As a woman, it’s natural to use anything with a decent reflection as a mirror. Nowadays, even men are becoming equally obsessed with shiny surfaces. Why the fascination? Personally, I only look in the mirror twice a day — once to apply my makeup in the morning and the second to take it off at night. I don’t fuss with my hair in the rear view mirror, check my face when I see a window…nothing. Yet I see almost everyone else take a peek every chance made available.

It wasn’t until I sat at this very desk that I really started to notice how much people actually look at themselves. You see, I sit next to a window that has mirror tinting on the outside and no one even knows I’m here. This creates a bit of entertainment for me. I see women and men come up to the window and check their hair, makeup, jewelry, clothes, teeth…everything. Even kids take a peek!

This could be the very reason that some people are so wrapped up in plastic surgery. By constantly looking in the mirror, picking at every fine line and wrinkle, these men and women often end up at a plastic surgeon’s office. Is this vanity or simply taking care of one’s appearance? Most of us are trying to do all we can to stay young and beautiful, even when we’re only in our mid-20s.

I asked a few of my co-workers if they use reflective surfaces as mirrors or simply walk past them. While many of them did confess to looking at any reflection made available, I was actually a bit surprised at some of the responses I got.

Jacquie: “Nope, I don’t look. I am in the restroom washing my hands then I look, but just a quick glance to make sure I am not a huge mess.”

Charles P.:  “I am in the middle; I will look as I am walking by.”

Elana: “I look from every angle at every opportunity.  Mall mirrors, microwave reflections, puddles of water…everything. But seriously, I don’t conscientiously look at the mirror more than about three times during the day, and it’s only because I may have something in my teeth. So if there is a time that I am near my reflection — I make it a point to look. I am always conscious of how my clothes fit. Different mirrors show different stuff!”

Matt: “It depends. Sometimes I look and sometimes I don’t, but I would say that I hardly ever stop and look. I would say I usually only look in a mirror once or twice throughout the day.”

Leeann: “Yup, I look. I’d say about 10-15 times, maybe even more!”

Randy: “I look just to make sure I look presentable. The only time I really concentrate on my reflection is when I’m getting dressed to go somewhere; and that would just be for a few minutes to make sure I look alright.”

Sara: “Don’t know why, but I always look. This is probably a good thing, because I always find something that is out of place, such as my hair being wild. I never thought about it, but I do it all the time.”

Dan: “Usually I stop, wink at myself… then flex and make kissy faces… you know…all the typical stuff.”

Do you often stop to look at your reflection, or keep walking?

Photo credits: Photobucket