1

I was trying to parse out whether separating yourself from vanity can be a release from a populist mindset and a transition to a more mature mindset. My thesis is that being less vain is more mature.

But then I thought of perfectly happy seeming people I know who are older and who still care about their appearance. I imagined if I were to ask them why they care so much they might say that the effort they put into looking good is a form of expression through, fashion, makeup, etc.

My question: what would be a good word to describe a healthy or creative habit of vanity?

I found vanity’s definition to be too negative and not an endearing term.

Improve this question
6
  • 3
    'Self esteem' describes the act of considering oneself to be worth something but in a sensible and balanced way, not over-estimating one's own worth. Neither 'vanity' nor 'self esteem' are restricted to the personal appearance and context is required to indicate the area within which the two characteristics operate.
    – Nigel J
    Sep 19, 2018 at 12:06
  • Can you talk more about how you hope to use this word? You could go with 'self-expression' to talk about the act of expressing creativity through their attention to appearance. It's not a single word, but you could say 'she takes pride in her appearance' to replace 'she is vain', which has fewer negative connotations.
    – AlannaRose
    Sep 21, 2018 at 22:57
  • The single-word-requests information page has a checklist at the bottom. Answering the questions in the checklist should make it easier for others to help.
    – AlannaRose
    Sep 21, 2018 at 23:21
  • 1
    I think you may not understand vanity properly if you think taking care in one’s personal appearance makes you vain. “excessive pride in or admiration of one's own appearance or achievements”
    – Jim
    Sep 22, 2018 at 0:20
  • How about "dresser", "bureau", "wardrobe", "chiffonier"?
    – Hot Licks
    May 12, 2019 at 0:15

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
1

Well-groomed

It means carefully looked after, presented, and attended to.

https://www.dictionary.com/browse/well-groomed

Improve this answer
0

How about 'self-admiration'? I'd say it's more P.C. and a bit nicer.

It's a bit like 'self-esteem', but closer in meaning to vanity.

https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/self-admiration

'self-admiration'- The admiration of oneself; undue pride in oneself or one's achievements

Improve this answer
0

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.