The Girl We Love to Hate

Yesterday at work I overheard a six year old girl say, "Mommy, what is with all the big girls wearing those little skirts?"  At first, I giggled to myself. A second later, it pulled me back to the conversation I had had a few nights ago with one of my best friends. She was telling me how annoyed she gets by girls who sell themselves short. Truthfully, I agree.

We've all seen them, the girls with the tiny tops and short skirts. Chances are, at one time, you either wanted to be her or date her. Why?

Sure, from the surface, she looks like she has it all. She's cute, has a great body, she must have a ton of confidence if she's wearing that little number, and she is always dating some star athlete. Have you ever stopped and looked a little closer? Did you take the chance to get to know that girl? Is her life really as perfect as you seem to think?
At the risk of sounding conceited, I have been told that I can have anyone or anything I want. I have flashed a smile once or twice to get my way. Yet, I have never dressed in a way that grabs any extra attention. When it comes down to it, I am happy with who I am. I don't need to show myself off in order to feel pretty. I don't doubt that I'm loved just because every set of eyes isn't on me. I refuse to be seen as some super hot chick walking down the street.

Honestly, it breaks my heart to think that girls feel they must put on this type of show. Part of me, of course, is jealous. This girl is all kinds of popular. The other part of me is sad. The second she breaks up with her boyfriend, she's running into the arms of someone else. She's posting suggestive pictures on facebook, and she's talking trash about the boy that she used to love. I wonder how it is that she ended up this way. She is easily the girl we love to hate.

So I can't help but offer my opinion. Next time you see this girl, love her. More than anything, that's what she needs. She needs to know that she is more than just a hot body. Appreciate her for the person she actually is.
For those of you who have been her, are her, or want to be her-- figure out what it is that will make you happy and chase that dream instead. There is more to life than looking pretty. It won't matter if you had the most boyfriends, had the cutest clothes, or drove the best car.  In the end, you will be far happier if you lived, made mistakes, laughed, and learned.