Why You Should Never Compare Yourself To Models
It’s a well-known fact that models are paid to look good. They have access to the best stylists, makeup artists, and photographers in the business. It’s their job to look perfect, so of course, they’re going to look a lot better than the average person.
It’s not just their looks that seem perfect, though, right? Their lives seem perfect too. They always seem to be traveling to exotic locations, going to the hottest parties, and wearing the latest fashion. It’s easy to see why so many people compare themselves to models and feel like they fall short.
But here’s the thing: models are a different breed. They’re not like you and me. They’re not real people! In this article, we’re going to explore all the reasons why comparing yourself to models is a waste of time and potentially harmful.
8 reasons why you shouldn’t compare yourself to models
1. Models don’t wake up looking that good
Okay, so maybe they do wake up looking pretty good. But it’s not because they were blessed with great genes (although that doesn’t hurt). It’s because they have an entire team of people whose job it is to make them look fabulous 24/7.
From hair stylists and makeup artists to personal trainers and dietitians, these people work tirelessly to make sure the models always look their best—and it shows. The average person simply doesn’t have that kind of help, which means we have to settle for looking like ourselves most of the time. And that’s not such a bad thing.
2. Airbrushing is a thing
If you’ve ever looked at a magazine cover and thought, “Wow, she looks perfect,” know this: she doesn’t. Not even close. In fact, most of the time, what you’re seeing is the result of some serious airbrushing.
These days, it’s not uncommon for magazines to digitally alter images to make the models look thinner, have perfect skin, and so on. And because you’ll likely never see them up close and in person, it’s easy to believe that they actually look like that. But trust us, they don’t.
3. You might develop an eating disorder
The pressure to be thin is very real in the modeling world. Some models have even died from eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia.
And it’s not just the models themselves who are affected; seeing images of impossibly thin women can trigger eating disorders in regular people too. If you’re regularly comparing yourself to models, you might find yourself obsessing over your weight and food intake in a way that’s unhealthy.
4. Most models have unhealthy weights
Speaking of unhealthy, did you know that the majority of models are underweight? According to a Harvard study, 81% of models reported having BMIs that placed them in the “underweight” category.
This means that they’re not just thin; they’re actually below the weight that’s considered healthy for their height. So when you compare yourself to a model, know that you’re likely comparing yourself to someone who is unhealthy.
5. You’ll only feel depressed
Comparing yourself to models is a surefire way to make yourself feel bad about yourself. After all, when you look at these seemingly perfect women, it’s only natural to start picking out all the ways you don’t measure up.
And that can lead to some serious body image issues and depression. If you’re already struggling with self-esteem, comparing yourself to models is only going to make things worse.
6. Models are selected for their looks—not their talent
Models aren’t chosen because they’re the most talented or hardworking people in the world. They’re chosen because they have a certain look that the client is going for.
And that’s it. It doesn’t matter if they can’t act, sing, or dance; as long as they look good, they’ll get the job. So if you’re comparing your talent to a model’s, know that you’re probably doing yourself a disservice.
7. You’re not looking at the whole picture
When you compare yourself to a model, you’re only seeing one side of the story. You don’t know what goes on behind the scenes, what they had to give up to get where they are, or how long it took them to get there.
All you see is the final product: a beautiful woman who looks like she has it all. But the reality is that most models have made sacrifices and had to put up with a lot of crap to get where they are.
Their lives are often miserable; they’re unable to eat what they want, wear what they want, style their hair the way they want… the list goes on.
8. It’s pointless
In the end, comparing yourself to a model is pointless. You’re never going to look like them, and even if you did, it wouldn’t guarantee you happiness or success.
So why bother? Why put yourself through all that comparison and self-loathing when you could be spending your time doing something more productive—or at least more enjoyable?
Conclusion
Comparison is never fun—especially when you’re constantly coming up short against an unrealistic standard set by society at large.
So instead of wasting your time pining after something you can never have, focus on being the best damn version of YOU that you can be! That’s really all anyone can ask for.