Why is it said that beauty is in the eye of the beholder?

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  1. Nose-in-the-News profile image68
    Nose-in-the-Newsposted 11 years ago

    Why is it said that beauty is in the eye of the beholder?

    For example, why is it that one woman can find another man attractive for his personality but not seem to be too fussed over his physical appearance, and yet another woman will go crazy over his physique?

    https://usercontent2.hubstatic.com/8294543_f260.jpg

  2. profile image0
    sheilamyersposted 11 years ago

    I'm not sure, but I know it happens. I'm thinking it has to do with what we, personally, use to gauge attractiveness. I'd be lying if I said a man's face isn't the first thing  which gets me to take a closer look. Ok, sometimes I do happen to see a nice butt (I hope that's ok to say) first. Anyway, for me, I'm not quite as interested in the man's physique other than whether or not he's overweight - a bit shallow I know, but I'm being honest. Whether or not he's good looking (by other people's standards) I'm more interested in guys who are down-to-earth, caring, kind, and treat everyone as equals. If he has what I think is a good personality, he doesn't have to be the most handsome man on the planet. As I was always taught - it's what's on the inside that counts.

    1. Nose-in-the-News profile image68
      Nose-in-the-Newsposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you for this honest account. It is also how I feel about beauty in others.

  3. Anna Haven profile image69
    Anna Havenposted 11 years ago

    This is definately one of life's mysteries.
    Individual life experience, genetics and also personality must play a large part in it. Although science has a theory more focused on successful reproduction.
    It is just as well we all see beauty in different ways or the world would be a sadder place.
    Thought provoking question.

  4. klw1157 profile image79
    klw1157posted 11 years ago

    The old adage has never been more true than today. Some people see beauty in a stack of plastic bottles they glue together and call it art. Others in an old junk car rusting away in the desert, even others in a collage of color thrown on a canvas by the cup full. Some see beauty in a sunset and others in a photograph of an old wrinkled face. The truth is, there is beauty all around us, everywhere, everyday. The sad part is, many of us, myself included often don't slow down long enough to see it. My girlfriend loves sunsets and will often call one of particular beauty to my attention, one of the many things I love about her. I am sure if she wasn't part of my life many a thing of beauty would be missed!

  5. dashingscorpio profile image72
    dashingscorpioposted 11 years ago

    The reason why we say, 'Beauty is in the eye of the beholder" is because there really is no "universal beauty" standard. People of all shapes, sizes, and personalities are able attract mates who think they are beautiful inside and out. Go to any public place like a mall, beach, park, or church and you will see people coupled up with others whom you would never have opted to go out on a date with simply based upon their looks or personality without bothering to get to know them.
    On another note you can name any famous celebrity who is considered to be a "sex symbol" and there will be many people who will tell you they don't think he or she is all that "hot".

  6. ii3rittles profile image85
    ii3rittlesposted 11 years ago

    Apples and Oranges.
    Some people see with their eyes.
    Some people see with their hearts.
    Some people see with both. I call them Pears.

  7. stricktlydating profile image69
    stricktlydatingposted 11 years ago

    We all find different things appealing.  We just don't all like the same things. I'm happy things are that way!  Someone who might seem really loud and annoying to me another person could see as vibrant and fun.  Someone my friend thinks is goregous may remind me of a silly cartoon charactor...  Just as people like different hobbies and are interested in different careers, we like different traits in people, and when chosing a partner too.  That's why the beauty of someone, or something is in the eye of the beholder - The person who finds the beauty (in something or someone that another does not neccessarily do).

  8. Diana Lee profile image80
    Diana Leeposted 11 years ago

    We all see things differently.  If we all saw the same thing we may as well all live in glass houses and listen to the same music.  If you have ever watched the 2001 movie Shallow Hal, starring Jack Black, Jason Alexander and Gwyneth Paltrow, you know what I mean.

  9. manatita44 profile image74
    manatita44posted 11 years ago

    The answer lies in the last line of your 'best answer.'
    'it's what's on the inside that counts'

    We can only reflect what we are from within. A shining mirror will reflect a shining mirror. A dirty or rusty one will reflect something similar. A mental patient walked past a saint rolling on the ground for the love of God. He taught the saint was mad, but another saint passing that way, recognised him immediately, comforted him and gave him peace.

    St. Francis saw only beauty while in the state of union with his Beloved Lord, even in the plants, birds and animals, and so to are the history of all God-intoxicated Souls. If we are beautiful inside, we see only beauty, and when we are tarnished with let's say, lust or greed or resentment, this will colour our thoughts and ideas. Perhaps we can deduce from this that inner purity dictates how we feel about beauty or what we see and is truly a beautiful state.

    Still, things will be this way, for God wants to enjoy His game in a myriad of ways. What all your lovely readers point out, are some of the ways. Religion and it's many branches are yet another way. All are of the divine and will serve their purpose in His unique and mysterious ways.

  10. Rosana Modugno profile image64
    Rosana Modugnoposted 11 years ago

    Because if we all had the same taste, we would be killing ourselves over the same men. LOL

    What I like is not necessarily what you like and so on.  It's who we are, what makes us individuals, different, specific to our genes and DNA.  Not one DNA is the same, like fingerprints, therefore, we can only view the world and others with only our own eyes.  Hence, eye of the beholder.

  11. Sabrina Tells All profile image61
    Sabrina Tells Allposted 11 years ago

    Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but only due to the various ways each individual gauges their expectations.  First impressions do become an important aspect if something were to be pursued further.  Unfortunately, how many times has this failed? 

    The greatest partner could be overlooked due to a first impression.  That hot looking guy could turn out to be a real nightmare.  Why do we allow expectations to limit our choices?  Some individuals have high expectations that can be unreasonable as they pursue mister right.  He may not exist and the clock is ticking.  They could have been happy and well on their way to building something worth having, but the opportunity was lost due to a misconception.  Beauty fades and it happens to everyone.  Who is judging you?  - Sabrina Tells All -

 
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