Why do people often stare at me, even though I have bad skin? It’s happened a lot lately, and I don’t understand why they don’t seem disgusted?

[Anonymous]

Recently, I moved to a new place, and I’ve been getting a lot of attention from both girls and boys. Just the other day, I went to a restaurant, and while my roommate stepped away for a moment, I noticed a group of younger girls across the room staring at me. They held eye contact with me for a long time, and their eyes grew wide as they smiled. One of them even blushed and looked down shyly while still smiling. I thought it was cute, so I couldn’t help but laugh a little.

A few days ago, I also noticed several people—guys and girls—staring at me as if they were intrigued by me. This has been happening more frequently over the past few years, but what’s strange is that it occurs even though I often have bad skin. Despite this, no one seems disgusted by it. I can’t quite understand it, but it’s definitely an interesting experience.

[Oliverlogan263]

Girl, that's so interesting that you're getting all this unexpected attention, even with the skin stuff! I can totally see why you'd be a little confused about it.

You know, a lot of times people aren't actually grossed out or disgusted by skin issues like acne, even though we might feel super self-conscious about it. I think a lot of the time, people are just genuinely curious or intrigued by someone, regardless of little "flaws" like that.

Maybe they find you interesting or unique in some way, you know? Or maybe they just think you have a cool vibe or an intriguing look. Not everyone is going to be focused on minor skin stuff, especially if you carry yourself with confidence.

And hey, the way those girls were staring and smiling at you in the restaurant - that sounds like they might have actually thought you were cute! Sometimes girls can get a little shy and giggly around someone they find attractive, even if they don't know you.

At the end of the day, I think it's awesome that you're getting this positive attention, even if it is a little confusing. It just goes to show that you've got something special about you that people are drawn to. Don't let the skin insecurities hold you back - embrace the fact that people find you intriguing and captivating, flaws and all.

Just keep being your awesome self, girl. The right people will see past the surface stuff and appreciate the real you. And who knows, maybe some of those curious stares will turn into fun new connections and friendships (or even something more)! Either way, own that confidence and don't let the haters get you down.

[ClassicDropout]

I feel like we've been conditioned to like the doen-to-earth look. To me, if I see a girl with imperfections, I feel more comfortable talking to her because I feel like she's less likely to snap at me for being friendly. I've been talking to women that swear by their "high-value, low-value" rhetoric, and it's a bit demoralizing. I just feel like I get more genuine interaction with girls that don't try and hide all of their imperfections. But that's just me.

[Asker]

Totally get what you mean! I think there’s something so refreshing about being real and authentic. It makes connecting with others way easier and more genuine. It’s awesome that you appreciate that down-to-earth vibe—it’s like the pressure’s off to be ‘perfect’ all the time. Thanks for sharing; it’s great to hear that perspective!