Latest news with #prettyprivilege
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Beautiful People Are Sharing The Perks They Get For Being Attractive, And Yup, It Confirms That "Pretty Privilege" Is Real
So this shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone reading this, but being attractive can come with surprising perks beyond compliments and attention. Like in the job market, studies have shown that attractive people are more likely to be hired, promoted, and even earn higher salaries. They're also more likely to have an easier time making friends, get better customer service, and even get free stuff. While we may act like looks don't matter, the reality is that society has a bias towards it, which can have very real benefits. Recently, redditor _-_--_---_----_----_ (yes, that's their user name), wanted to know about people's pretty privilege when they asked: "Hotties of Reddit, what are some perks that you've gotten for being attractive?" The thread got over 2.5K responses. Below are the top and best perks people said they got because they are attractive: 1."People assume I'm nice before I even say a word — it's wild." —carolineevvee 2."The number of times I've had confessions by women and men telling me how gorgeous I am (after a couple of drinks), I can't count. I get the door held for me a lot (I'm a guy). I've had women clerks who I was shopping with openly and brazenly hit on me." "Even small stuff like, I was able to talk my way into getting a really great low rate on my cable and internet bill that carried over for like over a decade. The bill just said a special discount on it under the actual cost. I remember just going into the provider store, chatting for a bit, and asking for it. Then my friend was complaining about how high her ISP bill was. We had the same provider, so I told her to go and talk to them (I've always been able to talk my way into a discount of some kind for stuff like this). She came back to me and said they wouldn't do took me a long time to realize that I was getting special treatment for being attractive, and not that I was especially good at haggling.I'm 50 now, so they aren't as often, especially from younger people, but I'm sure I'm still getting more perks for being middle-aged attractive than my other friends are." —PhantomGoatFace 3."I'm older now and not as attractive as I was in my younger days, but I remember running to board a plane, and the woman looks up from her computer and just says, 'Oh lord, you're cute,' and lets me board after the doors were closed. I've been living on that high for a decade now." —2KneeCaps1Lion 4."I got 4K matches on Bumble, I was 49F at the time." —redditmarch16th 5."I used to recognize I got some sort of special treatment, but back in 2020 winter when the mask mandates hit and I had to wear my giant winter jacket (I live in Canada), I realized just how much privilege I got. I noticed that when people didn't really see what I looked like, I stopped getting 'random' acts of kindness from others. I got interrupted more. No one held the door open for me or gave up their seat for me. A lot of the perks I got (discounts, freebies) that I attributed to being a nice person pretty much disappeared, too. On the other hand, there was something kind of nice about the invisibility. I felt under the radar in a way that was often very comfortable. No one is really more rude; they just don't notice you. Without the mask experience, I honestly am not sure I would've noticed that I even had a lot of these perks; it just felt normal until I experienced the contrast." —senselessass 6."Pulled over for going 62 in a 45 in a small town. Got off with a warning. Bumped a car in the parking lot. Guy said, 'Don't worry about it,' and asked me on a date. Bumped a car on the road, the older gentleman driving it got out and gave me a hug for saying I was sorry. I'm realizing I may not be a good driver after typing all this out." —ElephantInTheDark 7."I once asked a guy for directions and ended up with a free smoothie, free sandwich, and him offering to walk me there, 'just to be safe.' I didn't even go. I just needed the sun to hit my hair right, apparently." —That_Purple288 8."I used to be an OB nurse, and OBs are notoriously an angry bunch. We hired a 10/10, and she was like, 'These doctors are so sweet, I wasn't expecting that.' When things went awry, we would have her defuse the situation, lol." —cheaganvegan 9."Above average dude who dresses a bit flamboyant. I get invited out a lot and dragged out even though I'm a hard homebody, but I get free drinks and food." —THORMUNZ 10."Tons of compliments on my appearance, also people asking me for fashion or makeup advice. People are just overall really nice to me. Lots of smiles, holding doors, helping me find places, etc. I'm pretty soft spoken and don't speak much in groups, but when I do pipe up, everyone immediately stops and pays attention to me. When I was in college, there was this guy on my morning bus who would make origami roses and give them to me when we got off. I walked into Abercrombie & Fitch one time, and the manager chased me down and offered me a job there. Men also always want to give me food. It's usually brownies for some reason. No complaints. I love brownies." —ickyticky 11."I myself do not fit the description, but one of the most gorgeous people I know hasn't paid for a concert in six years and routinely gets upgraded tickets. Big