#to fit a mold that is unattainable

[drenix004]

𝐕𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐓𝐔𝐃𝐄

Soshiro Hoshina x Fem!Oc!

PROLOGUE

MASTERLIST | AO | PR | CH.1 | CH.2 | CH.3

English is not my mother tongue, so there may be spelling errors. An apology for that in advance :D

Belonging to a Kaiju-hunting family, and an influential one in Japan, was a privilege that only two percent of the population could have. Expectations for the descendants were extremely high.

Belonging to the Nakano clan meant facing unattainable expectations, a burden that only the heirs of that clan could bear. Sacrifice from an early age was a characteristic for which the clan was renowned.

Naomi Nakano was the head of the clan, an older woman who had contributed significantly to Kaiju research and hunting in her youth.

Now retired, she dedicated herself to training her descendants, with the goal of making them perfect hunters.

“You're late, you bastards.” Naomi looked sternly at the quadruplets who knelt in front of her. “Don’t defend them,” she interrupted the older sister of the quadruplets when she tried to speak. “They will train until dawn for this.”

The quadruplets uttered no complaints, standing still like statues, accustomed to their grandmother's harsh treatment.

“I called you because I have something important to announce,” Naomi continued. “One of you will marry the second heir of the Hoshina family.”

All the sisters looked at the clan matriarch in surprise; they expected anything but an engagement.

Hinata, the eldest of them all, tried to protest.

“Grandmother! They're still too young for that!”

“Silence!” Naomi’s shout made the quadruplets shudder. “The decision has been made, and there are no objections. It’s bad enough that these four are tarnishing the family legacy by being half-breeds.”

Hinata looked helplessly at her grandmother, disgusted by her mistreatment of her younger sisters. Naomi’s dislike of her four granddaughters for not being fully Japanese was enormous, and she always made sure they knew it.

Naomi left the room, leaving an awkward silence among the five sisters.

“I’m sorry, I’ll talk to her and….”

“Stop apologizing,” interrupted Lilia, the oldest of the quadruplets. “Who should do it is that woman. You will only cause grandmother to despise you too for defending us.” Lilia stood up. “And marriage is not so bad; at least one of us will be able to get out of this damned house.”

“It shouldn’t be like that,” Hinata said, her voice thick with frustration as she tried to move closer, but Lilia stopped her firmly.

“In our case, yes,” Lilia replied, motioning for her sisters to stand up. “If you really want to help us, become the next clan leader. Ignore our presence and the harsh treatment we receive. You fit the perfect grandmother mold.”

“I can’t do that. I can’t let her treat them like that,” Hinata insisted, her eyes full of determination. The quadruplets’ red eyes glowed slightly, reflecting their distress. “They’re not to blame for what Mom did.”

Lilia let out a sigh full of exasperation, looking at her with a mixture of pity and anger.

“Stop seeing that woman as a saint,” she said in a harsh voice. One by one, the sisters began to leave the room, leaving Lilia and Hinata alone. They didn’t want to be part of the same repeated discussion about their mother. “If you want to stay in your fantasy world where you see her as something beautiful, that’s your problem. But I’m not going to let you drag my sisters into that world.”

Hinata took a step back, hurt by her sister’s words. The silence between them was tense, charged with resentment and unspoken pain.

“My job is to protect them, and if I have to protect them from you as well…” Lilia paused, her voice trembling with restrained emotion. “I will no longer consider you my sister.”

The air in the room seemed to grow thicker, almost unbearable. Hinata felt as if the floor was crumbling beneath her feet. Her breathing quickened, and her heart was pounding wildly.

“Lilia, please…” she tried to say, but the words choked in her throat.

Lilia did not look at her; her eyes were fixed on the door. With a last sigh, she walked out of the room, leaving Hinata alone in a sea of conflicting emotions. The door closed with a soft click, but the sound echoed in Hinata’s ears like thunder, marking the end of their relationship as she knew it.

[monsterfuckerconfessions]

So recently, I stumbled across a post about monster fucking on this site that really kind of stuck with me was a post about how it isn't always just about the fun and kinky sex. How in a way it can be about finding something gentle and beautiful in something usually deemed ugly and monstrous by society.

While admittedly I would honestly love to get fucked by so many different kinds of monsters in so many fun and interesting ways, but at the same time, I definitely do have fantasies about just simply being loved by such monsters in intimate and non-sexual ways too.

With all of the issues I have with self-confidence and always feeling like an other and an outsider, especially after realizing that I am a gay nb guy who is still not fully out. In a way, I can kind of relate to what it might be like as a monster.

In a way it feels like a way to celebrate not all fitting the mold of society's unattainable and contradictory expectations. It also feels good to know that there are others into it as well, and that there are places like this blog for people to talk about this topic.

.

[andydrysdalerogers]

Love Lessons - Part Two

Pairings: Sebastian Stan x Best Friend! Reader, Chris Evans x Reader

Word Count: 1.8K

Summary: Being an associate producer was never the goal but the stepping stone to be a writer. So when you work for Jimmy Fallon, you never know what will happen.  Or who you will meet...

Warnings: Language, Alcohol use

Song: Jessie's Girl by Rick Springfield (performed by Mary Lambert)

Part 2 of 3 Part 1 Here

Banners by me! Dividers by @firefly-graphics

I don't consent to my work being copied or translated at all.

One year later 

It’s been a year since Sebastian had meet you and found out about your relationship with Chris. Sebastian had dumped Alejandra the next night after she had insulted you. But there was nothing he could do about your relationship with Chris. Chris was head over heels in love. It was sweet really. While Chris traveled, he asked Seb to keep an eye on you. “Don’t want anyone trying to steal my girl,” he said with a wink. If only he knew how much Sebastian himself wanted his girl.  

But as time went on, he got to know you better. You became one of his best friends. You talked about everything with him.  

“Should I get a tattoo?” 

Sebastian looked up from the book he was reading. “YN, what?” 

“A tattoo. I think I want to get one.”  

“Since when?” 

“Since a couple of days ago. What do you think?”  

“I think for a girl with a low pain tolerance that’s a stupid idea.”  

“Chris has them,” you said pointedly.  

“Chris could probably get stabbed and walk around for a few days before it would bother him. I pinch you too hard and you cry for days.”  

“That’s rude.”  

“That’s the truth softy. Pick something else that’s destructive but will not cause me to have to explain to your boyfriend why you’re crying so much.”  

That’s how you ended up with pink streaks in your hair that Chris was ok with.  

Everyday it was a random conversation either in the phone or by text. Your texts were the highlight of his day.  They never failed to make him smile.  

YN: is it true that you made out with a guy  S: yes for a show  YN: which show  S: there are a couple but I guess Political Animals  YN: ok :)  S: what are you doing  YN: purchasing it  S: no wait  YN: too late. I’ll be back  S: YN I swear…  YN: you look good. So young. What happened  S: I hate you  YN: you love me 

S: whatever 

But it was the truth he loved you. Every day he fell more and more in love. You were perfect. But you were not his.  

