Elevators are magical, aren’t they? I mean, wow. Wow. I don’t think anything makes a young woman more self-analytical than an elevator. You may be wondering—um, elevators? Yes.
It’s Friday night and all you want is a fun night out. With a tight black dress, a perfect cat-eye, and legs showcased by dangerously high heels, you’re ready to party. One last look in the mirror, and—yep, you look hot. It’s going to be a perfect night. Ready to go, you hop on the elevator. Initially, you’re alone and pumped for the night. Down a few floors, the elevator stops. Another girl walks in—also armed for a night out. Oh no. She’s gorgeous, a classic beauty. Her black dress is chic and romantic, is mine too sexy? Do I look like I’m trying too hard? Her makeup is natural and subtle—is my cat-eye too much? Her flats are adorable, are my heels too ambitious?
But as always, there’s two sides to every story…
It’s Friday night and she’s ready. With a flowing black dress, a nude eyeshadow finish, and comfortable ballet flats, she’s ready for a night out. One last look in the mirror, and—yep, she looks lovely. It’s going to be a perfect night. Ready to go, she hops on the elevator. Immediately upon walking in, everything changes. There’s a girl standing in the corner—she’s striking, dangerously beautiful. Her black dress accentuates her figure so well, is my dress too loose and innocent? Her cat-eye is perfect—I wish I could pull that off. Oh my, those heels. Her legs look incredible. Even though flats are more comfortable, maybe I should have opted for heels, too.
For many women, this is the reality of an innocent elevator excursion. And that’s their magic—an elevator, simply by moving a few floors, can deflate confidence and inspire self-consciousness. The punch-line? It’s not real. The grass is always greener on the other side. Just because you’re doing it differently, doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong.
As women, we tend to create the illusion of competition against other women. It doesn’t have to be this way. Instead of finding discomfort in varying modes of self-expression, we should find the differences inspiring. To appreciate another woman’s style while remaining confident in our own choices is a challenge. But it can be done, and all women deserve this liberation. Strive to embrace the styles of other women without succumbing to comparison.
Elevators are magical, aren’t they? But they don’t have to be—you make the choice.