2 of 41

Write now Article Tools

People stop caring about their appearance when they stop caring about life. A healthy, attractive appearance, no matter what our age, social position or weight, is one of the principles of a healthy, happy lifestyle.

We cannot all be beautiful or handsome. We cannot all have perfect features - and we do not all want to be attractive to attract a mate. People in secure relationships, and people who have decided to live their lives without a partner, are still aware of their appearance and take pride in looking their best.

This is not mere vanity. The basics of good looks are healthy hair, skin and body. When we are feeling good about ourselves, we look good. Health gives a sheen to the hair, brightness to the eyes and a spring to the step. Mental, physical and emotional health are inseparable. When one suffers, everything suffers.

There are many reasons why people lose interest in life, in making new friends, why they do not look forward to the future, or remember good times from the past. Sometimes life itself can be a crushing burden to bear, and worrying about how we look seems the least of our problems.

But it can be a step forward in healing - simple things like taking a bit of time out for ourselves can be a positive step when the road seems blocked with negative events and emotions. Life becomes hard to bear when it spins out of our control, when we are beset by events that we didn't cause, but have to face up and deal with, or when we are scared, worried or depressed.

Our appearance is always in our control. One bar of cheap soap, even for the poorest of us, can mean the difference between self esteem and utter despair. One hairbrush, one good outfit, can give us back the confidence to go out and keep fighting for our dreams.

This is why hospital visitors include people who tend to the appearance of the patient. This is why people on their death beds still enjoy a bit of pampering. Human courage is expressed this way - I may be down, and there may be no way back for me, but I will not ``go quietly into that dark night." I will go with lipstick and nail polish.

Losing interest in one's appearance can be a sign of depression, the `silent epidemic' that claims victims of all ages. It is an outward sign of a loss of interest in living, in all the things that were once found enjoyable and a source of pleasure. If you, or someone close to you, is `letting go', ask yourself if this is symptomatic of other aspects of his or her life. You may be able to point them toward hep.

On the other hand, don't jump to conclusions. Sometimes less concern about appearance can indicate someone who is moving on to deeper concerns. Those taking up an alternative lifestyle, or are becoming more conscious of the environment, for example, may turn their back on conventional beauty care.

But I still maintain that inner happiness will show in the personal appearance. If they still have an active, happy approach to life, still relish every day, they will not need any artificial help anyway. They will have a well scrubbed glow that betrays they still do care about how they look.

Learn more about this author, Gail Kavanagh.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Why do people stop caring about their appearance??
We want to hear your view. Write now!