Hi, I’m a 21 year old guy and every time I’m outside for example to buy groceries I see so many good looking people (both female and male).

I don’t know what it is but they seem almost perfect, their faces are so beautiful and perfect, their clothes are so stylish and perfect, their hair and make up appearance looks so well groomed and beautiful. (I’m mainly referring to people around my age from Gen Z)

They’re all so confident and wear jewelry etc.

I don’t even have the knowledge how to dress good and stylish as I don’t have a feel for that. I just end up wearing what’s most comfortable for me like random sneakers, sweatpants/shorts and a polo shirt. But even if I was able to dress stylishly my face naturally still looks very average and not like all these other people.

I wonder why people look so perfect nowadays. When I look at old video tapes or pictures (like from the 1900’s) people seem to have looked way more average like me. Why could this be? Is the pressure from social media a reason because that’s why I’m purposefully not on there.

And honestly I also don’t feel like putting so much time and effort into my looks as I think this is only secondary in life and I mainly value human connections. Obviously I put some extra time into it for some occasions where I put on contact lenses, creams, a little make up (one that’s for men of course), hair gel/spray and perfume but even then I feel like I don’t look as good as many of these people I see on a regular basis.

  • kittenzrulz123@lemmy.blahaj.zone
    0·
    10 hours ago

    Idk as someone who looks like shit its because I have far too much social anxiety so I dont usually go outside, also you might just be extremely horny

  • DrFistington@lemmy.world
    0·
    22 hours ago

    It depends on where you are. I just drove thru a college campus the other day for the first time in years, and for it being one of the first really nice days, I have to say the student body was… Underwhelming

  • MrsDoyle@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
    0·
    23 hours ago

    You’re obviously not from round here… (Gesturing vaguely at shuffling hordes of very plain people in my town. Self included. I fit right in.)

    Seriously though, comparing yourself with strangers is a terrible idea. That said, if you do want to smarten up a bit, I’d suggest going to a menswear store and asking an assistant to assist. Explain your dilemma, ask them to help you put together one outfit, “smart casual” would be a good start. Good luck!

  • make -j8@lemmy.world
    0·
    1 day ago

    i never was in your situation. I live in France, and wherever I go, everyone looks like Quasimodo’s cousins

    • Just_a_person@lemmy.worldOP
      0·
      1 day ago

      Just saying other people look beautiful and better than me doesn’t mean I’m horny. This realization wasn’t meant on a sexual basis. But I guess nowadays people always take stuff like this the wrong way.

      But the comment is still funny lmao

      • PapaStevesy@lemmy.world
        0·
        22 hours ago

        Yeah, it was 95% sarcasm. But don’t underestimate the evolutionary urge to procreate, it’s one of the most powerful forces on the planet.

  • daskye@fedia.io
    0·
    1 day ago

    You know to be honest, there are lots of people who are more laid back. People like slaying the day away but there’s no shame in putting less effort into your appearance, especially just for a grocery trip! :)

  • queermunist she/her@lemmy.ml
    0·
    1 day ago

    I consider my appearance to be armor. I put on makeup and cute clothes and style my hair so I can face the world. Helps my social anxiety.

    Also, totally doesn’t take that much time. 20 minutes max once you get into the habit of it.

  • AlolanYoda@mander.xyz
    0·
    1 day ago

    I don’t know you, but there’s a chance that someone else had this exact realization after seeing you

  • solsangraal@lemmy.zipEnglish
    0·
    1 day ago

    believe it or not, there is such a thing as looking “good enough” in any situation. spending this much time comparing yourself to everyone else-- you’re in for an exhausting life

  • Lumidaub@feddit.org
    0·
    1 day ago

    Now don’t quote me on this, it’s based on my memory from an art history lesson roughly 20 years ago (Kunst-Grundkurs im Saarland, Ü). But, if I remember correctly, there is an inverted relationship between fashion (meaning the way people present themselves in general) and the economy. When the economy is booming, people tend to go with simple, understated shapes and colours. When the economy is slowing down, they tend to go overboard, putting more effort into their looks, wearing more noticeable jewellery etc (possibly to keep up appearances that they’re still fine?).

    Again, these are tendencies, not struct rules. But maybe that’s what you’re noticing?

  • Em Adespoton@lemmy.ca
    0·
    1 day ago

    Part of what it points to is what you’re currently paying attention to. You don’t notice all the people who aren’t what you consider “good looking”.

    Later in life, you’ll notice how many people have children in strollers, or drive fancy cars, or can afford houses. You may start noticing how many people own dogs, run regularly outside, or never look up from their phones.

    It’s a form of selection bias; you tend to see the people that are most likely to catch your attention, and ignore the rest.

    Try an exercise: start checking to see how many people you see in public smile with their eyes.