I definitely do not hate you because you're beautiful--better you than me!

Back before my site had to be reconstructed, I had written in regards to another stereotypically beautiful woman (blond hair, blue eyes, slender) who had disappeared in a probable kidnapping, possible rape and/or murder case. I had written how happy I am not to be stereotypically beautiful myself because it keeps me safe from prowlers. Well, yesterday as I was walking around the same lake that I wrote about walking around early last month, I realized there are even more advantages to not being beautiful than I had previously considered:

*Even if per my previous post I don't feel completely secure as a woman walking alone after dark, I am much less likely to be abducted or harmed than a stereotypically beautiful woman. This gives me some sense of ease and security, even in shady areas.
*Because I did not really date in high school or college (not for lack of wanting, but for lack of interest on the part of the male population in my school), I was able to focus on developing my intellect.
*I did not worry about dieting or exercising before my wedding because I knew that even doing so would not guarantee hot photos. I am so far away from stereotypical beauty, that I saved myself a lot of pre-wedding agony by skipping the whole sham of losing weight just for the "big day."
*I rest assured knowing that most of the men who have expressed an interest in me over the course of my life were most likely not showing interest simply because of my appearance.
*I rest assured knowing that I am hired for jobs based on my qualifications rather than my bra size.
*I am perfectly comfortable being the only woman in the weight room at my gym. I do not have to worry about being bothered by some lecherous men while I bench.
*I never had to worry much about being hit on by sleazy men in bars. I actually remember a couple years ago going to a bar in Annapolis with a friend from high school and being told by a sleazy bar man that he was interested in my friend and not me. As if I cared! My friend is the tall, leggy blond of stereotypical beauty fame.
*My lack of stereotypical beauty has made me more empathetic with my female students who have listened to society's lies that without blond hair, blue eyes, and long, slender legs, they have no value. I can better help them understand that a person's worth is far deeper than outside appearances because coming from a stereotypically beautiful person, that message would sound like a bunch of BS.