names, festivals, and sold-out shows, it didn't matter. If she smiles at the person holding the tickets, it's a done deal." —everythymewetouch 12."Getting my debt paid off by a customer during my shift as a server." —kalmidacci 13."Once, a lady paid for my tank of gas. I get free food at restaurants sometimes, although this happens less now that I'm usually with my wife and 3-year-old. When I ask someone for help, they go through a lot of effort, and when they can't succeed, I get a long explanation of why it wasn't possible." —Tenacious_Ritzy_32 14."Had a bunch of guys scrambling through the trash cans and scanning the floor on their hands and knees, after someone noticed that I only had an earring in one ear. I didn't ask them to do it." —NervousPotato1623 15."People think I'm being flirtatious by just existing. Like whoa buddy I'm an introvert, mmmk." —Affectionate_Newt899 16."Talking to people at first is really easy, but keeping them there is harder. When people see someone they find attractive before talking to them, they make assumptions about what that person would be like. While talking, they're either trying to confirm the assumptions or forget the confirmation phase and pretend. We're all pretending, though, aren't we?" —GRoverL 17."I got a suspiciously lighter sentence in a court hearing, apparently I 'have a bright future,' and that 'everyone deserves a second chance.' I'm not saying that the reason was my attractiveness, but a week later, I got hit on and asked out by the judge's son. Maybe just a coincidence." —HannahTheMad lastly, "Not to toot my own horn but I never get blamed for farts. I have horrendous, rancid farts. I unleash one silently in a crowd, and no one ever suspects it's me. Sometimes I leave a path of destruction in my path where people behind me will start gagging or blaming each other." —emburna You can read the original thread on Reddit. Note: Some responses have been edited for length and/or clarity.
Daily Mail
24-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Pretty privilege is real as women embrace make-up strategy to earn more money
'Pretty privilege' isn't just a myth, especially in the workforce, according to statistics and insiders. According to a March 2025 report from virtual résumé building hub Standout-CV about pretty privilege in the workplace, attractive employees earn up to $20,000 more than their colleagues. The researchers, who surveyed 1,050 employed male and female Americans over 18, explained: 'We asked respondents to rate how conventionally attractive they are and compared this to how successful they are, to find out how far looks (or body confidence) really does impact your career.' 'Those who rated themselves as extremely attractive earn on average $19,945 more than those who rated themselves as unattractive ($63,954 compared to $44,009),' added the pros. But it's not just about being more attractive. They also have to spend money to make money, with 83 percent believing that 'staffers who invest in their workplace appearance are more highly favored than those who fail to dress to impress.' That includes spending money on products including clothes and makeup. A viral TikTok confirmed that earning more isn't just about being perceived as better looking by your peers, it's also about how you present yourself in the workplace, including the amount of makeup you wear. Codie Sanchez, who worked on Wall Street for two decades, went viral when she told her 1.8 million TikTok followers about a study where workers were ranked on attractiveness. According to a report from résumé building hub Standout-CV about pretty privilege in the workplace, attractive employees earn up to $20,000 more than their colleagues Codie explained it wasn't about getting plastic surgery to guarantee perfectly symmetrical features, but there were other ways to improve 'attractiveness.' The former Goldman Sachs employee said the study found that women made 25 percent more on average when they were deemed better looking. Codie explained it wasn't about job experience or skills, and while it wasn't fair, it was true. 'It actually makes sense to be a little vain - pretty privilege is a real thing, and more of us should have it,' Codie explained. According to a 2016 study by sociologists Jaclyn S. Wong and Andrew M. Penner, 'physically attractive individuals have higher income than average individuals.' 'The level of attractiveness can change if people lose weight or put on makeup. It also found that beauty care in general helped, including manicures, pedicures, wearing contact lenses, shaving hair styling, and wearing perfume and deodorant.' HR consulting and recruiting firm owner Angela Tait told Daily Mail 'the perception that being more put together or attractive translates to being more competent, trustworthy, or having leadership potential.' 'Therefore, that person will be looked at for career advancements, leading to a bigger salary,' Tait explained. Tait, based in Plano, Texas, said that 'hiring managers will mention how people look during interviews, so people consciously or unconsciously notice how someone looks when hiring for a position at their company.' Tait believes that women don't need full glam to get hired or a raise. She suggests tinted moisturizer to look instantly polished, well-groomed eyebrows, and mascara. 'Even subtle lip color can anchor you in a meeting so that others engage and listen when you speak up,' Tait advised.
