I am always comparing myself to others, quite unfairly too because I compare myself to women much younger.
Sitting in the breakroom at work last week or so....minding my own business, eating dinner and the beauty department manager, sitting across from me declares,"You have NO gray hair!!" Well, no I don't....She went on to say, after seeing my puzzled look, "I just noticed your roots and there's not a single gray hair. I HATE you! That cute little figure, no gray.." I'm 3 years older than she is.
Another woman I work with I'd always thought was extremely attractive 'for her age', thinking she was 55 or so...I found out, much to my embarrassment after mentioning checking out AARP, that she's not even 50 yet.
So much for comparing myself to that one...
Because I work in a place that's probably 80% women, I see and do a lot of comparing. I lament the aging process, they're telling me they wish they had my hair or figure (to which I respond, I suck the gut in when I walk or I'd look like hell). I think comparing is natural to a point-it sets the compass for our own self-image, good or bad.
I do have a problem judging how others dress. I'd never leave the house sans make-up nor in sweats. Sweats are not made for shopping, going to dinner, etc. I also abhor those who think just because something comes in their large size, they should wear it, regardless of how much flesh hangs out (muffin tops) or how mishapen they appear in their get-up. I look at them and think they should really invest in a mirror...
How we present ourselves out in public tells people something about us, whether we like that or not. That has always been my catalyst for what I do before leaving the house. That and the fact that several years ago, I went to the store, no make-up,and in beat-up clothes because I had been gardening...and ran into someone from work.
