You know, a lot of this also (at least somewhat) applies to people like me who are aging and losing our former health and vigor.

When I was young and full of health and energy, I could shake my hair out, throw on a T-shirt and jeans, and take for granted that people would find me perfectly respectable and worthwhile.

But now that I'm over 60 and my health is poor even for my age, I have to put a lot of energy and money into looking even barely presentable, according to unrealistic standards people have come to expect — perhaps because of influencers who have the time and money to look fabulous a few minutes a day for the camera.

Well, I don't look fabulous. I resent feeling pressured to look fabulous. And you know what makes it really hard sometimes?

People just presume I'm going to take a Zoom meeting. Like it's no big deal. Well, it's a big deal for me, especially on days when I just Don't Have The Energy to spend on my appearance — to pretend to be somebody I'm not. What the hell happened to phone calls and memos?

Anyway, enough about me. I hear you loud and clear! Our society focuses quite unfairly on trivial matters like dress and makeup. Those should not be important considerations in evaluating somebody's character or worthiness.

Thanks for writing about that so clearly!