You took vacations together, you, Chris and Sebastian.  Usually joined with a girl Sebastian might be dating or with Anthony or Scott.  You and a bunch of guys.  You fit right in, never cramping their style, staying on Chris’s lap when they wanted to pick up chicks or in Scott’s case, another guy.  You had actually introduced Scott to Steve, and it made you happy to see Scott so happy.  

Sebastian tried to date.  He really did.  But no one compared to you.  Your sweet disposition, your sassy side, your natural beauty.  He had tasted your cooking and baking, understand now why Chris had to work out so much. You were scared of lightening and spiders, sometimes forcing Sebastian to come over and take care of you, even at 3 AM. He got to practice his Romanian with you, watching you crinkle your nose when you tried to think of the right word. You cared for Dodger as if he was your child, you loved your friends as much as your own family since you had no siblings.  The Evans fit the mold you needed.  In his eyes, you were perfect.  And yes, still unattainable. 

It didn’t stop him from hanging with you as much as possible.  So much that it caused trouble for you in the press. One day Chris called Sebastian pissed off. “What are you playing at Stan?”  

“What are you talking about?” 

“The pictures!” 

“What pictures?” 

“Of you and YN at that restaurant! You’re holding her hand looking pretty intimate.” 

Sebastian thought back.  It was the day your grandmother had died.  You were unable to head home to Seattle right away and Chris immediately jumped on a flight to be with you.  But while you waited, Sebastian had taken you to a café to get a drink and try to remain calm.  He held your hand while you leaned into him, taking comfort in your best friend.   

“Chris, relax. That was the same day as her grandmother passing. You were still flying in and she needed a pick me up.”  

He could hear Chris taking a breath. “I’m sorry.”  

“It’s ok. I know it looks bad but I promise nothing happened.”  

“I know. I trust you. I’m sorry. I’m just scared of losing her.”  

“Hey, won’t be because of me.”  

Famous last words spoken. Especially when the photos of Chris and Lily James hit the gossip sites. The photos were innocent really.  Just two friends hanging out. Of course, the media blew it out of proportion speculating that you and Chris were done.  

Sebastian read the articles and was picking up the phone to call you when there was a knock on the door. He got up and answered. “YN?”  

“Hi. Can I come in?” Your eyes and nose were red. Your posture defeated.  

“Yes of course.” He ushered you in and you sat on the couch. “Are you ok?” 

You shook your head. “I don’t know how to feel right now.”  

“Have you talked to Chris?”  

“He’s on a plane right now. I don’t know if he knows about the pictures.  I didn’t want to be home and alone right now.”  

“Are you going to talk to him?” 

You shrug unsure of what you wanted to do. The photos hurt even if he didn’t do anything.  The rumors were enough to leave you doubting.  

Sebastian sat next to you and took your hand. “YN, sweetie he would never do anything to hurt you. He loves you.”  

“He’s always gone. More now than ever.”  

“He’s working. It happens.”  

You curled into Sebastian, and he wrapped his arms around you as you cried. This was his chance. He could break you up and be there for you. But he couldn’t. You were still very much in love with his best friend.  

Love lesson #3: Don’t covet something you know you can’t have. It just leads to more heart break.  

The phone rang and you looked to see it was Chris. “I don’t want to answer.”  

“YN, you have to.  He’s got to be flipping out.”  

You sighed and picked up the phone. “Hi Chris… no I’m not… too many paps… at Seb’s… because I needed a friend… you’re never here Chris… well sorry but it hurt to see you with another woman… whatever Chris… fine… I said fine I’ll be there… ok bye.”  You hung up without telling him that you loved him. You looked at Sebastian. “He wants to meet for dinner.”  

“Good. Just give him a chance.” Sebastian smiled hiding his own heartbreak.  

You called Sebastian the day after. Chris had explained that they were just hanging out and nothing happened. You trusted him. And life moved on.  

You decided to move to Boston when Sebastian had to be in Los Angeles for his new show. You had started working for NBC as a writer, your dream job, so it was no longer necessary to stay in New York.  And you didn’t want to be in the city alone when Chris was away, so Chris asked you to move in.  That last day, you took Sebastian to the airport.  “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do,” you said with a smile.  

“So, I’ll be stuck in the house doing nothing then,” he replied with a smirk.  

“Asshole,” you said with a smile.  

“Brat.” 

Your smile fell. “I’ll miss you.” 

“I’ll miss you too. Have fun in Boston. Call me. Any time.” 

“I will. Love you Seb.”  

“Love you YN.”  

It was weird to be away from each other, but Sebastian still talked to you every day. He sent pictures of his fake tattoos one day.  

S: got tattoos before you did.   YN: no fair! Those real?  S: YN really?  YN: fine. I guess I could get them like you  S: what does Chris think of your tattoo idea  YN: his exact words were ‘babe you’ll cry and then hate me for letting you get one’  S: called it.   YN: hate you  S: love you too 

Sebastian had fun getting to know the crew and cast. He and Lily had good chemistry which considering all the sex scenes they had to film, that was good.  They talked in between takes.  

One day he got a message from you.  

YN: need to tell you something  S: what  YN: I miss you so much that Chris and I are coming out in a couple of weeks to visit  S: cool. I miss you. You can meet Lily.  

He could see your eye roll.  

S: if you trust him this shouldn’t be an issue  YN: fine. But only because I trust the both of you.  

Sebastian came up smiling.  Lily took notice. “What’s got you all happy?”  

“My best friends are coming for a visit. You’ve met Chris?” She nodded. “Him and his girlfriend, YN, are coming down. Haven’t seen them in a few months.”  

“He’s still with her?” Lily made a face.  

“What’s with the face?”  

“He made it seem like they were in the verge of breaking up. Only reason I went down on him.” She shrugged.  

Sebastian looked at her dead face. “What did you say?”  

“Yeah, in London. Had I known they were serious I would have walked away. That explains why he never called.”  She popped her gum. “Gotta get to makeup. See you.” She walked off.  

Sebastian held onto the trailer side. No. This couldn’t be happening. Chris said nothing happened. He reached for his phone to call him, but he stopped. He knew Lily liked to deadpan jokes. This has to be one of those times.  

He avoided your calls as much as he could sticking to texts, so it was easier to lie. Why break your heart if there was no proof. He hadn’t talked to Chris so there was no way to know.  

Two weeks later and he was waiting at arrivals for you and Chris.  He had flowers for you, and he rocked on his heels. Finally, he saw the broad shoulders of Chris come through, so he only had to look down to see you next to him.   

When you spotted him, you squealed and ran towards him. He caught you when you jumped and swung you around. Chris watched with an amused face at the reunion.  “Seb!” You cried hugging him tight.  

