Efficient

16. Capable

17. Grounded

18. Talented

19. Independent

20. Respected

21. Rational

22. Traveled

23. Wise

24. Adventurous

25. Open-minded

26. Trustworthy

27. Confident

28. Ethical

29. Dependable

30. Fair

31. Supportive

32. Curious

33. Creative

34. Patient

35. Strong

36. Inspirational

37. Bold

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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37 Things I'd Rather Be Than "Pretty"

Courageous. Brilliant. Bold.

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This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

Run Around Clanging Pots and Pans in Everyone's Face

Eat the Last Few Pigs in a Blanket

Pop Twelve White Grapes

Burn Something

Smash Things Against a Wall

Spontaneously Begin an Irish Jig

Call Your Mother

Throw a Coffee Table Out a Window

Sing "Auld Lang Syne" at the Top of Your Lungs

Do Some Squats

Swan Dive into a Nearly Freezing Body of Water

Take a Shot

Time to be merry and bright.

"First Noel" by Leslie Odom, Jr

"A Holly Jolly Christmas" by Burl Ives

"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" by Kelly Clarkson

"All I Want for Christmas Is You" by Mariah Carey

"Christmas (Baby Please Come Home" by Michael Buble

"Last Christmas" by Taylor Swift

"The Christmas Song" by Josh Groban

"White Christmas" by Idina Menzel

"O Holy Night" by David Archuleta

"Believe" by Josh Groban

"Les cloches du hameau" by Celine Dion

Or at least try to do.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

2. I will look decent for class.

3. I will go to the gym more.

4. I will go to the library and study more.

5. I will meet new people.

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

2. Disappointed you let it get this bad

3. Distracted: When a 10-Minute Break Becomes an Hour

4. When the Yearning for Sleep Sneaks Up

5. In the words of Lorelai Gilmore "Coffee, Coffee, Coffee"

Oh, so done.

You need sleep, but also have 13 things due in the span of 4 days.

1. When it's December 1 and you have seven things due, three exams, and haven't slept in three days.

2. So you stress.

3. And cry.

4. Then call your mom to cry some more.

5. After the pep talk, you feel determined to get everything done.

6. But, now you're tired.

7. And really hungry.

8. Suddenly, it's 2 a.m. and you have only written three sentences and your paper is due in the morning.

9. You've made it to Friday... somehow.

10. Then Sunday hits and you find yourself back at the Lib.

11. So you cry some more.

12. But, you fight through the tears to get everything done because you're determined.

13. In the end, you feel on top of the world because you made it through the last week of class alive.

14. But, now it's finals week so good luck.

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