Natalie Portman's Performance at the Concert Sparks Online Sensation, but Remarks Warrant Further Examination
In a thought-provoking statement, licensed mental health counselor Hallie Kritsas suggests that complimenting someone's appearance based on their youth might unintentionally reinforce the notion that youth is superior to aging. Kritsas, who is starring alongside Natalie Portman in an upcoming film directed by Lena Dunham titled "Good Sex," argues that instead of commenting on someone's youthfulness, it would be more beneficial to focus on their confidence, radiance, or the way they carry themselves.
This perspective is shared by Anita Chlipala, a licensed marriage and family therapist, who questions whether it's possible to know what "normal" is supposed to look like at any age anymore. Chlipala points out that unintentionally lessening the value of aging can have the effect of lessening the value of aging, which can be both natural and meaningful.
The anti-aging industry, a multibillion-dollar sector, perpetuates the standard that people should be wrinkle-free with baby-soft skin, even as they age. Compliments about someone's youthfulness may increase the pressure for anyone to look young instead of embracing the natural aging process. This can lead to negative impacts on mental health, especially as people age, by reinforcing the idea that youth is better than aging.
Focusing compliments solely on youth or "looking good for your age" tends to emphasize appearance tied to age rather than a person's enduring qualities such as confidence, energy, or inner warmth. In contrast, compliments highlighting timeless beauty, presence, or radiance recognize the whole person beyond age and can promote a healthier self-image and well-being among older adults.
Kritsas advises that looking good could mean looking like oneself. She states that commenting on someone's sense of fashion style is still commenting on their appearance, but it transcends age limits. The moment was captured in video clips posted to Billboard and Rolling Stone's official Instagram accounts, with many fans celebrating the light-hearted moment.
This shift in focus from external, age-related appearance to qualities like confidence and radiance supports mental health by validating enduring personal attributes and reducing the harmful impact of aging stereotypes. By doing so, it encourages a more holistic and positive approach to compliments, fostering a healthier and more accepting society.
- Celebrities, like Natalie Portman and Anita Chlipala, are advocating for a change in the way we complement individuals, suggesting that comments about youth might unintentionally reinforce the idea that aging is inferior.
- In a paradigm shift, mental health professionals propose that compliments about timeless beauty, presence, or radiance can foster a healthier self-image and well-being among older adults, promoting a more holistic and positive approach to compliments.
- Rather than focusing on external factors like wrinkle-free skin or looking good for one's age, it's essential to acknowledge enduring qualities such as confidence, energy, and inner warmth, which can have a positive impact on health and contribute to a more accepting society.
