3.

Is beauty skin deep or does it come from somewhere else?

I think this is a funny question because my automatic answer was that beauty comes from somewhere else. I mean, aren't we taught that over and over again in an effort to build self-esteem? As young children we are told that there is more to a person than simply their facade. 

That being said, why does our society invest so much money on appearance? I remember a wild statistic that was thrown out in a sociology class.  This was in high school, and the section was on dieting.  My teacher had (and still has) 2 young daughters so this was an important subject for him.  The obsession starts during adolescence so "nipping it in the bud" at a young age is a good effort to make.  Anyways, back to the statistic.  The teacher said "around 90% of diet pills fail to make a person thinner, and yet millions are spent annually on this false advertising."  So we see that despite the lessons we are taught with constant vigilance are ignored all through adulthood.  Just look at advertisements on television! "How to have luscious lips, long lashes, and clear skin". Or magazines: "How to get a firm butt, toned legs, and rock solid abs in just 2 weeks!" Let's get real here. In 2 weeks you can start getting yourself into shape, but you won't completely change your body! Get motivated and be patient. These advertisements are making women doubt their beauty because they don't have that one product to "fix" everything.  Really, it's a vicious circle. Either you understand that you are beautiful as you are, or you chase this ridiculous dream of perfection. Don't doubt yourself. Have you ever heard someone say anything like I have just written? I am sure you have, in some form or another.  I hope you ignore the negativity and pay more attention to what these products really don't do.

I stand by my first response.  Beauty is far deeper than what your appearance can offer.  A friend once said to me: "I wasn't attracted to him at first.  Sure, he was good looking, but I had no interest.  Then he started talking and became so attractive."  That statement sums up something so wonderful.  When you get to know someone, you see them in their entirety.  Some people take their beauty and use it as a weapon.  They put themselves on a pedestal based on physical traits that set them apart from others.  They are uglier because of this.  Share yourselves with others, but don't expect praise in return.  Be confident, happy, and smile a lot.  Listen to others.  Care more for others than for yourself.  That will make you beautiful.