Today is my birthday, and just like on many other special days, one expects to feel special, surrounded by love and attention from the people we care about. However, this year something different has happened: I was told that I won’t get any likes because I’m ugly. At first, these words hurt me, making me question my worth and my appearance, but they also gave me the opportunity to reflect on what it really means to be valued and loved in a world that puts so much importance on appearances.

We live in a society where social media plays a pivotal role in our lives. Each of us, when posting a photo, a status, or a thought, expects some form of validation, whether in the form of ‘likes’, comments, or simply being seen by others. This validation has become a measure of success and acceptance, especially on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. However, what few dare to admit is that the number of ‘likes’ does not always reflect a person’s true worth.

The comment that I wouldn’t get any likes because I’m ugly resonates somewhere deep. What is beauty? Is beauty something absolute, something that can be measured in terms of aesthetic standards, or is it something subjective, something that depends on the eyes of the beholder? If we are guided only by the beauty standards imposed by the media, fashion, or even social media, then probably no one would ever meet all the requirements to be considered “beautiful.” We all have characteristics that make us unique, and that includes our imperfections.

Over the years, I have learned that beauty does not reside only in the physical. In fact, the most genuine beauty comes from who we are as people: our values, our actions, our ability to empathize with others, our creativity and, most importantly, our authenticity. And while it is true that social media can be a distorted mirror of reality, we must remember that the opinions of others do not define who we are. We are more than a number of ‘likes’ or comments.

On this birthday, I realize that true love and appreciation is not measured by the number of virtual interactions. The people who truly value me, those who know me deeply, do not do so based on appearance. My close friends, my family, those people who have been by my side through good and bad times, do not love me because I meet a physical standard, but because they know my heart, my struggles, my dreams, and my values.

In fact, the importance we give to appearances takes us away from what really matters. We have become accustomed to measuring each other with a superficial ruler and ignoring what really makes us special. If we stop to reflect, we all have something that makes us unique. Each person has a story, a personality, a vision of the world that cannot be captured by a picture or a ‘Like’ on a social network.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying we should stop appreciating what is aesthetically pleasing. Beauty in its different forms is something that can be enjoyed, but it should also be understood as something deeper. Real beauty is not in filters or carefully curated images. True beauty lies in honesty, in being true to yourself and in the way you treat others.

So is it true that I won’t get any likes because I’m ugly? Maybe I will, maybe I won’t. But what really matters is that on this birthday, I’ve realized that my worth is not dependent on the approval of others. The people who love and appreciate me don’t do so because I meet a certain standard of beauty, but because they accept me for who I am. And that, to me, is more valuable than any number of likes in the world.

In short, appearances are just a part of who we are, and even though social media can sometimes make us feel insecure, we must remember that what really matters is what’s inside of us. Let’s not let superficial opinions define our self-esteem or worth. On this birthday, I celebrate my life, my imperfections, and the beauty that lies in being authentic.