Mail & Guardian
18-06-2025
- General
- Mail & Guardian
Reflecting on relationships: Is it ‘just sex'?
People who choose abstinence, monogamy or sexual restraint are made to feel as though something is wrong with them. True sexual freedom should include the right not to participate. First, I must admit that I might be out of my depth here — these are simply personal musings about life as I currently understand it. I welcome responses and critiques, which I would take seriously. Now in my late twenties, conversations about sex and relationships have become more common among my friends. One recurring question we debate is — who has it easier when it comes to dating or finding a partner for sex? To be clear, I recognise that relationships exist in many diverse forms, far beyond the traditional, monogamous, heterosexual model. I don't claim to fully grasp the nuances of every type of relationship. For the sake of focus, however, this reflection concerns relationships between male- and female-presenting individuals. I used to believe that female-presenting individuals had it easier when it came to dating, largely because they typically aren't expected to initiate interactions or make the first move. In many cases, it seems they just need to dress up and show up and there will be no shortage of people vying for their attention. Of course, I now recognise that this perception is heavily shaped by 'pretty privilege', which disproportionately benefits conventionally attractive women. A friend once challenged my view by pointing out that this dynamic — being pursued rather than pursuing — can be disempowering. It places women in the passive position of waiting to be chosen which, upon reflection, doesn't sound empowering at all. Some of my female-presenting friends argue that men, particularly heterosexual men, have it easier. They are seen as the ones who do the choosing and, crucially, enjoy broader social backing for their behaviour. For example, a man who has multiple sexual partners is often celebrated or, at the very least, not judged harshly — whereas a woman who does the same is frequently shamed. This discrepancy reflects deeper patriarchal structures that centre men socially and culturally. These structures often allow men to navigate life with fewer social constraints and less moral scrutiny. While it's arguably true that men benefit from these systems, I don't believe that societal validation necessarily confers moral legitimacy. The fact that society might praise or excuse a man who sleeps with many women doesn't make the act inherently admirable or ethically sound. Building on arguments like the one above — which only begin to scratch the surface — I've come to believe that the more important question is not who gets sex more easily, but rather, what are people's orientations toward sex ? In today's world, either party in a heterosexual dynamic can theoretically have as much sex as they want, although it's true that society often treats one more favourably than the other for doing so. I support people exploring their sexualities freely but I believe two important considerations are often overlooked. The first is self-control. Does experiencing a sexual urge automatically justify acting on it — or even having multiple partners to satisfy it? A common retort is, 'It's just sex.' But, in reality, it isn't just sex. Like in physics, every action has a consequence — though these might be less visible in the moment. Every sexual act, I believe, involves an exchange — not only of physical presence, but of something deeper. For example, bodily fluids like saliva or semen contain DNA, which is foundational to our biological identity. While these exchanges might not have immediate or visible effects, I suspect they register somewhere in our being, perhaps even subtly shaping how we relate to ourselves and others. Moreover, sexual intimacy triggers powerful hormonal responses. Oxytocin, often called the 'bonding hormone', is released during and after orgasm, creating emotional and psychological ties between partners. These biological realities are often minimised in favour of momentary pleasure but they suggest that sex carries more significance — physically, emotionally and spiritually — than we often admit. The second point — and, in fact, my main motivation for writing this piece — is the subtle but growing pressure placed on those who choose not to 'explore' sexually, particularly those who, by personal conviction, do not wish to have multiple sexual partners. A striking irony is emerging in contemporary discourse — while many champion sexual liberty and personal choice, that freedom is often only respected when it aligns with dominant expectations. In other words, you're free to do what you want — as long as what you want is what everyone else considers liberating. Increasingly, people who choose abstinence, monogamy or sexual restraint are made to feel as though they're missing out, failing to live fully, or even that something might be wrong with them. The pressure to 'just have sex' or 'have more partners' can be subtle or overt but it undermines the very principle of autonomy that sexual liberation claims to uphold. This is deeply problematic. True freedom should include the right not to participate, the right to say no without shame and the right to define one's values and boundaries on one's own terms. People should be supported in