How Old Pictures of Us Tell a Different Story of Beauty

Have you ever looked back at old pictures of yourself and thought you looked cuter in the past? It’s a common sentiment, and a reality! Many of us share a similar experience of nostalgia—and perhaps, a less critical eye—when we scrutinize our younger selves. So, is it weird to think you looked cute as a baby? Not at all!

Everyone has their own story of change and growth

I was once told I looked like an ugly duckling, my accent not helping either when I was growing up in San Diego. Yet, at nearly 50, with five kids, I find myself feeling pretty hot. Sure, my kids label me as a MILF, especially my boys, which is perhaps a good sign. I’ve also been told I look the same as the day I graduated from high school, except for my hair. In the 80s, I had the style, but now it’s long and straight. Maybe I did look quite attractive back then!

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder (and often the mirror)

For me, personal insecurities regarding appearance are not a major issue. This is partly because I am male. My female friends, however, often share feelings of constant comparison and the belief that everyone looks better, which creates an unwinable competition. I feel fortunate to not have this pressure on me. For the most part, when it comes to personal appearance, just look in the mirror for necessities and move on. The person you see in the mirror will inevitably look worse to you than the people surrounding you. If those people care how you look, perhaps it's time to find new ones.

Beauty perceptions change with time

Younger years often bring with them insecurities for seemingly trivial reasons. However, as we age, we develop more pronounced signs of aging—wrinkles and fat rolls—and realize how good we looked in the past. Many of us start to appreciate our past selves more and stress less about how we look now.

Renewing Drivers Licenses

Renewing my driver’s license is a process I dread. Each time, I hate the new picture and wish I could have the one I despised for years prior. There’s an inherent dissatisfaction with how one looks at different stages of life. It’s a reminder of our ever-changing perceptions of ourselves and others.

Everyone looks different at different points in their life, and it’s important to remember the beauty of each stage. Insecurity is a natural part of the human experience, but it does not define our worth. Embrace the journey and celebrate how you’ve grown and changed over the years.