“YN! Chris! Missed you guys!”  

You bounced on the floor. “Ok why did you give her sugar?” Sebastian asked Chris earning him a classic Chris Evans laugh.  

“She’s excited all on her own.”  

“I am!” You said as you danced around them.  “Seb, Chris proposed!”  You flashed the princess cut diamond on your hand.  

Sebastian swallowed and forced his smile. “That’s amazing guys! Congratulations!”  He hugged Chris first and then you.  His heart broke. You were going to marry an unfaithful man.  

Love lesson #4: always be honest with the ones you love 

Final lessons are next... Part 3

Taglist:

@patzammit

@texmexdarling

@slutforchrisjamalevans

@firephotogrl74

@tinkerbelle67

@before-we-get-started

@bunnyforhim

@alexakeyloveloki

@sunnyhummingbee

@whiskeytangofoxtrot555

@peaceinourtime82

@saucy-sassy-sparkly

@kmc1989

@kandis-mom

@lokislady82

[enchantedstylespectrum]

Who can tell me who I am ?

It's really hard to grow up in this society where everybody tells you who you are and who you have to be. We get so confused about out own identity that we need astrology and tarot cards to know who we are ! But isn't that crazy ? Shouldn't I be the only one to know who I am and who I should be ?

In this adventure of a life we're living, let's make a table turn to see who is valuable to judge who we are.

My mother

Your maternal figure is the person that influences you in various aspects of your emotional, psychological and social development. She has an impact on your emotional foundation, as the primary source of emotional security. She should provide emotional validation, teaching how to process and express feelings, which is essential for emotional intelligence.

For feminine living beings, a motherly figure can be a first role model for independence, femininity and relationships. We observe and internalize our mother's behavior, values and attitudes.

But a mother's comments and attitudes about appearance, health and self-care is inherently of a significant influence for a girl or a feminine being. If positive reinforcement from a mother can help her daughter develop a healthy sense of self-worth, a negative apprehension of body image and self-worth can lead to self-destructive behaviors and self-hatred.

A strained maternal relationship can lead to issues with self-esteem, trust or emotional expression, and when the biological mother is absent or uninvolved, we tend to find other maternal figures because of the unstoppable attachment we need to feel.

As beautiful as it is, this connection is toxic enough to not let this maternal figure take the control of your identity. You don't have to be your mother, and even less the version she would have dreamt to become at your age. You should be YOU ! And if that's not enough for your mother, then fuck her.

My father

The paternal figure often represents authority, stability, and sometimes a sense of protection. His beliefs and attitudes can shape your worldview, but they are not the final word on who you are or what you’re capable of. Like with your mother, respect his influence, but don’t let it box you in.

A father will easily try to protect his daughter, but it can be more like imprisonment when he forbids everything so that nothing bad happen. You have to distance yourself with the effect of his words, because you can't stay on the verdict of a man, even your father, when he says you're a little flower that needs protection. And so what if you are a big warrior that fight sword in hand ?

My friends

Friends can be mirrors reflecting parts of who you are—or who you’re becoming. They offer support and companionship, but their validation should not be the measure of your worth. True friends will encourage you to be unapologetically yourself.

If you feel like you are being ashamed by your friends when you were feeling okay or even good about yourself, but they had something to say about you or your outfit anyway, well, first thing first, CHANGE YOUR FRIENDS. But moreover : don't let their words affect you. It may seem easy to say but if they are truly your friends, they should be accepting and celebrating who you are and how you present yourself to the world, not bringing you down for some weirdness or differences.

My idols

Idols and role models inspire us, showing what’s possible. But idolization can become a trap if it leads to unrealistic comparisons or a loss of individuality. Admire their strengths, but remember they are human too, with flaws and struggles of their own.

Beauty magazines

Media often presents a narrow and unattainable definition of beauty and success. These images can distort self-perception and fuel insecurity. The truth is, beauty and value are subjective; they cannot be captured in a one-size-fits-all mold.

The power of SELF-DEFINITION

Your identity is a tapestry woven from your values, passions, and experiences. Here are some ways to reclaim and reinforce your sense of self:

Introspection: Spend time reflecting on what truly matters to you. Journaling, meditation, or creative expression can help you uncover your core identity.

Set Boundaries: Be conscious of whose opinions you allow into your inner world. Not everyone deserves a say in who you are.

Embrace Change: Identity is fluid. Allow yourself to evolve without guilt or fear of judgment.

Seek Meaning: Rather than looking for labels to define you, focus on creating a life that feels meaningful to you.

CONCLUSION

In a world full of voices telling you who you should be, your greatest challenge is learning to listen to your own. Embrace the influences that uplift you and discard those that diminish your sense of self. Remember, you don’t need anyone’s permission to be the person you’re meant to be. Let you be enough. Always.

[bananapancakewithcondensedmilk]

🧩 The Deeper Truth Behind the Antioch High School Tragedy: Systemic, Psychological, and Societal Layers 🧩

The tragic incident involving Solomon Henderson at Antioch High School in Nashville is more than just another headline. It reveals deeper, interwoven layers of systemic, psychological, and societal failures that contribute to such violence. Moving beyond surface-level explanations and media narratives is crucial if we want to grasp the full scope of why these events continue to happen.

1. A Crisis of Identity and Disconnection

At its core, Henderson’s actions reflect a profound sense of disconnection and alienation—an experience shared by many young people today. The underlying psychological struggles that push individuals to such extremes often stem from:

🔹 Lack of Belonging and Purpose In a society that measures worth through superficial metrics—social media influence, academic success, material wealth—many young people struggle to find true meaning. When they don't fit within these constructs, they seek validation in harmful spaces.

🔹 Online Echo Chambers The internet has become a breeding ground for extremist ideologies, providing a false sense of belonging for those who feel rejected. Racist, misogynistic, and violent communities offer an illusion of camaraderie and purpose, preying on the vulnerable.

🔹 Unresolved Emotional Trauma Emotional wounds—whether personal, systemic, or societal—fester when left unaddressed. When individuals have no healthy outlet for their pain, it can manifest in destructive and harmful ways.

2. The Education System: A Factory Model for Compliance

Schools are not designed to nurture emotional well-being or personal growth; instead, they serve as institutions that prioritize conformity and obedience over individuality. This system leaves students feeling:

🔹 Disempowered and Unheard Rigid structures often ignore the emotional and psychological needs of students, prioritizing grades and compliance over self-discovery and emotional intelligence.

🔹 Disconnected from Authentic Growth The push for standardized achievement discourages creativity and authenticity, forcing students into molds that suppress their unique potential.

🔹 Overwhelmed by Pressure The relentless demands to perform and conform create a cycle of stress, burnout, and eventual disillusionment with the system itself.

In many ways, school shootings are symptoms of an educational system that fosters alienation, competition, and judgment rather than connection and empowerment.

