The Surprising Struggles and Problems Handsome Men Face

The Unique Struggles Good Looking Guys Face

Being an attractive, good looking guy may sound like an ideal situation on the surface. But behind the pretty face, hunky physique and charm, there are some real struggles uniquely faced by good looking men in our society. Contrary to popular belief, being handsome isn't always easy! Read on to learn about some of the surprising problems and challenges attractive guys have to deal with.

Assumptions About Personality

People often make automatic assumptions that good looking individuals must also have an equally attractive personality. They are expected to be outgoing, confident, exciting, successful and popular just based on their appearance. In reality, judging a book by its cover is never accurate. Handsome men can be introverted, insecure, shy or disconnected socially just like anyone else.

Difficulty Being Taken Seriously

Unfortunately, some individuals have a hard time looking past a good looking exterior to see intelligence, competence and skill. Attractive men may have to work harder to prove themselves in academic or professional settings where they aren't initially taken seriously. People doubt their abilities or assume they coasted on looks alone.

Resentment and Envy From Others

The green-eyed monster rears its ugly head towards men blessed genetically with good looks. Jealous people make snarky comments, exclude them from social events, undermine their confidence and attempt to make themselves feel better. Dealing with resentment or questioning motives of new acquaintances makes connecting genuinely harder.

Objectification From Women And Men

Getting treated as a sexy object rather than a whole person with feelings and desires takes its toll. Good looking guys get openly leered at, approached solely for physical gratification, and have their other attributes ignored. They may even receive unwanted touch or aggressive advances from women and men alike.

Lack of Substance Perceived

If an attractive guy dresses fashionably, cares for his appearance and hits the gym, less mature people may assume they are vain, self-obsessed, superficial or lack depth. In reality, taking pride in yourself physically has little bearing on internal character. But they may feel pressure to downplay their looks to be taken seriously.

Comparisons to Celebrity Lookalikes

Repeatedly being told you look like insert handsome celebrity can seem flattering initially. But it undermines individuality and uniqueness. Good looking guys want to be appreciated for their own special qualities, not just compared to famous doppelgangers.

Assumed Promiscuity

An unfortunate stereotype persists that attractive men sleep around, can't commit long-term, care only about hookups and take advantage of their appeal. In truth, being desired doesn't equate having loose morals. Assuming all good looking guys are players is grossly unfair.

High Maintenance Label

Well-groomed, fashionable men may get labeled high maintenance or metrosexual. In reality, good hygiene and self-care shouldn't be gendered. Taking pride in your appearance doesn't make you vain or effeminate. But societal norms pressure men to be careless about looks.

Easier Weight Gain With Age

Chances are, the fast metabolism and lean muscle mass that kept an attractive guy effortlessly svelte in his 20s won't last forever. As hormone changes and slowing metabolism hit, keeping fit and slim becomes much harder work. Looking ageless requires diligence.

Passing Prime Invisibility

Looking youthful provides obvious social advantages in our culture for men and women. But once a handsome man hits his 30s and 40s, he may turn invisible as passed over for younger alternatives. No longer getting positive attention can damage self-esteem.

Being Valued For Looks Only

Good looking guys may wonder if loved ones value them for inner qualities or just superficial appearance. Do "friends" want arm candy or meaningful connection? Does a partner seek a real relationship or just an attractive conquest? Not knowing true motives breeds insecurity.

Dating and Relationship Struggles

Navigating romance comes with unique challenges for good looking men. Here are some common issues they may face.

Questioning Sincerity of Interest

An automatic wariness comes with dating to analyze if potential partners are genuinely interested in them or just blinded by appearance. It's hard to know if chemistry is real or just superficial initial attraction.

Objectification From Dates

Good looking guys deal with feeling objectified, sexualized too quickly and reduced to "hot stud" status even by dates hoping for romance. Getting treated like a prize piece of meat makes real connections elusive.

Resentment From Their Partner

Even in committed relationships, attractive men deal with unwarranted jealousy and resentment. Significant others may hate the lustful attention received, make accusations about cheating or expect constant reassurance.

Not Being Taken Seriously as a Partner

Dismissing handsome men as all style over substance with no capacity for real love and commitment is extremely frustrating. They have deep inner lives and desire meaningful partnerships just like everyone else.

Assumed Vanity

Partners may misinterpret time spent on self-care like fitness, good nutrition and grooming as narcissism or being self-absorbed. But looking and feeling your best shouldn't be misconstrued as unhealthy vanity.

