Ever since we were kids, we have been taught that vanity is wrong. We should try to be less vain, we should love others more than ourselves, and that we must always put others’ needs in front of ours. Unfortunately, this has led to people burning out because of always trying to meet others’ needs; it has led to people believing that loving one’s self is bad. Obviously, this is not the true definition of vanity; self-love is very important for an individual and their psyche. To be clearer on the subject, vanity means for an individual to be obsessively preoccupied with themselves; more specifically, the way they look or the way people see them. Vain people usually try more than anything to appear to others, or to themselves, as if they are better or superior in some way. For example, vanity can be noticed while out with someone; a vain person would always go for the most popular of brands with no regard for quality. However, if you find that this applies to you, it doesn’t mean that something is seriously wrong, or that you should be seeing a professional.
We all like to treat ourselves; it’s not a big deal, but there are some things that you should watch out for.
Your Financial Position
When you feel that your vanity is pushing you towards buying overly expensive things. By this, I mean that you get a compulsive urge to spend large sums of money. Remember, this doesn’t mean that you should skip on going to VIVAA; your health is a priority. However, if you find that luxury brands and intercontinental restaurants are putting you in debt, it is probably time for you to visit a therapist.
Your Self-perception
We all love to dress nice, and buy the finest things but, when a person who isn’t struggling with vanity doesn’t do that, they don’t find it to be a crippling problem. On the other hand, vain people tend to get their self-esteem from the objects they own.
If not wearing that Armani suit, or not carrying an insanely expensive Gucci bag results in you feeling excessively inferior, or worthless, you may have a problem. It means that you may be determining your value based on external items, rather than your own identity. It also means that you may have a serious problem with vanity.
Your Work
Another thing that a person who is struggling with vanity might use to make themselves feel superior, or of worth, is work. They tend to go to extreme measures to make sure that they are the best; and when they feel that they’re not, it hits hard. So, if you feel that you are burying yourself in work for the wrong reasons, you may want to talk to someone.
Vanity is considered to be similar to narcissism. In an article published on Psychology Today by Dr. Susan Whitbourne, she says that vanity could easily be understood as a variant of narcissism. On the other hand, it is critically important to know the difference between vanity and healthy self-love; it is perfectly normal to take care of yourself and to treat yourself every once in a while.