3. Society’s Role: Manufactured Isolation and Despair

Modern society has cultivated an epidemic of isolation, while simultaneously pushing unattainable ideals of success, beauty, and self-worth. Some key contributing factors include:

🔹 The Erosion of Community Traditional support systems—such as family, close-knit neighborhoods, and spiritual guidance—have weakened, leaving individuals to navigate life’s challenges alone.

🔹 The Illusion of Consumerism People are conditioned to believe that fulfillment comes through materialism and external validation, which only deepens feelings of emptiness and disconnection.

🔹 Normalization of Violence Constant exposure to violence through media and entertainment has desensitized individuals, making extreme actions feel increasingly accessible, and for some, even justified.

4. A Cultural Void: The Root Cause

Beneath all of this lies a cultural void—an absence of true connection, purpose, and understanding of what it means to be human. We live in a world that values competition over collaboration, status over authenticity, leaving young people feeling lost and directionless.

5. The Illusion of “Revolution” Through Violence

Those who commit violent acts often believe they are enacting some form of revenge or revolution against society. In reality, they are trapped in a cycle of destruction that only perpetuates the very system they claim to reject.

🔹 The Copycat Effect Many perpetrators are not revolutionaries; they are individuals replicating trauma responses, seeking empowerment through destruction rather than true change.

🔹 The Inevitable Aftermath Each act of violence adds another name to the list, and yet, the underlying systemic failures remain unaddressed. The cycle repeats itself.

6. What Needs to Change

If we truly want to prevent future tragedies, we must go beyond reactive measures like increased security or gun control. Real change requires a deep, systemic shift in the way we nurture individuals and build communities:

🔹 Reforming Education Schools should prioritize emotional well-being, creativity, and individualized learning over academic performance and rigid conformity.

🔹 Mental Health as a Right, Not a Privilege Emotional support and mental health resources must be accessible to everyone, without stigma or financial barriers.

🔹 Rebuilding Real Community Connections We need to foster authentic, in-person relationships that provide support, guidance, and a sense of belonging.

🔹 Rethinking Societal Values Our culture must shift from one focused on consumption and competition to one that prioritizes inner fulfillment, connection, and compassion.

Final Thoughts: Facing the Uncomfortable Truth

The reality is that these tragedies are not isolated incidents; they are reflections of deeper systemic failures. More control, more surveillance, and harsher punishments are not the solution. What’s needed is radical transformation—one that fosters true connection, healing, and purpose for every individual.

Ignoring these truths ensures that history will continue to repeat itself. It’s time for honest reflection and meaningful change.

Let’s start the conversation. What do you think are the deeper issues behind these tragedies? How can we collectively create a more connected, compassionate society?

[rune-echos]

Forced to be Toxic and Unreal

I'll be honest, I've been part of the problem. As a white American heterosexual male, I've spent countless hours looking up pictures of sexy women, mindlessly scrolling through same homogenous images of women: large breasts, tiny waists, flawless skin, and vacant expressions. It's only recently, with the Supreme Court's disturbing rulings and the vitriol surrounding them, that I've realized how deeply ingrained the objectification of women is in our culture. It's a sickening truth that women have been shouting for decades, while many men, myself included, have turned a blind eye. It's easier to believe in a fair world, a meritocracy, than to confront the uncomfortable reality that women are often viewed as tools or objects, not fully human.

This distorted perception seeps into every aspect of our lives, from casual conversations to the highest levels of power. It's in the filters and algorithms that bombard women with impossible beauty standards, erasing their pores, smoothing their wrinkles, and chipping away at their self-worth. It's in the endless stream of AI-generated images that present a single, narrow vision of beauty, denying the kaleidoscope of shapes, sizes, colors, and abilities that make up the human experience.

This lack of diversity isn't just an aesthetic issue; it's a reflection of the deep-seated biases that permeate our society and our technology. AI, with its infinite creative potential, is being used to regurgitate the same tired tropes, reinforcing the harmful idea that women's worth lies solely in their adherence to an unrealistic ideal. This lack of imagination, this inability to see beyond a single, narrow definition of beauty, is a symptom of a society that equates emotions and vulnerability with weakness, a society that teaches boys to suppress their creativity and conform to rigid gender roles.

It makes me wonder, how many men are endlessly searching for a partner who fits the mold they've been told they want, a fantasy that's both unattainable and ultimately unfulfilling? This pursuit of an idealized image, fueled by harmful stereotypes, distorts our perception of women and perpetuates a cycle of objectification and dissatisfaction.

This whole thing just makes me mad. We've built a world that squashes creativity, limits our understanding of beauty, and shoves these awful stereotypes down everyone's throats. It's like we're all stuck in this loop, generation after generation, men and women both getting hurt by it. We have to break free, for our own sake and for each other. We need to demand better. We need to see each other, truly see each other, in all our messy, glorious complexity. We need to celebrate the beauty that comes in every shape, size, and color. This world needs more than a fix that comes from technology. The world needs understanding, kindness, and courage to embody both as the new standards of beauty. Beauty isn't a competition; it's a spectrum, and everyone deserves a place on it.

[captain-of-the-gwynriel-ship]

im new to the acotar fandom but my goodness my heart just melts for gwynriel ❤️ ive been reading some posts on gwynriel/elriel and heres a couple of observations:

1. az for sure lusted over elain, but i dont think he has real feelings for her. or if he thinks he does, its not genuine. it felt like he sort of force himself or lied to himself to have those feelings bc of the fact that az mentioned the 3 brothers and 3 sisters pairing to rhys when he told az off for kissing elain.

2. if sjm straight up said that lucien and elain are mates, that means someone is az’s mate. she may or may not be introduced in the book yet (hoping its gwyn). we all know how much az longs for a mate. once his mating bond snaps to whoever it is, do we really think he would reject or abandon his mate? for elain? this is a guy whos practically desperate for a mate. i dont think he would just choose elain over her bc he lusted over elain for a little while.

Sorry I have left this in my ask box for a million years!!!

yay! I am glad that you love gwynriel too <3 they are such a unique couple and encompass a lot of traits from my favorite SJM couples to create their own dynamic and I cannot wait to see it play out in canon <3

Azriel is a tragic and extremely damaged character. He was denied the love of his mother as a child, and was treated like trash by his family. He never knew love and comfort in his formative years, and all these years later he has never had a healthy attachment to a female. He developed a savior complex at a young age. What people don't realize is that as a coping mechanism for this lack of healthy attachments as a child, he has only ever fallen for women who are emotionally unavailable and he subconsciously knows will never love him back. He fell for Mor because she was miserable in her life and was everything that he couldn't be: warm, bright, and capable of love. He saved her in a way that he couldn't save his mother and took those attachment issues and latched them on to Mor. I think Az knows that she is bi, but subconsciously tortured himself with the idea of this unrequited love because if he lets go of it, he has to finally come to terms with his childhood trauma.

