I recently attended a gathering where camera-happy people were in abundance. For the most part, I think I stayed out of range of flashbulbs and video recordings, but you know how it is. Thank goodness I was not the reason for the get-together. I would have banned the lens from the premises.
There's always one you can't avoid.
Knowing full well how I feel about being photographed, you'd think this one would have left me alone, too. It was not to be.
The camera wielder herself was kind, and she snapped quickly and without a half-dozen poses and tries. She wanted to show me the results, but I declined saying, "No thanks, I know I'm not photogenic", to which the other perpetrator replied, ""Hey, the camera doesn't lie! You look like what you look like! It is what it is!" Thanks a lot.
Lie to me. Tell me I'm hot. Tell me I'm beautiful. Don't tell me what a great picture I take. Tell me it doesn't do justice to my lovely face. Be nice.
Honesty is a double-edge sword. It keeps us grounded so we don't outgrow our hat size. It lets us know where we stand in the eyes of friends and fellow humans. Yes, honesty is a good thing. It's the brutality with which it is delivered that I can live without.
No one wants to be perpetually put down by your critical commentary whether it is said jokingly or not. A constant barrage of "just being honest with you" is nothing more than asking permission to insult one's looks, accomplishments (or lack thereof), talents (or lack thereof) or whatever. Chances are, those very criticisms reflect your own shortcomings. Wanna hear about them?
I can't believe I look as awful in person as I do in a photograph. I know what my failures are (trust me on this--I know), though I prefer to be blissfully unaware. I am trying to make a conscious effort not to notice the things that bug me, or at least not to mention them. Hard, very very hard.
All I want from you is for you to be nice.
There are times we are feeling high on life; we don't need to be brought down to earth.
A little white lie will do nicely.
Hiya Chickie ;) Nice piece ;) You echoe the heart-felt sentiments of most women. I say most because there are some who are not worried about what they look like. I always wished, still do, that I was more like that ;/ I've always said, you can't tell a person 'not to feel a certain way.' Whether or not our feelings are true perception or not, we do 'feel a certain way' about ourselves. A loving friend, or even a loving wise acquaintance may be able to caringly help us see ourselves in a different, more accepting light. The 'above camera wielder' does have a point, although the manner in which it was spoken might not have been the best, 'the camera doesn't lie.' On the other hand, what 'we see,' is not what bystanders 'see.' We are much more critical of ourselves! I haven't see you in many moons, my friend, but I think you are beautiful!
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