The way you look tonight

I’ve always kind of resented my glasses. Ever since I was prescribed them, they have been a source of misery. In fact, the first day I wore them to school in fifth grade, a boy in my class told me, in front of everyone, that I looked weird. Interestingly enough, I dated that boy for a year in high school. What a strange little world.

So I think I associate my glasses a lot with childhood torment. It didn’t help that they were paired often with braces, or bad hair, or all of the above. My glasses made me a freak.

But that all changed when my parents let me get contacts. Finally, I could see without the aid of those dorky metal frames! Finally, I could become a constructive and attractive member of society! (That didn’t actually happen. Not even lasik could make me a constructive and attractive member of society)

I stopped getting teased so much around the time I got contacts, which was also around the time my braces were coming off and my hair was calming down. And I don’t think I’ve worn glasses to school more than a week total since I started wearing contacts.

It’s my fourth day of college, and I’ve worn my glasses every single day, paired with no makeup. But I don’t feel embarrassed, or ugly. I just feel like… me. Admittedly, I’m a lot more comfortable without makeup now that my complexion has even out and when I’m hidden behind frames, but still. I used to wear a lot of makeup. And now I’m perfectly comfortable doing without.

This is really exciting for me. I don’t think you can quite comprehend the level of satisfaction this turn in my daily routine has given me. Finally, my no-makeup and glasses face is not a target for bullying. It’s just… my face. I’m not ashamed of the way I look anymore. And that’s fantastic.

I can’t wait for the next four years. Bring. It. On.

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