Mor shows time and time again that she can take care of herself, and when she slept with Helion I think that it snapped something in Az that was just a drop of water in the waterfall of his emotional turmoil. Instead of dealing with his trauma and emotions, he finds his next target to transfer his attachment and self loathing issues to and that is Elain. Azriel holds the mating bond in high regards- to the point that he is so worked up about Elain's that he thinks the Cauldron might be wrong. Because he believes that the only way for another female to return his love is for them to be bound to him (which is incredibly unhealthy). However, the scent of the mating bond between Elain and Lucien bothers him so much because he KNOWS that Elain could never be his the way he wants a female to be- but it is easier to keep in the same 500+ year torture pattern than to break the mold. Being with Elain would only further his emotional attachment issues because Elain will always be attached to Lucien in some way- even if she breaks the bond. She will never be fully his like he so desperately craves.

We all know by now that SJM is a fated mates writer and is someone is mated to another, she takes the time to craft the couple's personalities to fit with each other without being the same. Lucien is one of her favorite characters- for him not to end up with his mate that she has spent years talking about them as a couple together and how they will heal is shortsighted on a lot of the anti-elucien stans.

This is the beauty of Gwynriel. Az saved gwyn, but did not form a romantic attachment to her. Then, unlike with any other female, he trains her in a group and privately. Az respects Gwyn as a person first, not as an unattainable love. He trusts her to get herself out of situations (look at the blood rite) and pushes her to do more. His shadows, which are a physical manifestation of his inner darkness and his soul, dance and play and are intrigued by Gwyn in a way they have never been with anyone else. Gwyn and Az will be the ACOTAR friends to lovers couple. They will build a foundation of friendship that blurs into being in love with each other. For Az to truly get over his trauma, he and gwyn need to choose each other for who they are without a bond, and then a bond can snap later. He needs to have someone love him without any strings attached.

(Feysand is enemies to lovers, Nessian is grumpy x sunshine, Gwynriel is friends to loves, Elucien is reluctant soulmates and second chance romance, and Emorie is chosen soulmates).

In the bonus chapter, SJM clearly puts the nail in the coffin for E/riel with her use of negative prose and Rhys (who in her mind can do no wrong) warning Azriel off of Elain. Then SJM shows us the interaction with gwyn and has positive prose and connotations noted in their interactions, that he feels at peace and something settles within him. She basically just threw in a million different phrases that she used previously for mated couples to tell us "LOOK HERE. LOOK AT THIS." And then she said in an interview that it would be obvious who the next book was about? I am sold its an Azriel book. I don't think elain has hit her rock bottom yet. In ACOMAF, Feyre hits her rock bottom, in ACOSF, Nesta is at hers, in HOF Celeana is at hers, and at the end of ACOSF Azriel is at his. If she set up the next book to truly be Elain's then she would have added elain into ACOSF and made her a more prominent character. Instead, the next two who have the most page time other than Nesta and Cassian are Azriel and Gwyn. Which mirrors what she did for Nessian in ACOWAR. Every pattern says that the next book is the gwynriel book.

Sorry that this kinda turned into a rant lol

[offmychest-official]

ideologically, i strongly disagree with the way manhood gets mythologised but honestly. emotionally . kind of slaps. in some of my private fantasies there's an equivalent sitch for women 😔 a gendered blueprint for adulthood (especially one encompassing the adults you admired growing up), that is widely seen as aspirational, as well as a status you have to work to achieve and therefore can take pride in, and that you are guided (and pushed) into by your role models and peers, is very appealing on an emotional level. but ethically it's flawed. qualities, roles, and duties shouldn't be gendered. and likewise someone's status as a gendered adult shouldn't be defined/threatened by anything besides their age and gender. and people should have the right, and simultaneous responsibility, to choose their own path growing up. it's lazy to wish for others to set the mold. plus it's just greedy to be like ohh yeah i want an ADMIRED mold i can aspire towards lmfao. in the "womanhood is lauded and gatekept" world, for every "real woman" mold i'd fit, there's another possible one that would be unattainable.

maybe i like the fantasy cause my own gender is tied to a view of aging and adulthood as degrading. maybe that's why an explicitly gendered pushback appeals. or maybe all humans want a Cool And Special social role, so it's just an easy thought-trap, especially for cis people. most likely it's 50:50.

.

[dollsonmain]

I wonder if my hatred of expected homogeneity is due to fully believing there’s no value to it or because it’s unattainable for me.

I probably wouldn’t be so pissed off about societies expectations of me if I were able to comply to them. I have a feeling that the people who do fit the mold don’t think about it nearly as much as someone who doesn’t and can’t. Why think too deeply about something that is easy for them and garners them social privilege?

Do I prefer a biodiverse yard with different textures and colors and bugs, or do I prefer a homogeneous yard with nothing but one type of grass kept all the same height and same color with no gaps and no variation and no gnats but find that unattainable and unsustainable because it takes a hell of a lot of work and money to defy nature and mold the environment into a monotonous eyescape and therefor tell myself “Well, then, I didn’t want that anyway”?

Am I lying when, after a lifetime of being told “You don’t fit! You don’t fit anywhere! You don’t fit in any way!”, I say to myself “I don’t want to fit the way you want me to, your demands are frankly ridiculous.”

Truthfully, I find beauty in both the variations of nature and the results of the effort and expense that goes into curating a boring, homogeneous lawn just as I find beauty in both a person that’s let go of society’s expectations of existence and are living for themselves freely with joy and the effort, expense, discipline (which is often used to mean self-denial and that’s misleading), and artistry that goes into fitting in.

If I could meet society’s expectations of existence, would I? Would I want to?

MY TATO IS BLOOMING! I didn’t know it would have purple flowers...

[ivypalooza]

Navigating Beauty Standards: The Complex Intersection of Korean and South Asian Ideals

Beauty standards are deeply ingrained in societies worldwide, reflecting cultural, historical, and even colonial influences. In Asia, the contrast between Korean and South Asian beauty ideals highlights the complexities surrounding colorism and body image. As South Asians increasingly embrace K-beauty and skincare routines, a disheartening rejection of South Asian aesthetics persists within Korean beauty culture. This dichotomy exemplifies broader issues of how beauty is defined and valued across Asian societies, particularly in the comparison of Korean and Indian standards. Moreover, the influence of social media exacerbates these disparities, perpetuating an unattainable standard of beauty for Asian women. As an individual of Indian-Korean heritage, I have personally grappled with these conflicting ideals, struggling to find acceptance within either culture's beauty norms.

The Divergence of Beauty Ideals

Korean beauty standards often revolve around a particular archetype: fair skin, large eyes, a V-shaped face, and a slender figure. These standards, while reflective of a specific cultural aesthetic, contribute to a culture of colorism that marginalizes individuals with darker complexions. In contrast, South Asian beauty ideals encompass a diverse range of skin tones, body types, and facial features. However, within South Asia, light skin is still often favored, reflecting historical biases rooted in colonial legacies.

