Yesterday I met a young (i.e. under 30) woman who shared with me how one of her friends had recently had all her teeth chiseled down and replaced with veneers after a beautician had told her that she had a “gummy smile.” She wanted to look perfect for her wedding day later this year.
I couldn’t help but feel really sorry for her friend whose insecurity about her smile had been triggered so easily and led her to take such drastic action. I would put money on it that her husband-to-be had hardly ever noticed her gums. While her story was unique, it’s also incredibly common. You probably know someone yourself whose become preoccupied to the point of obsessiveness with shaping their body or face to conform to an idealized and illusive image of beauty.
Don’t get me wrong. I like to look good. Who doesn’t right?! But there’s a distinct line between healthy vanity (with a focus on health living) and unhealthy obsession (with a preoccupation with forcing our bodies into size 2 jeans.) [Read more…]