I am currently in a state of mind that is housed somewhere in between slight confusion and utter dismay. The root of this unpleasant state I am in stems from a series of related experiences I had just yesterday.
Let me fill you in: I woke up way past my intended time and was rushing around my apartment trying to get ready enough to get to work. I put on some decent looking clothes and headed to work for what I thought would be a regular day. But, as my day wore on I noticed more and more odd questions coming my way. I was asked if I was “doing alright,” if I was sick or if something was wrong. Initially, I answered the questions sort of confusedly, but by the end of the day I realized people were asking me these things because I looked different.
You see, in my hurried morning, I decided not to put on any makeup. I honestly thought nothing of the matter. I simply didn’t have the time to deal with it. I mean, what would you do: skip work to put on your makeup or just say forget about it? (If you sided with the first option, you have a serious addiction.)
Luckily, I have what has been referred to as a “strong personality” and these comments don’t personally hurt or offend me. However, I know several women who would be affected by such talk.
In light of that, people should probably consider the bigger picture before opening their mouths. The things that you say when you think you are being cute or funny could really ruin someone’s self-esteem, not that you care.
So, to the “man” who thought I looked “ill,” stop talking. I know that was the first time you had seen me without make up on, but no, I am not dying or anything of the sort. It was oh so thoughtful of you to be concerned. Actually, I am quite amazed at myself for having made it this far into the school year before going to class with the “I might have just rolled out of bed” look. I just really didn’t feel like taking the time to paint on a new face this morning, and I quite like the one I was given, so I thought I would sport it for a change.
It is people like you who have instilled insecurities in women, young and old, about their appearance. Women seem to feel as though it is expected or necessary for them to put on makeup and flawlessly fix themselves every day and you are to blame. Unfortunately for you, you popped off to the wrong girl, one who isn’t timid or insecure.
I mean it when I say that I couldn’t care less what you think about my physique, style or overall image. There is only one person in this world worth impressing to me, and he happens to appreciate my sick-looking face. However, just because it does not hurt me does not mean that you can prance around and sarcastically ridicule me with your underhanded comments. I can only hope that someday you have a run in with someone like me somewhere other than a classroom so that she can equally embarrass you with her reply.
I am sincerely trying to help you stop digging your own grave, so to speak. Think before you speak and do not ask another woman if she is ill unless she is coughing or throwing up or displays some other symptom of being obviously ill. Follow that rule of thumb and you just might find a girlfriend or even a wife. Miracles happen every day.