Where is the Line Between Self-Care and Vanity?

[Sirk]

I think the line can be found by asking one question. Do I do things like taking care of my body for myself or do I do it for the acceptance of others.

 

[Utah]

No I tend to wink! HAHAHA

You got me on that one! Awesome!

Gotta go to work. Be blessed, my Sister!

 

[JeniBean]

You got me on that one! Awesome!

Gotta go to work. Be blessed, my Sister!

As do I...Be Blessed Utah!!!!

 

[kaylagrl]

Thank you so much!

Sisters need to life each other up. Women are harder on each other than men ever are. I told my husband that women dress for other women. I think its true. We tear each other down way too much. Just my 10 cents.

 

[Sirk]

Funny how the word vanity is related to the word vain. Vanity is a vain attempt to gain the love only God can give from man. Man (and women) will always fail to give you the acceptance and love and sense of well being that you so desire.

 

[Roh_Chris]

I have long learned that if I take care of myself, lets say with a weekly massage, monthly facial, etc. That I am caring for myself emotionally and physically. I take care of my skin and I reap the reward as I do not look any where near my age. Is that Vanity? I do not think so, I think its caring for the body God gave me.

Exactly what JeniBean said. Well, minus the monthly facial and weekly massage, but add the daily gym, a monthly haircut, a bi-monthly head massage and an annual massage.

I don't think I need any fixing because I know I am so flawless and perfect that I could make a peacock blush in shame. Nevertheless, I am quite modest, so I will accept that I do have an occasional strand of hair out of place or an unkempt eyebrow.



Okay, serious cat response-

I think it is okay to pamper ourselves, but it becomes vanity only if we obsess about it. I also have a question. Maybe the definition of what's vain and what's not could be cultural? In some parts of India, women who wear makeup and trim their eyebrows are considered vain, while in other parts they are expected to do that. Perhaps these definitions are subjective.

 

[Utah]

As do I...Be Blessed Utah!!!!

Okay, I'm at work.

 

[PoetMary]

I do find it interesting that "self care" is defined in a rather limited way. The same way that the world defines it, btw.

You don't say, eh.

Here's what you NEVER hear in Christian circles:

Wow! He attends church every Sunday....he really takes care of himself.
Did you notice how freely she worships God...that woman sure knows how to take care of herself.
You know, he prioritizes prayer because he takes care of himself.
Her devotion to serving God is such a great example of how she takes care of herself.

Instead, this is what you hear everywhere (church and the world):
She'll be going on vacation to take of herself.
He bought that new sports car because he's taking care of himself.
She diligent in her workout because she's taking care of herself.
He takes care of himself by only eating organic.

Taking care of yourself seems to be closely connected to consumerism and externals.

 

[Sirk]

Here's what you NEVER hear in Christian circles:

Wow! He attends church every Sunday....he really takes care of himself.
Did you notice how freely she worships God...that woman sure knows how to take care of herself.
You know, he prioritizes prayer because he takes care of himself.
Her devotion to serving God is such a great example of how she takes care of herself.

Instead, this is what you hear everywhere (church and the world):
She'll be going on vacation to take of herself.
He bought that new sports car because he's taking care of himself.
She diligent in her workout because she's taking care of herself.
He takes care of himself by only eating organic.

Taking care of yourself seems to be closely connected to consumerism and externals.

It all comes down to the heart behind it. What do you buy a new car. Why do you work out. Etc etc.

 

[NukePooch]

Where are your personal limits between self-care and vanity?

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