expressing their sexuality — or their decision not to — regardless of whether it aligns with cultural trends or popular narratives. Authentic self-expression sometimes means going against what is expected. That, too, is a valid form of liberation. Sex, as a deeply pleasurable act with the profound potential to create life, deserves to be acknowledged for what it truly is — something far more significant than just another casual activity or physical exercise. While people are free to explore their sexuality and have multiple partners if they so choose, those who decide otherwise should be equally respected. Choosing restraint, monogamy or abstinence is no less valid than choosing openness or experimentation. Ultimately, sexuality is a deeply personal journey. Different people have different values, goals and paths toward fulfillment — and they should be free to navigate those paths without judgment or pressure. True sexual freedom lies not in doing what is popular or expected but in having the agency to choose what aligns with one's own convictions, however that may look. Emmanuel Anoghena Oboh is a PhD student of philosophy at the Center of Applied Ethics, Stellenbosch University.
Daily Mail
04-06-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
Female law firm worker sued for victimisation after male colleague mentioned 'pretty privilege' and told her 'good girl'
A female law firm supervisor sued for victimisation after complaining about a male colleague discussing 'pretty privilege' - where better looking women are more likely to succeed. Catherine Guinee reported Aaron Hodges to bosses for claiming that attractive women are more likely to secure contracts, an employment tribunal heard. The 49-year-old also complained that he had said 'good girl' to her and his remarks led to him receiving a warning about the 'need to be careful about his use of language in the workplace'. However, after Miss Guinee lost her job shortly afterwards she launched legal proceedings claiming the firm had failed to investigate her allegations properly. Her claims were dismissed after the tribunal ruled that her employers had not ignored her complaint. The hearing in central London was told Miss Guinee started working at Pogust Goodhead, a London-based law firm with over 500 staff members, in March 2023. The firm set up a call centre for people to make claims relating to the diesel emissions scandal, with Miss Guinee - who suffers from multiple sclerosis - hired as a client services supervisor. The hearing was told that shortly after she started she made the complaint to boss Urika Shrestha about colleague Mr Hodges. Employment Judge Anthony Snelson said: 'We find that, probably very early on [Miss Guinee] did complain privately to her colleague about an exchange with Mr Hodges in which he had said 'good girl' to her and another in which the two had discussed 'pretty privilege', the notion that female candidates regarded as good-looking were more likely to secure training contracts than others seen as less attractive. 'We accept [Ms Shrestha's] evidence evidence that she spoke with Mr Hodges and reminded him of the need to be careful about his use of language in the workplace.' The tribunal did find that Ms Shrestha did not tell Miss Guinee that she had had this conversation, however, The tribunal heard that on April 11 - ahead of a meeting - she sent a message to her boss complaining about competition within the team. She sent another message to the head of HR, saying: 'I have relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis. I do not need mind games, being messed around, being pulled one way and another.' She then approached another line manager, clearly agitated, and started shouting that things were 'bullshit' and that she was being denied her access to certain reports because she was a woman. When the meeting started, when a colleague was speaking, Miss Guinee started pointing and shouting at her, the hearing was told. She again complained of 'bullshit' and called her a 'little girl', which shocked the other members of the team. She then called Mr Hodges 'adopted', 'scummy' and a 'money-grabber' and claimed Ms Shrestha was treating staff like 'slaves'. Ms Guinee was then asked to go home and it was later agreed by colleagues that she should be fired as 'she did not meet the standards required for her role'. She then sued for disability and sex discrimination as well as victimisation. Regarding Mr Hodges' remarks, the tribunal said: 'We find that there was no 'failure' to follow up the complaint' and also ruled that her gender and MS had nothing to do with her being fired as no one involved knew of her illness. EJ Snelson said: 'If, as we find, the decision to dismiss was taken at a time when the decision maker had no knowledge of the relevant medical condition, it follows that that condition cannot have been the reason, or a material reason, for the dismissal. 'It was common ground that at the time of dismissal [Miss Guinee] had taken no sick leave. She exhibited no symptoms in the workplace. 'The person who dismissed her was the very person who had interviewed and appointed her only a month earlier. The notion that he was disposed to discriminate against on her grounds of sex is entirely unsubstantiated. '[Miss Guinee] was dismissed in accordance with her contract, under which [Pogust Goodhead] was at liberty to terminate on notice.'
