Pretty people don't wait in line

If I had a penny for every time someone said “looks don’t matter,” I’d be a millionaire. But you’ll rarely hear Gen Z say that, because we know it’s not true. We’ve all become obsessed with how we look, how we dress, and how we’re perceived. But are we wrong?

I don’t think so.

I grew up being labelled “unlikeable” and “unattractive.” So did some of my closest friends. We were reprimanded for small mistakes that others the prettier ones — got away with. Whether it’s free drinks at a club or getting noticed at work, being hot has its perks. People can pretend it’s not true, but we’ve all seen it. Some people just move through the world more easily because of their physical attributes.

And for those of us not in that category (I’m sailing in that boat, don’t worry), it can feel like you’re always five steps behind. It’s like AI — either you evolve with it or get left behind. Looks matter more than we want to admit. And that’s not vanity; it’s survival in a world obsessed with aesthetics.

So what do you do?

You take it into your own hands. You figure out what makes you feel attractive — be it going to the gym, skincare, or clothes. For me, it was losing weight, treating my acne, and dressing better. I was once fully against anything “non-natural,” but then I learnt about niacinamide and (not to be dramatic, but) my life changed.

People might judge. Let them. It’s your life. And if something doesn’t work out, we fix it and move on.

We live in a messed-up world where looking good has a real impact on how you’re treated — and on how you feel about yourself. Beauty isn’t everything, but it is something.

So go get that haircut. Buy that outfit you’ve been eyeing. Do what makes you feel good. Stay happy :)