Pressure to Downplay Appearance

Some insecure partners excessively encourage neglecting appearance or avoiding attention to avoid being overshadowed. But expecting someone to downplay natural gifts to protect your ego just breeds resentment.

Coping With Unwanted Attention

Dealing with unsolicited advances, stares and propositions simply because of handsome looks can be demoralizing. Here's how good looking guys manage.

Setting Clear Boundaries

Don't allow unwanted touching, personal inquiries or invading your space. Be direct yet civil in rejecting advances to discourage future offenses by the same people.

Surrounding Yourself With Real Friends

Build friendships based on shared values, interests and personalities rather than appearance. True friends see beyond the superficial and like you for you.

Boosting Your Self-Worth

Focus on achievements, passions, morals and spirituality to define your sense of self-worth, rather than physical appearance subject to change. Remember your true value.

Letting Complements Roll Off Your Back

Getting thick skin helps insincere praise, catcalls and propositions go in one ear and out the other. Don't internalize other's projections.

Using Humor Tactfully

A witty comeback said tactfully yet firmly can diffuse an awkward advances with grace. Turn the attention back on the other person.

Exuding Self-Confidence

Hold your head high and embrace your appeal proudly as an asset. Projecting confidence wards off those looking for an easy target for harassment.

Being Adept at Deflection

Master the art of deftly changing the subject back to neutral matters. Deflect personal questions or steer conversations to professional topics.

Keeping Fit Without Vanity

Stay physically fit to feel healthy and strong rather than garner external validation. Don't conflate self care with cockiness.

Developing Inner Qualities

Cultivating well-roundedness helps good looking guys be appreciated for more than their exterior. Useful strategies include:

Pursuing Passions and Talents

Develop skills and knowledge that make you interesting beyond your looks. Be a life-long learner driven by curiosity, not praise.

Volunteering Your Time

Giving back to causes you care about demonstrates selflessness and compassion. Be motivated by making a difference, not accolades.

Traveling the World

Immersing yourself in other cultures expands your worldview. Value the journey of enrichment over the Instagram posts.

Building Your Career

Striving to better your professional skills shows ambition beyond getting by on charm. Let aptitude speak for itself.

Reading and Learning

Develop informed opinions, empathy and intellect through books, documentaries and deep conversations. Welcome growth.

Surrounding Yourself with Substance

Avoid superficial people and seek out friends with depth, passion and wisdom who appreciate you fully. Quality over quantity.

Self-Care Strategies

Make self-care a priority to develop confidence beyond your handsome facade. Useful habits include:

Journaling Regularly

Record your innermost thoughts and process emotions through writing. Self-reflection is the antidote to surface-level interactions.

Practicing Gratitude

Focus on blessings rather than burdens. Count each positive as more important than any slight.

Listening to Your Needs

Take time alone when drained by others' demands. You come first sometimes.

Saying No

Don't agree to unwanted advances or situations to please others at your detriment. Set boundaries.

Surrounding Yourself With Positive People

Cut out toxic relationships with jealous, manipulative or judgmental people. Value sincerity.

Embracing Therapy

Work through any self-esteem issues, resentment or feelings of being objectified with an expert. Heal through self-knowledge.

Meditating Often

Unplug from the obsession with external and tune into your inner voice through regular silent meditation.

Forgiving Others

Let go of grudges around rude comments or unfair treatment to clear your spirit. You can't control others' issues.

Staying Grounded

Keeping perspective prevents letting looks inflate your ego. Strategies for humility include:

Surrounding Yourself With Honest People

Candid friends and family who see beyond appearances keep you real. Value truth-tellers.

Volunteering Your Time

Giving back builds empathy and reminds you of real-world problems bigger than you.

Owning Your Insecurities

Denying flaws breeds defensiveness. Accepting imperfections leads to self-acceptance and compassion for others.

Staying Curious About People

Ask thoughtful questions and listen intently to uncover hidden depths in new acquaintances.

Being Kind to All

Treat those society undervalues like the elderly, disabled and "unattractive" with respect. See all humans as equals.

Expressing Gratitude

Don't take positive attention or compliments for granted. Say thank you sincerely.

Using Your Appeal to Help Others

Uplift friends and worthy causes by lending your time and publicity. Stay humble in using your influence.

Conclusion

Despite what stereotypes suggest, good looking guys deal with a host of unique judgment, pressure and complex social dynamics. But by developing well-roundedness, setting boundaries, being true to themselves and caring for inner qualities, attractive men can thrive socially and find fulfillment beyond the superficial.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.