The Pearls of Life:
101 Simple Ways to Health and Happiness
Be
Vain
Vanity, the
concern for attractiveness, is considered a bad quality in many
cultures. It’s certainly true that it is excessive to run to the doctor
as if a small pimple on the face were a medical emergency.
But looking good
has its evolutionary advantages. Beauty is more than skin deep. It often
showcases the underlying body constitution.
Well-lubricated
skin and glossy hair in a woman suggest a high estrogen level and the
fertility associated with it. Broad shoulders and narrow waists in men
signal strength and fitness.
Healthy people
tend to look good. They much more easily attract potential mates for
procreation. Since appearance does count for the survival of our
species, the trait of being vain may be ingrained in our genes.
A healthy dose of vanity is also associated with good self-esteem, which
helps us live happier and longer lives.
Rather than because of genuine concern for their health, many people who adopt healthy lifestyles with regular exercise and good nutrition may be more motivated to look good. Having a goal to lose twenty pounds before the summer season so one can fit into smaller swimwear is not uncommon.
It doesn’t matter
what actually motivates us to walk or jog thirty minutes a day, or eat
more fruits and vegetables. While the motivation for looking good is
there, as long as it doesn’t go overboard and make us increasingly
narcissistic, we should use it to our advantage!