The Emergence of K-Beauty in South Asia

In recent years, the global popularity of Korean beauty products and skincare routines has surged, captivating South Asian consumers. The meticulous skincare regimens and innovative products offered by K-beauty have garnered immense popularity, encouraging South Asians to adopt new practices in pursuit of healthier, glowing skin. This convergence of beauty cultures highlights a shared appreciation for self-care and the desire for radiant, flawless skin.

The Rejection of South Asian Aesthetics in Korea

Despite the mutual exchange of beauty practices, South Asian aesthetics are still met with resistance within Korean society. This is due to deeply entrenched colorism, which perpetuates the belief that lighter skin equates to higher social status and attractiveness. South Asian individuals, regardless of their Asian identity, often find themselves ostracized and deemed less desirable solely based on their skin color. This rejection serves as a stark reminder of the insidious influence of colorism in shaping perceptions of beauty.

The Influence of Social Media

Social media platforms amplify and exacerbate these disparities in beauty standards. Filtered images and curated profiles contribute to an unrealistic portrayal of beauty, placing immense pressure on individuals to conform to an unattainable ideal. The prevalence of certain beauty standards on platforms like Instagram and TikTok further perpetuates the notion that there is a singular definition of beauty, further marginalizing those who do not fit this mold. Social media categorizes Asian women and makes other Asians feel they don’t belong to that beauty standard and if they try to achieve that, it would look wrong on them because they don’t fit the categorized look of what they’re supposed to be doing to feel pretty, and then it feels like an outsider trying to fit in. It’s a very difficult feeling to have, so a lot of people willingly choose to do the looks that are only made for “them”. It enforces the racial idealization of the “other”, to exclude rather than include. You’re not part of this, so don’t do it. If you do it, we will pretend to support you but in reality we will make fun of you for even trying. Because of this, it feels like you don’t even want to try to look pretty at all. It hurts more when it is women, particularly Asian women themselves poking fun at you for being Asian and trying something that is meant to exclude you.

Personal Reflections on Identity and Beauty

As an individual of Indian-Korean heritage, I have grappled with a sense of not belonging within both cultures. I have never fit neatly into the established beauty norms of either society. My body does not align with the expectations of either Indian or Korean standards, and my skin color, while uniquely beautiful, does not conform to the prevailing ideals. I have lightish brown skin but not light enough in the way North Indians would like it, which is a very light pale brown, and I am not even close to pale for Korean standards. This has led to a profound sense of discomfort and self-consciousness, as I constantly feel the need to meet an unattainable standard of beauty which I can not conform to at all. It has made it difficult for me to be comfortable with my physical appearance and as a result I’ve grown to hate how I look. It’s a little better now, but I’m still struggling with it. I hate how I’m not the perfect Asian skinny that Asian women are. It used to be so bad that I feared because of my looks that Korean people wouldn’t accept me, and because of that I was always hesitant to make Korean friends as I was worried they would make fun of me for the way I look as beauty is such an important part of Korean culture. I’m glad that I have found people that are very loving and accepting, but it is still a big fear of a cultural norm which excludes me from my East Asian heritage. I will say though, it has gotten a lot better in Korea for Native Koreans to accept more diverse skin tones, but a backwards society and racial stigma of foreigners in Korea is still prevalent.

Conclusion

The complex interplay of Korean and South Asian beauty standards exemplifies the larger issue of how beauty is defined and valued in Asian societies. The convergence of K-beauty and South Asian skincare practices offers hope for a more inclusive and diverse understanding of beauty. However, the persistence of colorism and rejection of South Asian aesthetics in Korean culture serve as stark reminders of the work that remains to be done in dismantling harmful beauty ideals. It is crucial to recognize the inherent worth and beauty of individuals, regardless of their adherence to societal norms. Embracing diversity and celebrating the richness of different identities is the first step toward redefining beauty on a global scale.

Source/Inspiration for some of the topics I mentioned:

[bean-galleria]

“Bunny tongue lip gloss” is an example of how wild East Asian beauty standards are. We find anything and everything naturally unattainable/unhealthy to the general public (a body that has like no organs, bright white skin with dark hair, etc). Of course, someone will have those traits, and the bunny tongue color is objectively so cute, but it’s the fact that in a lot of East Asian cultures, everyone is expected to fit a mold and always be better than everyone. If you’re outside of that box, then people will shame you with passive aggressive remarks. You can’t just be you and unique.

[lancerfay]

A meditation on my experience with people who curate their online experience to “not have abusers and bad people” in it.

There's a tendency in online circles to demand total purity as a good person who's never done wrong (which to be clear is basically determined by your spawn point in life), and to be ever vigilant in the fight against abuse to a degree that it itself becomes a narratively ironic avenue for abusive behavior. Excommunicating someone from every social connection they have because they behaved poorly, branding every fight in a relationship to have an Abuser and a Victim with never having room for people to be mutually at fault, and labeling a person with everything you would apply to their worst friend, as if association, known or not, is the same as approval and support. This is not talking about harms such as if their friend is a proud nazi or if someone physically assaulted someone else in a relationship. Those are common sense to remove someone from your spaces for doing, super cut and dry.

As someone who for a time in my life lived like this, to be always on the lookout for and always pushing against anything that wasn't approved as Good Person Behavior, I needlessly ruined many, many friendships. I hurt people I loved and cared about because they wouldn't be perfect examples of a person made up to be modeled after. I harassed them about it, never let them have a single normal moment around me without me trying to evangelize to them about how they were basically evil people because they were friends with a person who was manipulative previously. In fact I had become a horrible person to be around because all this lifestyle did was make me bitter and hateful and immensely paranoid in the name of “curating my life to be Safe/The Best:tm:”. All that happened was I drove people away, I became paranoid and frankly unstable in how I acted about this cause, and eventually, whether because of that or something else, my fellow crusaders for being the most good and social-justice-aware person turned on me, and I had been violently removed in the exact same way we had done to others before.

I was left now with bridges I torched in the name of demanding only the best, and no one around me who cared. I realized only then that it was a mindset akin to purity culture, no different from an evangelical christian, simply with a progressive paint. To bludgeon others into fitting a mold we deemed acceptable and to feel superior when they understandably left because of it. I eventually in that loneliness mended one of those bridges, I hope to mend them all, but it's not my choice beyond trying, and with how I did behave, I do in fact deserve the bed I made in front of them. Thankfully, the first was more generous and understanding of how people change than I ever gave him credit for when I was advocating clear against him over gross exaggerations of the harm I had convinced others of and been convinced he was doing.

