Perfectly imperfect

I don’t get why people get mean whenever girls enhance their facial features through plastic surgery, cosmetics, or filters. People always have something bad to say. Let’s face it: We’re human beings with imperfections. We’re all flawed.

I myself am not blessed with good skin, so I tend to hide my acne marks with a concealer. Whenever I feel lazy to do my makeup, I simply use filters or put my phone on “beauty mode” before taking selfies. It makes me feel good, confident.

Now, did any of my actions hurt you? Were you maltreated, belittled, or degraded? No? Then why are you acting so salty? Why are you saying that girls are so deceiving? Are you assuming that all girls effortlessly look like goddesses?

A slimmer face, a small forehead, an emphasized jawline, a “pointy” nose, flawless skin, perfectly defined brows, rosy cheeks — whatever a girl wants to achieve, it doesn’t matter. It’s merely a matter of preference. Let others enjoy what they’re doing and stop judging them just because they beautify themselves in various ways.

I’ve been dealing with acne since I was in my sophomore year in college. I consulted a dermatologist, tried expensive products, and went through derma treatments in a clinic before my acne subsided (it didn’t even completely disappear).

Some days I feel like my skin is better, some days I feel like I’m the ugliest person on earth. I was bullied when I was in college — a period when I thought bullying would no longer occur because I was with mature young adults who respected one another.

It’s unfortunate that a girl gets criticized if her looks do not suit society’s standards. But she’s criticized still when she learns to take care of herself and to prioritize her looks.

I admit that the judgment of others is inevitable. It’s human nature, so it’s said. But can’t you keep rude and offensive comments to yourselves?

It’s hard to tell people how to think and to live their lives, but if you get the chance to read this, I do hope you’d understand where I’m coming from. Be nice, or strive to be.

I bet you don’t have the slightest idea what others have gone through or are going through just to gain confidence. I believe that we can all be mindful of our words and learn to respect other people’s lives.

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Maria Christina L. Paderes, 20, is an English language studies graduate of the University of Santo Tomas and holds a certificate in professional education from the graduate school of Our Lady of Fatima University.