Socially Unacceptable
It’s pretty obvious that you can get away with a lot of things if you look a certain way. Most people can’t help but fawn over attractive individuals, and the rules just don’t apply equally in modern society. With that in mind, here are 20 things that are admirable when a conventionally pretty person does them, but lazy when a regular-looking person does it. Do you agree with our picks?
1. Messy Hair
A loose messy bun might look effortlessly cool on one person, but sloppy on someone else. It shows how social norms of beauty dictate what is socially acceptable.
2. Being “Quirky”
Behaviors that are considered inconsistent or erratic may be described as quirky or charming if a person is deemed physically attractive. Otherwise, these same behaviors are simply weird or odd, highlighting a double standard. After all, “manic pixie dream girls” are beautiful for a reason.
3. Acting Helpless
Feigning vulnerability or insecurity can be read as cute or adorable when someone is attractive. Experiments testing help and attention found that attractive people were more likely to receive help in these situations. This demonstrates how social biases make some things more acceptable for certain people than for others.
4. Being Awkward
Some uncomfortable behaviors are seen as “adorable” if done by an attractive person. If done by others, they may just be called “weird.” This is a subtle form of a double standard.
5. Dating Someone Attractive
It's generally considered okay to date someone good-looking if you both have a similar level of attractiveness. If there's a significant difference, people might assume wealth, status, or some other factor is involved instead of just a normal relationship. This shows how people see things differently depending on beauty.
6. Public Displays of Affection
Displays of affection and love are more likely to be socially acceptable when they come from people considered attractive. If an attractive couple flirts, many people will see it as exciting or desirable. The same behavior from others may be seen as awkward or uncomfortable.
7. Touching Others
Light or playful touching is more socially tolerated from a person considered attractive. People tend to view it as less offensive or even positive when done by an attractive person than when the same action is done by someone who is not. This also explains why beautiful people are more successful at cold opens and flirting.
8. Nerdy Hobbies
Some hobbies or interests, such as playing Dungeons & Dragons or other "nerdy" activities, are only considered socially acceptable if the person engaging in them is good-looking. Celebrities or conventionally attractive people partaking in these hobbies can be described as endearing or relatable, whereas others may be teased or discouraged. This highlights how perceptions can be warped by appearance rather than the activity itself.
9. Flirting
Flirting or expressing romantic interest is often more socially accepted when the person is considered attractive. Those with conventional looks may be seen as charming or confident, while others attempting the same behavior can face rejection or judgment. This shows how societal beauty standards influence interpersonal interactions.
10. Junk Food
The consumption of gluttonous or junk food is more socially acceptable for someone who is attractive. This could be because the action is seen as more playful or free-spirited, while someone who is not attractive might be condemned for doing the same. In fact, a regular person might get some slack for not eating healthy.
11. Dressing Comfy
It is perfectly acceptable, and even fashionable or trendy, to wear pajamas or workout clothes in public if you are attractive. Others wearing the exact same outfit might be called sloppy or unkempt. This shows how standards of fashion and acceptability are often based on appearance.
12. Marketing
Posting your own picture when marketing a product or service is more socially acceptable if you are attractive. For attractive people, it can be seen as confident and relatable; for others, it may be seen as vain or off-putting.
13. Dressing Revealing
It's generally more socially acceptable to wear revealing clothing to accentuate a fit body if you are conventionally attractive. Wearing such clothing on an attractive person is often viewed as confident and fashionable, while others may be stigmatized for the same action. Totally unfair!
14. Excusing Bad Behavior
Rudeness or callousness is more socially accepted in the case of an attractive person. For example, if someone does something negative or hurtful, they might be forgiven or excused because they are seen as worth the trouble. Essentially, people are more willing to forgive bad behavior if the perpetrator is attractive.
15. Asking For Favors
Requesting help or favors may be much more socially acceptable if the person making the request is attractive. People may be more inclined to provide help or have a positive view of the request, while others may face hesitation or less enthusiastic responses. This shows how likeability and approachability can be influenced by appearance.
16. Doing Cosplay
Cosplaying is more socially acceptable when you are attractive. People are likely to compliment costumes and portrayal, saying things like "that was great!" or "cute costume!" But if someone else does the same, they might get made fun of or looked down upon despite putting in the same effort.
Muhammad Faiz Zulkeflee on Unsplash
17. Meeting New People
It is generally socially acceptable to talk to strangers in public if you are perceived as good-looking. Attractive people can be seen as approachable and friendly, whereas others trying the same may be viewed as nosy or awkward. Cold openings are usually easier if you’re attractive.
18. Taking Charge
Asserting control over a situation is more socially accepted if the person is considered attractive. Attractive people can be perceived as natural leaders, even if their abilities don’t align with this assumption. This shows how assumptions are often made based on appearance.
19. Teasing Others
You can get away with a lot more when you are considered good-looking: teasing, clowning around, being light-hearted. People interpret such behavior as sweet or flirtatious from attractive individuals, but annoying and childish from others.
20. Taking Up Space
It's often more socially acceptable for someone attractive to take up space. Because they walk and sit like they own the place, their behavior is perceived as fashionable and assertive. The same behavior from others would be considered arrogant or attention-seeking. This is a prime example of how confidence is socially perceived differently based on appearance.
