Most people usually don’t see you for who you really are.

They only see your exterior. They see only the beauty of your surface. They see the pretty clothes you wear. They see the makeup you have on.

No one sees the person behind that facade. No one sees the person who is more than just pretty. No one sees that person’s inner beauty.

Inner beauty is not something that will make a guy say: “Wow look at her, she’s beautiful.” They will say this, but they will hit on you just because they consider you good-looking.

Sadly, people get more and more attracted to the shallow beauty—to the first physical impression.

Every single human being wants to be recognized as more than just pretty. I know, and I want others to know that I am more than that.

These are the things I’d prefer to be—and I am—instead of being just “pretty”:

1. Authentic

I will do nice things to you because I want to. I like you, and I want to help you. I’m not doing this because I want others to see it make me look good. I don’t care what others think. I do it out of the genuine kindness of my heart.

2. Generous

I will give you my time and my love. I will always go an extra mile for you if I think you deserve it. When you mention the word ‘generous’, people associate it with money. But, money has got nothing to do with this.

3. Trustworthy

I am someone who can keep your secret. I am someone in whom you can confide. If you ever need a shoulder to cry on, I will be there to comfort you. No one will ever find out about any of your problems—at least not from me. You will never have to worry. Your secret is safe with me.

4. Inspirational

I want to inspire others to achieve greater and better things. I want to be successful, so people can learn from my example. I want to make mistakes, so others and I can learn from them. I want to make people believe they can achieve whatever they want to.

5. Simple

I don’t look for much in life. The only thing I want is to have enough food for a day. I want a place where I can sleep. Everything else I can get by hard work. The most important thing is that you are given a chance—one chance to make a step forward. You have to take it, and the rest follows.

6. Honest

I want people to know that I never lie. I don’t need to lie. I’m satisfied with my life as it is. I’m happy. I want others to recognize my honesty and to respect it. When I say something, I want everyone to know it’s something that I really think. It doesn’t have to be true, but I believe in it.

7. Funny

I want people to get my jokes. I want to make everyone around me laugh. I’m the type of girl who will never end her story without laughing so hard. I am the type of girl who will make others laugh, even if the joke is on me.

8. Flawed

I am not perfect, and I don’t want others to think I am. I am not some precise machine that calculates everything up front. I make mistakes—I am human. I have flaws. But the thing is, I embraced my flaws, and I learned to live with them. So, don’t think of me as flawless.

9. Humble

Whatever compliment I might get or acknowledgment, I will never let it go to my head. I will still respect and live by the same values I’ve lived before. I will continue to be all of these things. I will always know how to say ‘thank you’ and be polite. I will never forget where I came from and how hard I worked to become successful.

10. Supportive

No matter what, I will be there for anyone. If someone needs my help or reassurance in something, I will be there. I will give them my support, even if I don’t believe they’ll make it. I know you have felt it in your bones if you want to make it—as I did.