I admit that I’m very un-photogenic. Even my own mother tells me so. “Why do you look so bad in pictures? Practice how to pose in front of the mirror!” Perhaps it’s my natural awkwardness and/or low self-esteem manifesting itself on film. Or maybe I just don’t have the face for it.

Being an artiste, I’ve studied human anatomy and the human form many times (heck I had to stare at naked bodies for 8 hours straight every Saturday for an entire summer). Working in marketing, I sometimes have to pour through hundreds of photos, examining face after face. And I’ve noticed that there are certain features that definitely makes one easier to draw, or more pleasing to the eye when photographed:

1. Large eyes with dark, thick lashes
2. Small chin on women, large chin on men
3. Full, thick lips
4. Fairly symmetrical features

This isn’t too surprising. After all, these are the same features that scientists have declared to be what we, as humans, find the most attractive in the opposite sex.

I’m sorry to say that I don’t have any of those features. I have small eyes with non-existent eyelashes, thin lips, and a strong, prominent (masculine) jawline. However, I believe that these features “work” for me. I don’t have classically beautiful features, but I have been described as being “exotic” several times. There have even been instances where strangers have stopped me on the street to tell me that I’m beautiful (and not in a shady, I’m-hitting-on-you way).

Nonetheless, the fact remains that I still don’t photograph well due to these features.

I know a girl (I won’t mention her name lest she gets embarrassed) who is drop-dead gorgeous in real life, and many people agree with me. However, the very features that give her the unforgettable, exotic look (upturned almond-shaped eyes, slightly asymmetrical face) make her look horrible in pictures.

I also know of some people who look fabulous on film (thinner, younger, and generally more attractive) but they don’t look that great in real life. I often find myself comparing their pictures with their real-life-selves and wondering how they could look so good in pictures, even better than they are in real life. And I see that they have the same exact features I’ve outlined above.

There are also those who look exactly the same on film and in person.

Which category do you think you fall under? Are you happy with the way you look on film? Do you think you’re unphotogenic?

Also, if you want to know my opinion of whether I think you’re photogenic, leave me a comment and I’ll let you know.

Last Friday a friend and I had planned to have lunch at BonChon Chicken. However, upon arrival, we were disappointed to see that they weren’t yet open for the day. Walking around K-Town for an alternate restaurant, I noticed Pho32 & Shabu:

It’s a tiny place on 32nd St, and we wondered why we hadn’t noticed it before (did it open just recently?). The decor was cute, and each table had two round heated openings for the shabu-shabu pots. I was in the mood for some pho but we ended up going for the “Land and Sea” (combination of beef and seafood) shabu-shabu instead.

Yummy….my mouth’s watering just looking back at this picture. Needless to say, the food was great. The majority of people were eating pho so I assume their pho isn’t too bad either. We were very lucky to have arrive just as the lunch rush hour was starting – we only waited 5 minutes. However, those who arrived after us waited up to 30 minutes.

The bill came out to a little over $30 for the “Land and Sea” shabu-shabu and extra sides, which was perfect for two people. I highly recommend this restaurant. And since they’re open 24 hours, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to visit after a night out on the town.

This month’s Elle magazine has an interesting article titled “The Smart Girl’s Taboo: Wanting to be a Kept Woman.” In it, the writer contemplates the success of the E! television show The Girls Next Door and even spends some time with Hef’s three main ladies. She then asks why so many women are attracted to the show – can it be that deep down inside, even successful, independent women dream of being a kept woman?

I know many single or unmarried women who are well-educated, have successful careers, and live very comfortable lives. However, more than a few have told me directly:

“I only went into this field to meet successful (rich) men.”

or,

“I’m proud of what I’ve done and I’m happy with my life. But I want to meet someone who can support me and my lifestyle. After we’re married, I’ll quit and he can bring home the dough.”

Having attended Johns Hopkins, I’ve even met a few girls who admitted they only worked hard in high school to get into a good college so that they can meet a successful man (or a future doctor, in this case).

When I was younger, I thought love conquers all. “All you need is love” – John Lennon was a smart man. Just as long as you love each other, it doesn’t matter if you’re short on cash. The love you have for each other will more than make up for it.

Now, I admit that although love can be powerful, love can also be a lot easier if you have money. Would I love my future husband any less if he didn’t make as much? No. But I know we’d be struggling a lot more.

I’m not sure if I want to be a “kept woman,” per se. But I do know that after I’m married and have kids, I want to stay home for at least the first few years of their lives. And I want to know that my husband can financially support the entire family during this period.

I’d be lying if I said I never daydream about the lives of Holly, Bridget, and Kendra (okay, I watch the show sometimes). Granted, they will never have Hef’s 100% devotion. But aside from that, their wish is their command. They live the lives of princesses.

Are you or do you know anyone who dreams of being a kept woman?