This is rambling, I've rewritten this several times to try and cut it down. The short version is, I learned in one of the hardest ways why to forgive people. What I found was people practicing violence that demanded an out-group, people that felt power in harming others but exercised this in the guise of social justice. Very very few people on this planet are beyond redemption, even the people that brought me down the path and eventually used it to crush me would be welcomed with a second chance by me without hesitation. The more that we label as beyond getting better, the more needless and cruel suffering we introduce to the world as a result. It's not making the world a better place to never give someone a chance to change, it's being hateful. Every one of the people that taught me this way of living, and eventually ostracized me through it, was themselves at fault for just as much as all humans are. Our ideal good person was impossible, unattainable, and all were eventually on the chopping block except those from the innermost circle. The only difference between me, our targets, and them is they wore the proverbial boot to stamp on others’ faces.

It was a lifestyle of hate disguised as cultivating care, and was masking toxicity at every turn. I hope they eventually get to learn the lesson they taught me in a much less damaging way, because I have become a much better person to both myself and others in the time since then. I still have people I find irredeemable, but that experience allowed me to learn why the bar for that must remain very hard to reach. Finally I hope that one day I can apologize to everyone I’ve hurt, and that if not mending the bridge, they can at least feel seen.

[voguebleue]

i don’t think i’m at a point where i can be beautiful and glamorous and mysterious and forcing it only makes things miserable i just have to accept the happiness and peace in simplicity. that’s the only thing that’s really helped me thus far is taking everything as it comes and not forcing myself to fit an unattainable mold. in 2-3 years i’ll be older and living in paris and maybe things will be different

[eldritch--enigma]

I feel lonely.

I feel lonely - now I don't mean lonely in a open my arms hug me and let me feel your warmth - I feel lonely in a lets stargaze and talk for hours - let me enjoy the conversation so much that I memorize your very soul - let every conversation feel like a poem - I crave a love that makes sense - one that is almost rhythmic - I don't crave the honey moon phases or oversexualization - I crave horror movies inside - making food together - I crave watching someone at their crafts (scientists, artists, musicians, brilliant minds) and falling so in tune with what they do that I can't help but be mesmerized - I crave a back and forth that has nothing to do with sexuality, or love or anything but just mutual interest in a topic - someone who encourages me to work on my hobbies I lost due to trauma - I crave someone who fits my mold - I crave someone who was meant for me and I for them - I crave comfortable silences and something that feels both traditional and not - someone that doesn't mind that I leave a lot of space to breathe - I crave a love where I blush when I see them and I crave a love where I want to make them gifts and knickknacks just cause oh I have to see that smile again cause god I love that smile - I crave the mundane and everything plain - I crave being able to cringy and weird around my person not judged - I crave hearing someone's laugh and knowing I wouldn't want to be anywhere else - I crave not disassociating in the quiet private intimate coded sleep rooms - I crave soft whispers on ears telling me "you're mine" - I crave a love that doesn't make me cringe away or shriek into my trauma - I crave a love that understands me and I them - sure I have plenty of suitors - even when I was a guy I did but it was the same - I crave a romance going beyond gender - I crave to feel something - anything - even if just for a moment as if to say you're heart is still beating - but I feel nothing for anyone - never have At the same time I don't want to just fill a loneliness hole - I'd rather just find methods of happy when I am alone so I can indulge in hobbies on my own time like I used to - I used to do it a lot before I was pressured into a relationship and made to think I needed it - it fucked my brain a little bit and it's been a challenge to get back to it - I'd rather not like just have a romance - sure it's funny to imagine and let those thoughts dance around my head - but at the same time the love I feel is unreal a lot of the times - it's something I leave unattainable - only few have shared that similarity - maybe that makes it easier fantasizing about stuff in fiction - how do people fall in love with actors? I don't get it - the second I have to even sit down and love the person in front of me I don't even know what to say - I don't feel like I have a safe space of people that are like me really - a person here and there sure - but I'm tired of hearing you'll find your person one day - I'm not like those people so why even say that? - why make that statement when they don't know - blunt words maybe - but it just seems stupid to tell someone that when you don't actually know them, their sexuality or anything - I think me trying to be anything but grey asexual/grey aromantic was me wanting to be what I deemed normal when really I just want to be how I was before everything got so complicated - back when I didn't care - I think I'm slipping back to that place slowly - it's taking time - but I'm getting there - I don't think I need to cure a loneliness - I was fine with isolation - happy - that changed with a kiss - unwarranted - unwanted - unconsented - and now... - I crave so much but I'm grey aro - you see at least with regular aro there is no romance no longing no craving - but grey aro is an itch that can never be scratched - it's the worst kind of romance- it's romance that says - I crave to find you but I might not ever my dream lover - I am lonely for something unattainable - and maybe that's okay - so light up the sky my lovely and I'll fall into cosmos deep

(I posted this on my other apps and stuff and I want to start using tumblr more - so that's what I'm doing - I took a long hiatus but maybe being on here and seeing other writers will ignite my flame that was so swiftly stoked - please set me on fire...)

[goldenaster12]

Golden Aster: Redefining Style with Confidence, Elegance, and Flair

In a world brimming with fashion and beauty influencers, Golden Aster stands out as a beacon of boldness, elegance, and empowerment. Created by Aksho, a celebrated fashion and beauty influencer whose work has been featured in prestigious magazines like Vogue and Refinery29, Golden Aster is more than just a brand; it’s a movement. With its focus on bold street style, luxury brand collaborations, and empowering beauty advice, Golden Aster inspires its audience to embrace their unique style with confidence and flair.

Whether you're looking to upgrade your wardrobe with striking new pieces or seeking expert beauty tips that help you feel your best, Golden Aster is your ultimate destination. Aksho’s philosophy is simple yet profound: fashion and beauty are not about fitting into trends but about embracing your individuality and living life with grace and style.

Golden Aster: A Vision for Empowerment

Golden Aster was born out of Aksho’s desire to share her passion for fashion and beauty while inspiring others to confidently express themselves. As someone who has been featured in Vogue, Refinery29, and other major fashion publications, Aksho has established herself as a respected voice in the industry. Her journey began as a way to blend her love for fashion with her commitment to empowering others. The platform she created, Golden Aster, is the culmination of years of experience, creativity, and a genuine passion for helping others discover their style voice.

What makes Golden Aster so unique is its emphasis on empowering individuals to feel beautiful and stylish in their own skin. While many fashion blogs and brands focus on fleeting trends or unattainable beauty ideals, Golden Aster encourages its audience to celebrate their individuality. Aksho believes that style is not about adhering to one formula but about embracing your own personal aesthetic. Whether you're into cutting-edge street style or the timeless elegance of luxury fashion, Golden Aster is here to help you find your way.

