I was an awkward child/adololescent/teenager.  I had a gap in between my two front teeth until I got braces.  I naturally have very dark brown hair and pale skin.  I didn't know how to dress well or wear appropriate make-up for my skin tone and hair color. I was also a "late bloomer" physically.   As I got older, I accepted that my skin doesn't tan.  I highlighted my hair to make it more compatible with my skin tone.  I learned how to wear make-up and style my hair for my facial features.  I started dressing better for my body type.  When I was younger people never "check me out" or hit on me,  Now it's quite a bit more common.  I'm not saying all this to toot my own horn.  I have seen both sides of being judged on appearances.  I think everyone is beautiful.

Another way I've been judged is on my body type.  I maintain a healthy weight, and I receive criticism for it.  I'm not like those people who eat what they want and never work out but maintain a thin appearance.  I watch what I eat carefully and have a strenuous workout regiment.  I get annoyed when people make remarks with a condescending tone like, "Oh you can eat whatever you want" because that is far from the truth.

Regardless of all this, I think we all judge by appearance because it's in our nature, right or wrong.  First impressions are typically made before a person even opens their mouth.  It's very unfortunate.  Have you ever noticed how you view an individual's appearance can change over time?  Some of my friends may not be the best looking people on earth to everyone else, but to me they are beautiful because they are fun people who are beautiful on the inside, which makes them more attractive to me on the outside.  On the flip side, someone may be physically attractive, but then you find out they are nasty and rude, therefore making their physical appearance rather unattractive in your eyes.