Self-perception

[Tito]

1. How do you consider yourself to be physically?

2. Why?

3. Does your self-perception coincides with what other people tell you?

[ms infp]

1-2. For my age, I think I do pretty well. Body is a decent shape, proportionate, and in relatively good condition (and always remember the caveat: for my age). Nice facial features (eyes), skin is good. Too much tricep sag, though. And I suffer from Noassitol. :(

3. Hard question. How deeply are we all affected by cultural norms, evolutionary biology and so forth when developing our perceptions, much less a self-perception?

EDIT: Whoops, misread #3. Answer: Yes, generally.

[OrangeAppled]

1. It's hard to view myself objectively. I guess on a good day, I'd say slightly above average. I try to not compare myself to other people because I always choose better looking ones & that just makes me feel bad. I just gauge my appearance in terms of looking good/bad for me. That's all I can control anyway.

2. I suppose being that I am thin & a healthy weight, I'm already ahead of a lot of people in the US. I'm also proportioned, although some may say too thin, depending on taste. I do yoga & have a naturally feminine shape, so it's not a bony figure. I honestly think I have great legs, haha. My face is non-homely to pretty, depending on taste. I like my eyes. I have pretty nice hair too - long, dark & shiny. My teeth are a bit wonky & I have oily skin, but young looking skin. I have woefully thin lips / small mouth that I hate. I still don't know where that lands me....

3. I think my self-perception improves based on what others say, so yes, somewhat accurate. Occasionally I get snarky comments about being thin, but most people admire it. People seem to find my face prettier than I do. My hair gets compliments sometimes. Not sure about the wonky teeth & shiny skin - I think these are truly my flaws, but not so bad that they turn most people off. I routinely get told I look at least 5 years younger than I am (I am 27), so I guess I am aging well.

[Samoan Corleone]

1. How do you consider yourself to be physically?

Slightly above average.

2. Why?

I like the way I look; I have some imperfections, but overall I'm comfortable.

3. Does your self-perception coincides with what other people tell you?

Going by others' collective perceptions, I'm considered attractive by some and unattractive by others, and these differences cancel each other out and leave me in average territory, so not really.

[pip]

1. Troll-like
2. Because that's the way I look
3. Yes

[kristle]

1. How do you consider yourself to be physically?
slightly above average

2. Why?
I'm thin at a time obese is becoming the norm and I have no major uggo factors. My face is nice, not super cute, but I have a really good body. Good hair and nails help as well.

3. Does your self-perception coincides with what other people tell you?
It does, but since it's usually really nice women who complement me or guys trying to get a piece it's hard to say how accurate their expressed perceptions are.

[Slowandeasy1]

1. Average
2. Weight (190 when I should be 170 for 6-2)
3. People say I look 50 when I tell them I am 60.

[zibber]

Tall, broad, ridiculous hair, interesting face. Yeah, I'm pretty dashing ;)

[True Rune]

Slightly below average, no fashion sense, and no data.

[dogwoodlover]

There should be something between 1 and 2... I'm no Mel Gibson, but I ain't ugly.

I rarely have people remark on my appearance... pretty much never, actually. I assume that I'm not some haggard-looking troll mostly because I encounter attractive women eyeing me on a regular basis.

[Anima Mundi]

Appearance-wise, I'd say I'm below average.

I wish I looked better, but I know there are at least some people out there who look significantly worse than I do.

Some people tell me I'm attractive, but I find the people who say this are less attractive than I am, which makes me hesitant to take it as a compliment.

[WyohKnott]

1. Slightly above average

2. Because I'm in good physical condition - I exercise a lot; I'm healthy; I have reasonably symmetrical features, and a couple slightly unusual aspects that I think make my face/overall appearance more interesting.

3. Actually, I think my self-perception is below what other people tell me. I don't consider myself outstandingly attractive - I don't feel "ugly", but there's nothing terribly special about my appearance, either. It's not a subject of great concern for me. I like the way I look, but I don't think about it that much.

Yet, on the other hand, I've had numerous other women tell me that they feel unattractive next to me, and would look exactly like me if they could. This always makes me rather uncomfortable, and I never know how to respond besides "thank you." I don't understand wanting to look exactly like someone else - wanting to be a more attractive version of yourself seems much more healthy.

[rednet2]

1. It varies significantly with my mood, but I would usually consider myself below average.
2. Self-esteem issues and over-analysis of other people's interactions with me.
3. See #2

The question is, am I lying to myself (and by extension, to you) about the issues and over-analysis to justify separate issues I may have, or am I just seeing things clearly and avoiding the problem?

Subjectivity is such a wonderful thing...

[denaria]

1. Average
2. Because I have a nice face - for my age - but a crap body
3. Difficult to tell; I'm not comfortable with compliments. On the other hand a drunken pass was made at me last week, which cheered up this 50-something quite considerably...