Bold Street Style: A Signature Look of Golden Aster

One of the defining features of Golden Aster is its focus on bold street style. Aksho's signature look is a fusion of urban chic and high-end fashion, blending statement pieces with casual comfort to create looks that feel fresh, edgy, and totally unique. Street style is all about self-expression, and Golden Aster perfectly captures this spirit by offering a variety of looks that range from edgy to sophisticated, ensuring that every individual can find something that resonates with their personal taste.

At Golden Aster, street style doesn’t just mean oversized jackets or sneakers. It’s about creating outfits that reflect confidence, creativity, and authenticity. Whether it's mixing bold prints with luxurious fabrics or pairing vintage finds with modern pieces, Golden Aster encourages you to push boundaries and experiment with what makes you feel confident. The key is not to follow every trend that comes along, but rather to curate a look that is all your own.

By curating content that highlights the power of bold, individual style, Golden Aster allows its followers to step outside their comfort zones and take risks with their outfits. Fashion is not about fitting into a mold—it’s about creating something uniquely yours. The platform’s street style showcases this philosophy by embracing a diverse range of looks that reflect different personalities, tastes, and cultures, proving that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to fashion.

Luxury Brand Collaborations: Where Elegance Meets Boldness

While Golden Aster is firmly rooted in the world of street style, it doesn’t shy away from luxury fashion. Aksho’s collaborations with luxury brands bring a sense of refinement and exclusivity to the platform, showing that it’s possible to incorporate high-end fashion into everyday life without sacrificing individuality or style. Whether it’s a limited-edition handbag or a stunning pair of designer heels, Golden Aster's luxury collaborations showcase how luxury pieces can be mixed with casual wear for an effortlessly chic look.

What makes these collaborations stand out is their ability to stay true to the essence of Golden Aster: bold, empowering, and unique. Aksho works with top luxury brands that share her values of confidence and authenticity. These collaborations allow followers to explore a side of luxury that feels accessible, modern, and aligned with their personal style. It's about mixing and matching high-end pieces with street style staples, creating looks that are both elegant and bold.

Golden Aster demonstrates that luxury doesn't have to feel out of reach or intimidating. Instead, it can be seamlessly integrated into everyday outfits, making luxury fashion feel approachable and attainable. The collaborations featured on the platform are not just about showcasing the latest trends but about making high-end fashion feel relevant and personal.

Beauty Tips That Empower: Confidence From the Inside Out

Fashion is only one part of Golden Aster’s mission. Aksho believes that true beauty comes from confidence, which is why the platform offers a wide array of beauty tips designed to make you feel your best. Whether it’s skincare advice, makeup tutorials, or wellness tips, Golden Aster empowers its audience to feel confident in their own skin, with the knowledge that true beauty comes from within.

Golden Aster’s beauty content isn’t about pushing unattainable beauty standards but about encouraging individuals to embrace their unique features. Aksho shares beauty tips that focus on self-care, highlighting how nurturing your skin, hair, and body can enhance your natural beauty. Whether you're trying out a new skincare regimen or experimenting with a bold makeup look, Golden Aster ensures that you have the tools and advice to look and feel your best.

Additionally, Golden Aster offers empowering advice on how to maintain a healthy mindset and live with purpose. Confidence is not just about looking good on the outside—it’s about feeling good on the inside too. Aksho encourages her followers to practice self-love and embrace their unique qualities, both in fashion and in life. By offering beauty advice that aligns with this holistic approach to confidence, Golden Aster helps individuals feel empowered to live their lives with elegance and flair.

Conclusion: Embrace Your Unique Style with Golden Aster

Golden Aster is more than just a fashion and beauty platform; it's a source of empowerment for anyone looking to embrace their individuality and express themselves with confidence. Whether you’re a fan of bold street style, luxury brand collaborations, or seeking beauty tips that enhance your natural features, Golden Aster offers something for everyone. Aksho’s mission is clear: to inspire individuals to embrace their unique style and live life with elegance and flair.

By offering a blend of fashion inspiration, empowering beauty advice, and luxury collaborations, Golden Aster has become a go-to destination for anyone seeking to elevate their personal style. No matter where you are on your style journey, Golden Aster will help guide you to discover the confidence to express yourself and live life beautifully.

[stowrice]

The Beauty beyond Perfection

In a world where everything is measured to be perfect—whether through physical qualities, numerical measurements, or something greater based on our human expectations—we live with the societal pressure to see ourselves as enough—to fit into this world or to be loved by someone. I was always like this, living up to the pressure of my environment, constantly seeking unattainable perfection, especially for the people I love. I was consumed by my insecurities and constantly beat myself up, trying to fit into an ideal of perfection and love. Molded by the standards of my environment, I sometimes lost myself, seeking my worth in being enough for someone, continuously comparing myself to others—thinking I would be perfect through the lens of the world. I turned myself into something I am not, hiding in the shadows of someone else.

However, during today’s homily, delivered by my favorite parish priest for the seventh day of Misa de Gallo, I found myself crying in prayer as I reflected on my personal experience of seeking approval from my environment and beating myself up over the past few months, when I lost sight of myself and retreated into the shadows I’ve been trying to hide, continuously turning myself into something that wasn’t my true self—the very self I had built and worked on over the past years.

Perfection—the very word spoken by Fr. Nilo in relation to the gospel pericope on the seventh day of Misa de Gallo. In today’s gospel, we hear a significant declaration from the mouth of Elizabeth, the Blessed Mother’s cousin, who proclaims that even the unborn child in her womb leapt for joy: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled."

Mary was blessed and chosen to carry our Savior, not because of her perfection—though she was prepared for this, as she was conceived without original sin—but because of her love for God, which transcended her fears, and her love for her neighbor. Even Elizabeth was blessed, for while the world would soon meet our Savior, she was the first to be visited by the Lord. Quite amazing, isn’t it, how Mary said yes to God and took care of her elderly cousin, who, at the same time, was bearing a son in her womb—qualities that go beyond the perfection set by human standards, qualities that even the unborn child recognized in her blessedness. A woman full of beauty, because she was full of grace. Similarly, Elizabeth, an old woman who had been barren, was filled with God’s spirit.

As someone striving for perfection and seeking approval, I deeply cried upon hearing the homily in today’s gospel. I remembered how, throughout the past months, I always told myself that I am not enough and how unintelligent I am to always seek the approval of everyone and beg for the love of someone who couldn’t love me back for the qualities I have as my true self. But no, I had been shaped by the standards of the human world and had forgotten the profound love God always gives and chooses me. Despite my imperfections, His grace continually seeks and chooses me. God’s love always chooses me, but the standards set by my environment blinded me from seeing my true worth.

I realized in my prayers and through Father Nilo’s words during our conversation: "You don’t need to be perfect in the eyes of everyone." This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t work hard to achieve something better, but rather that God’s perfection is always found in two things: love for Him and love for our neighbors—nothing more. True perfection is always rooted in these two great commandments. Just like Mary and Elizabeth, may I always seek the perfection of serving God and serving others, not the perfection set by society.