Vanity, thy name is woman. Ohhh, there’s been some mileage gotten out of this one. Many a man has muttered it under his breath while looking at his watch; and I am sure I have said these words through clenched teeth at my reflection as I reached for yet another outfit that I somehow hoped would be better than the four lying on the floor at my feet.
The reality is, vanity has many different names and is subject to perception so let’s look at this.
For literary accuracy, I feel it is important to note that this quote is actually a distortion of a line from Shakespeare’s Hamlet , “Frailty, thy name is woman”. While neither version would make the bumper of Gloria Steinem, it seems that some women would choose being labelled frail over vain, so the question remains- why is vanity such an ugly word?
I have a surprising number of clients that feel it is very important for them to clarify to me during a consultation, that they are not vain people. “I’m not one to primp, I don’t fuss a lot with make up or my nails, I am just tired of plucking”, or “I’m not vain, you know- I don’t spend a lot of time in front of the mirror, but I hate the look and the feeling the stubble and bumps”. And I reply, “Well, of course you’re tired of it!” and “Of course, you hate that look and feeling!” That is not vanity- no one should have to worry about those things.
Vanity is defined as narcissistic self- idolatry. Being so absorbed with yourself that you worship yourself. I don’t know that I have come across too many people that exhibit anything close to vanity. In fact, I think most of us are way too hard on ourselves. You don’t have to be a princess or a movie star to want to take care of yourself. It is not vanity to strive to put your best self forward, and care for yourself and the things around you that you are responsible for. We would never neglect our homes or yards for thirty or forty years without investing time , energy and money in their upkeep, the same applies to our bodies. (To refer to last month article about landscaping – I think landscaping -the kind you do in your yard- is the ultimate vanity but that’s only because I am not good at it and I envy those who are; but I digress)
No one will argue that there is a direct link between high self esteem and productivity in life. You should do everything you can do to build your confidence, whether it be learning or improving skills, taking control of things you are unhappy with, or putting on your favourite lipstick. For some people it’s looking over their perfect mow lines on their manicured lawn that projects their best self. I’m almost done with the landscape analogies.
Laser hair removal is not vanity; it is a smart efficient way to get closer to your own vision of your best self. Is it okay to have hair? Sure it is, but only if it’s where you want it.
Light Touch Laser- Why wouldn’t you?