[gecko]

Disagree with rating criteria - slightly above and below average, then uncommonly above or below average? I would say I am firmly above average, not slightly.

yes

[freeeekyyy]

I think I'm good-looking. I'm a bit overweight, but not by much. I'm fairly muscular. I have a strong jaw and a full chin. I think if I lost a bit more fat and maybe put on a bit more muscle I'd be very good looking.

[s4nder]

This poll shows a nice Bell curve though it's biased toward attractive as most people think they're above average. This is of course a statistical impossibility but as long as egos are fed, everyone is happy.

I've received little information about my attractiveness but my nonexistent love - and to an extent, social - life means I'm probably below average.

[ElstonGunn]

I have no idea what constitutes attractiveness in other people's eyes, let alone where to draw the lines between the various degrees of it, so I can't answer. Plus, I like sucking the fun out of questions like these. :p

[IotaNull]

This poll shows a nice Bell curve though it's biased toward attractive as most people think they're above average. This is of course a statistical impossibility but as long as egos are fed, everyone is happy.

I've received little information about my attractiveness but my nonexistent love - and to an extent, social - life means I'm probably below average.

This is because the word "average" is used to describe looks that are unremarkable/plain. This is a gross misnomer, because the overwhelming majority of people have a feature that puts them above "plain" and therefore into the realms of attractive.

[Seriously]

I've found most people think they are attractive. And generally there is someone out there that finds them attractive as well. I'm comfortable with how I look. It took me awhile to get that way though. Negative reinforcement from family and media made me feel unattractive.

Most of the people I interact with seem to find me either average or above average.

[flower]

I don't know how people perceive me. I voted average because I am critical of myself but I know I'm no Knock out just....average. But I think my enigmatic personality is what makes me atractive to new people.

[Dru]

1) average.
2) you tell me, hot stuff.
3) no.

[JTG]

1. How do you consider yourself to be physically?
I chose average.

2. Why?
I don't think i'm a bad looking guy, but i'm not really outstanding in any way. Isn't that the definition of average?

3. Does your self-perception coincides with what other people tell you?
I am often told that i'm above average in terms of attractiveness, but people i associate with are usually more forthcoming with compliments than insults. If somebody's attractive, you may feel the need to tell them so. If somebody's unattractive, you usually don't broach the subject. I think that imbalance of feedback (in the case of guys) is why there are so many inflated egos.

With women i think it's more complicated because of societal pressure to be on par with a model. A woman can have above average looks and still consider herself average or below, in spite of overwhelming positive feedback. Most women i know think that if their looks aren't flawless, they look like garbage, while most men i know don't seem to have that same complex.

[elizabeth lover]

1. How do you consider yourself to be physically?

pretty hot

2. Why?

people tell me so

3. Does your self-perception coincides with what other people tell you?

see above

[FeelTheNoise]

1. Uncommonly good looking.

2. Cuz God made me that way? I mean, if we were in his image, and he's perfect and all.. I'm joking. Kind of.

I have striking features, although I'm not particularly tall. For my age, I'm in well, well above average physical condition. I work hard at it. People don't believe that I'm not 30, although the wrinkles around my eyes are starting to show big time. Also, I'm (almost) exclusively attracted to people who are well above average in physical condition and appearance. I don't think it is an 'out of my league' feeling.

3. Yes. Random chicks try to pick me up at bars, and those that are much older than me tell me how sexy my ass is LOL (they feel safe in saying such things, cuz of the age difference, I guess... or, it could be the booze). I've had more than one romantic interest tell me "you're kidding me. You don't know? When I saw you I thought there's no way, he's way out of my league".

I don't often feel that physically attractive and it was really only in the last four years or so did I come to realize it very much at all. Before that, the women that I had had serious relationships with more or less 'found me', and they were all well above average in looks. In all honesty, I never realized that I was 'short' at 5' 8" until that time either. I would prefer to not be 'attractive', as it does intimidate women. That, coupled with the fact that I use words with more than two syllables in them, at times leads to women putting their guard up around me.

My looks are more effective when I have a guitar slung over my shoulder, playing on stage. Then women can simply fantasize me into a sex obsessed moron that will treat them poorly. That gives them an excuse to let their guards down (it's easier for them to objectify me than to feel that they have to impress me).

This may sound arrogant. I don't know if it does or not. I don't walk around with a stick shoved up my butt, thinking I'm so hot. I'm aware that some women will scant give me a look because I'm not 6' 0", and fully aware that nearly no one would if I walked around preening like a peacock. I feel my self-perception of my own physicality gives me just enough confidence to approach someone I find attractive and strike up a conversation. I thank the work ethic I have in taking care of my body for that -- it doesn't come 'naturally'.

[NewPhoenix]

1. How do you consider yourself to be physically?

Above average

2. Why?

Comparison over the years and "luck" with the ladies over the years. I also workout like a madman.

3. Does your self-perception coincides with what other people tell you?

Yes people see me more than the way I see myself.

