How do you know if you’re beautiful? Is it when you get constantly complimented? Is it when the opposite sex pays attention to you?

My personal definition of beauty is that encompasses both the physical attributes and inner attributes of an individual. I believe everyone is beautiful. There is something about each of us that makes us unique and stand out.

There is also what I consider shallow beauty, which is when you first see someone and find them attractive. This attractiveness is a very personal opinion. I’m sure many of you have dated someone that your friends wondered what you saw in them, but in your eyes they were beautiful.

All this goes to show is that there is no finality in describing someone who is beautiful. There is no checklist that you mark off, no quiz to take, we are all beautiful. To limit ourselves to what may be considered a “beauty ideal” is to make comparisons where no comparisons can be made. This beauty ideal is also constantly changing, from the Rubinesque women of the Renaissance to the fit & toned models of the 80’s to the waif’s of the 90’s.

There are characteristics that do make a person appear more attractiveness. A great personality, although sounding cliché is one of them. A personality is also highly individual, some people find quiet personalities attractive, others prefer more boisterous ones. It is a personal choice.

A smile, sends a message to others that you are happy, full of life and vibrant. Of course there will be situations where smiling is inappropriate, but in the most part smiling is perceived as kindness and openness.

Your attitude, you have to believe you are beautiful, because you are. Start your day with a positive compliment to yourself. The effect it will have will amaze you.

Most people who do not consider themselves beautiful are often suffering from a poor self image and tend to compare themselves to others. Or it could be that someone has made an insulting comment about their physical attractiveness. Unfortunately, there will always be people that feel the need to boost themselves by putting others down. Other times it’s our own Inner Critic that affects the way we perceive ourselves.

Here are a few tips for learning how to love yourself.

If you tend to be one of those ladies that compare yourself to the models seen in fashion magazine, what you have to remember is that this is their job. They get paid to stay a certain weight. Even what you see in the celluloid pages isn’t real. With the progression of technology, breast are enhance, legs are trimmed, six packs are added, all in order to sell the magazine as well as their products. Although fashion magazines are great places to look for the hottest trends, or the newest look, you need to remember that the models are almost always altered. Don’t believe me? Take a look at this video clip from Youtube. It shows Celebrities without makeup.

The reality is, there is only one person who decides how beautiful you are, and that is you. Your worth, your beauty will never, nor should it ever depend on the thoughts or opinions of others.