Why Are Some People Prettier? The Truth Hurts (a Bit)

The genetics factor: born lucky?

Let’s be real—some people just wake up like that. You’ve seen them. That friend who rolls out of bed, throws on a hoodie, and somehow still looks like they walked out of a fragrance commercial. It’s annoying. And honestly? A lot of it comes down to genes.

Facial symmetry, clear skin, wide-set eyes, fuller lips, a certain ratio between cheekbones and jawline… these things are often genetically inherited. There’s even research backing it—our brains are wired to perceive certain features as “attractive” because they signal health and fertility. Evolutionary biology, huh?

But even then, it’s not always fair. I remember in college, my roommate Caleb had the “perfect” bone structure, and he barely used soap. Meanwhile, I was triple-cleansing and still breaking out. Like, come on.

So yeah, some people are born with a genetic head start, and there’s no point pretending otherwise.

Environment and self-care: pretty isn’t always passive

Lifestyle plays a huge role

Let me tell you—beauty isn’t just about DNA. Sleep, hydration, stress levels, diet, exercise… they all affect how we look. You can be born with model genes, but if you’re sleeping 4 hours, eating garbage, and constantly stressed? It’ll show. Trust me.

There was this girl I worked with, Naomi. At first glance? Just “average” looking, nothing crazy. But over time, as she started working out, eating better, taking care of herself—she legit started glowing. People were asking if she got work done. Nope. Just self-discipline (and maybe a killer serum).

Hormones and age hit different

Also… hormones. Ugh. They make things weird. Puberty, pregnancy, menopause—these stages can totally change someone’s appearance. I’ve seen high school “late bloomers” turn into total knockouts by 25. And yeah, that can mess with your self-esteem if you're comparing yourself mid-transition.

Society’s standards: not always rational (or kind)

Beauty is super cultural

What we think is “pretty” changes wildly across cultures and time. In some places, lighter skin is prized. In others, curves. A century ago, pale and plump was ideal. Now? Tanned and toned. Go figure.

I used to hate my nose growing up—too wide, not “cute.” But then I traveled to Morocco, and a woman literally told me she’d kill for my nose shape. That shook me. Suddenly, the thing I was most insecure about was desirable… just in a different context.

Media messes with us (duh)

Instagram, filters, TikTok beauty trends—don’t even get me started. We’re not just comparing ourselves to others anymore. We’re comparing ourselves to edited versions of people. And half the time, even they don’t look like that in real life.

Last week, I saw a guy on IG with skin like glass. Met him at a party? Still hot—but with pores and dark circles like the rest of us. So yeah, don’t trust the feed too much.

Confidence and vibe: the underrated X-factor

Here’s where it gets interesting. Ever met someone who wasn’t “technically” beautiful but somehow... was? They walk into a room and turn heads. Why? Confidence. Charisma. The way they carry themselves.

I used to think looks were 80% of attraction. But after dating a guy who was conventionally gorgeous and had the personality of a potato, I changed my mind. Give me someone decent-looking with a killer smile and kindness any day.

Beauty is part physical, part energy. Real talk.

Final thought: pretty is complex, and honestly... overrated?

So—why are some people prettier? It’s a mix. Genetics, yes. Habits, absolutely. Society, kinda messed up. And confidence? Lowkey the biggest cheat code of all.

I’ve stopped obsessing over being "the prettiest" in the room. It’s exhausting. Now I focus on being the most present, genuine, and well-moisturized. Works better.

Because yeah, some people are prettier. But that’s not the whole story. Not even close.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.