Forbes
22-05-2025
- General
- Forbes
Looks Matter In Leadership. Here's Why That's Not Superficial
Life offers a series of uncomfortable truths, often rooted not in surface-level perception but in our deeper human wiring. One of those truths is that appearance still matters. Whether we're talking about economic, social, or political advantage, there's long been an undercurrent of belief in what's known as "pretty privilege" or beauty bias. In 2025, discussing appearance and leadership in the same breath may seem outdated or offensive. We live in a time of heightened sensitivity, swift backlash, and disagreement often met with protest or cancellation. But here's the truth: how you show up still matters, and the data backs it up. A workplace survey conducted by StandOut CV in 2025 revealed a compelling trend: individuals who rated themselves as extremely attractive earned, on average, $19,945 more than those who rated themselves as unattractive. Even more telling, 71% of CEOs rated themselves a 9 or 10 out of 10, more than double the general population. Is this just about good-looking people getting a free pass? Or is appearance a proxy for something deeper: discipline, presence, intentionality, and commitment to excellence? Let's set aside the small minority of individuals born with standout genetics. For everyone else, appearance, especially in leadership, is less about vanity and more about values. Your physical presence can be visible proof of traits like discipline, attention to detail, a willingness to delay gratification, and high personal standards. These qualities, when cultivated consistently, naturally elevate your presence and aura. Studies have consistently shown links between physical appearance and professional outcomes. For instance, research in the Journal of Applied Psychology found that someone six feet tall earns nearly $166,000 more over a 30-year career than someone 5'5", even when controlling for gender, age, and weight. Each additional inch of height was associated with $789 more per year. But "pretty privilege" isn't always about being born with ideal features. A study published in Personnel Psychology had managers evaluate 300 mock elevator pitches. The more attractive individuals were deemed more hirable, but not simply because of their looks. What made the difference was nonverbal presence. Interestingly, even those rated lower on attractiveness gained similar influence by improving their posture, proving that executive presence isn't just for those rated high in innate attractiveness. In the StandOut CV study, 83.4% of respondents said people who invest in their appearance are perceived as more competent or professional. In today's world, where many standards have relaxed, appearance has become shorthand for consistency and care. Visual signals cut through noise and suggest reliability in a world of increasingly scarce attention. A leader's best investment is in themselves—physically, mentally, and professionally. Your body, mind, and presence aren't secondary assets in your leadership portfolio; they're primary assets. And yet, this comes with pressure. According to the StandOut CV report: But creating your own "beauty bias" isn't about following transient trends or trying to be someone else. It's about being intentional. It's about aligning your outer presentation with your inner standards so that what people see matches who you are. People trust those who show up with care because it suggests they'll likely bring the same care to their work. If you're looking to elevate your leadership and overall presence, start creating your own bias with the habits below: Workplace bias is real, especially when people are penalized for their race, hair texture, or failure to fit narrow norms. At the same time, 55.7% of respondents said they've downplayed their looks just to be taken seriously. Both extremes are problems. The key is intentionality, not conformity, and certainly not performative perfection. Appearance isn't everything, but it is something. It sends a message before you say a word. Self-care, fitness, and presentation aren't vanity metrics. These tools are strategic levers for elevating your leadership. In a competitive world where margins are razor thin, intangibles—like presence—can create meaningful separation. It may be an uncomfortable truth for some, but it remains true: appearance matters in leadership. Far from being superficial, it reflects how you think, live, and lead.