[OrangeAppled]

This poll shows a nice Bell curve though it's biased toward attractive as most people think they're above average. This is of course a statistical impossibility but as long as egos are fed, everyone is happy.

Hey, this is an INTJ forum after all.

This is because the word "average" is used to describe looks that are unremarkable/plain. This is a gross misnomer, because the overwhelming majority of people have a feature that puts them above "plain" and therefore into the realms of attractive.

This is true, but what amount of remarkable features do you need to be above average? If most people have, say, 2 remarkable features, then that is average. You can't really measure it though, as remarkable itself is so subjective. I guess that's why most choose above average - might as well round up!

I read somewhere (I hate when I can't remember where) that one of the most difficult things for a person to accept is that they are physically ugly. Most of us prefer to delude ourselves and/or go to great pains to disguise or improve nature.

[deacon]

while i am good looking i've come to the realization that i'm not as good looking as i think and it's my personality that probably gets me laid.

[Blse]

1. How do you consider yourself to be physically?

Cute, above-average. Although I look worse in photos than in real life :(.


2. Why?

Large eyes, oval face, high cheek bones, thick hair, wide smile.


3. Does your self-perception coincides with what other people tell you?

Yes.

[Dru]

Cute, above-average. Although I look worse in photos than in real life :(.



Large eyes, oval face, high cheek bones, thick hair, wide smile.

you realize those are all things that make women attractive?

[Blse]

you realize those are all things that make women attractive?

Not just. Oval face and large eyes make men cute as well. High cheek bones are universally attractive in both genders. Men come in two varities, and women appear to have a preference for either: pretty/cute men, like me, or rugged men with rough edges, like the "Joe-Mill the all-star quaterback with the five o-clock shadow."

[Megalomania]

1. How do you consider yourself to be physically?

Slightly above average. I'm not overweight, but I'm no pole either.

2. Why?

See above.

3. Does your self-perception coincides with what other people tell you?
I don't know. I generally don't believe what other people tell me and one tends not to hear the negative stuff so it is hard to tell.

[blackcoffee]

1. How do you consider yourself to be physically?
Pretty attractive, generally.

2. Why?
Facial symmetry, waist-to-hip ratio. I'm physically fit and I try to take good care of myself.

3. Does your self-perception coincide with what other people tell you?
Very much so.

[GouldFan]

1. How do you consider yourself to be physically?

2. Why?

3. Does your self-perception coincides with what other people tell you?
I consider myself slightly above average because my id thinks I'm good looking. You've got to love yourself, right? ;D I picked average for the vote though because my ego says I'm average. :stare: I am sort of oblivious to how other people think of me and I don't buy too much into what other people tell me (ever doubt sincerity in flattery or factors that may influence objectivity in people's opinions?).

[XFire35]

1. How do you consider yourself to be physically?
Average/Below-average

2. Why?
Critical and realistic evaluation

3. Does your self-perception coincides with what other people tell you?
'bout the same really.

[Dru]

Not just. Oval face and large eyes make men cute as well. High cheek bones are universally attractive in both genders. Men come in two varities, and women appear to have a preference for either: pretty/cute men, like me, or rugged men with rough edges, like the "Joe-Mill the all-star quaterback with the five o-clock shadow."

what a wholly un-colorful point of view. (that's my way of indicating that saying there are two varieties of men is black-and-white, and also saying that it's a very boring one.)

no amount of pointing out that heads come in all varieties of shapes and sizes, and so do eyes and cheekbones, and that any combination could be (and in most cases is) considered attractive will not relieve you from your aggrieved pedestal of sweeping wisdom, so i'll save my energy.

i've seen pictures of you and i don't find you attractive. so must that mean that i automatically and exclusively prefer the most "rugged" men?

i'd also like to point out the redundancy of your wording here:
Men come in two varities, and women appear to have a preference for either.

[Dasein]

1. How do you consider yourself to be physically?
Above average.
2. Why?
I am in great shape and take great care of myself. I also have features others consider to be attractive; olive skin, blue eyes, long hair, even features.
3. Does your self-perception coincides with what other people tell you?
Yes.

[Liason]

1. How do you consider yourself to be physically?

Slightly above average.

2. Why?

Several people, relationships, and friends have informed me and re-informed me.

3. Does your self-perception coincides with what other people tell you?

No. I believe I am average at best. My physical appearance is merely so-so. Despite this being my reality, being asked out more than once a month leads you to other conclusions. This being despite the fact I intimidate most potential partners away. I have little to no interest in establishing romantic relationships. I have full lips, long, curly, and thick dark hair, a slender neck, pale skin, and I'm not overweight or underweight. I'm 5'9 and Asian [South Korean] with the eyes that go along with it. I have good cheekbone and jawline definition. I don't have any piercings of any sort, or tattoos, but I generally have a regular speckling of bruises, and scars are evident all over my arms and legs. I'm very direct, and I prefer to keep conversations short amongst those I don't know. In my opinion, all of my physical characteristics put me at average, and my personality shuts people away from getting close that are romantically interested.