Girls and boys, women and men. They all have things in common, and more often than not, striving to be "hot" is one of them. I've seen beautiful girls tear themselves down because they weren't living up to their own impossibly high standards. I've been there before, but since then I've grown a lot. We were made in God's perfect image and I am certain that He has made us all exactly how we should be, with our so-called "flaws," and all.

While striving for "hot" or "stunning," I have realized there is much more to life than looks. While pondering over this idea, I realized that so many people only want to be considered attractive no matter what it takes. And while that's fine and dandy, if that's what they want, I realized there are many other wonderful things a person can be other than being "hot." When I'm old my looks won't matter, but who I was as a person will always remain. Here are all the things I'd rather be known for than being hot.

1. Healthy

Sometimes when trying to achieve a goal, people don't do it in a way that keeps their body in good condition. I want to eat better and exercise to feel better in the long run and to be strong. Being healthy physically and mentally is much more important than how thin I can be, especially in the long run.

2. Intelligent

I want to learn as much as I can and grow as much as possible with the time I have been given. I want to learn other languages, understand other cultures and travel the world. I want to share my knowledge with other people that I have the pleasure of meeting.

3. Funny

No one can take your humor away from you, even when not everyone understands it. I'd rather be the old lady laughing with her friends in the park than someone who only worries about appearance. Looks can be lost, but when I'm wrinkled with gray hair I know that I will still want to make others laugh.

4. Witty

Witty people always get me. They keep you on your toes and can make a comeback without taking a second to think about it. They keep you guessing, it's an interesting quality to have and I admire that. I want to be able to outwit others and have them laugh about it, not be constantly worrying about if being witty makes me unattractive to others.

5. Kind

I can't tell you how attractive it is to me when a guy is kind. Kindness is becoming a rarity, and it's beautiful to witness when people are showing it. I want to be known as a kind soul who gave as much as she could to others.

6. A good friend

Being good to others and being a good friend are how you will be remembered long after your years. Not by what you looked like.

7. Loving

I want to love life and everything about it. I want to share my love and passions with other people. I want to have a heart so full of love it could burst.

While these qualities aren't everyone's ideal, I think they're quite important. There are many things that make people beautiful, and there are many qualities that are more vital than being "hot." If you feel less than a good human because you aren't your version of perfect, just know that we all have been there. While you may not think you're "hot," I think you have a lot of other qualities to be proud of. Your friends who think you're perfect are right, hold on to them.

Keep your chin up, and find what you'd rather be than "hot."