Hi, I’m Nick Simcock, an English Language coach. I help Italians to unlock their English. A transcript of this podcast can be found in the description.

Why we want to look good

We spend so much of our time in the bathroom, cleaning and shaving, cutting our nails, doing our hair and applying creams and makeup. People can spend even more time carefully choosing what to wear. Never ending titivating, trying to make ourselves at least presentable and at best drop dead gorgeous. So why do we do it

There are of course many reasons. First, a quick look at the animal kingdom reveals one of the biggest: the importance of being an attractive mate. It seems that the biggest, most impressive and colourful tail feathers usually win the game. Another reason is simply to feel good about ourselves. And the processes of male grooming and female beauty treatments can be fun and therapeutic, and also social. Sometimes, it’s to set a good example to our children, or to please our partner. How we appear to others is also connected to our identity and individuality. Even those who say they have turned their back on being smart and presentable have made a choice. It’s also possible to become trapped in social conventions, where you feel like you must wear a certain uniform to fit in.

They say ‘you never get a second chance to make a first impression’. This is especially true in fast paced business situations where you have little time to stand out from the crowd. The very first information we receive when meeting a new person is visual and we subconsciously arrive at conclusions long before any words are spoken. This instinct comes from our ancient past, from a time before language as we know it today. Within seconds of meeting someone we are deciding if they are friend or foe, or a potential mate.

It’s a good idea to be aware of what you look like and what it communicates to other people. For example, making an effort to look good suggests that you’re not lazy and that you pay attention to detail. Good personal hygiene is not only pleasant for other people it reflects self discipline and personal awareness. These things give the idea that you're a motivated ‘go - getter’ who knows success. But, also be aware that just wearing an expensive business suit can label you as a ‘power dresser’, which is when a person attempts to win work and influence people by how they dress.

Anyone who’s been around the block a few times knows that ‘you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover’, and yet we continue to fall for superficial beauty. Just think about how many people in the world today across the internet are admired and praised simply because of their good looks. Only experience teaches us to be cautious and not always trust your eyes, there are many ‘sharks in Armani suits’, as the saying goes.

For whatever reason you want to look good there’s no doubt that feeling good about your appearance boosts your confidence. It gives you higher self esteem, especially if you receive compliments. You feel, act and speak more positively and this undoubtedly improves your life. You stop worrying about other people’s opinions and start being proactive.

Some people believe in ‘love at first sight’, but that has to be superficial, just a visual attraction. True and lasting love must take into account behaviour and personality, not just looks. In this world of the deep fake and the super famous I believe it’s important to remember that how you act, your morals and staying true to your word are among the most important qualities, even if they may go unnoticed by the crowd.

A full transcript of this podcast can be found in the description. You can find out more about me on my website - speakwithnick.it

Ciao for now!