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Secret behind 'too beautiful' writer's confidence? Dad's love

We here at The Look wanted to let you know that Samantha Brick has written another essay about herself.Brick, you may recall, is the British writer who created not just a media sensation but a media cardiac arrest earlier this month when she wrote about the difficulties she’s weathered because of her good looks. Publications across the globe pounced on the story, and “Samantha Brick” became
In her latest essay, Samantha Brick describes how
In her latest essay, Samantha Brick describes howGrant Triplow / SOLO Syndication

We here at The Look wanted to let you know that Samantha Brick has written another essay about herself.

Brick, you may recall, is the British writer who created not just a media sensation but a media cardiac arrest earlier this month when she wrote about the difficulties she’s weathered because of her good looks. Publications across the globe pounced on the story, and “Samantha Brick” became a globally trending topic on Twitter for days. Brick even appeared on TODAY and fielded questions from Ann Curry like, “Are you serious?” and, “Are you aware of how narcissistic your piece sounded?”

Just when the roaring fire began to subside, Brick stoked the embers. In her most recent column in the Daily Mail, Brick reflected on the origin and sustaining power of her incredible self-confidence: Her dad.

“Ever since the day I came into this world, my dad, a retired nurse, has showered me with love and affection,” Brick wrote. “His love has been the key to my being able to love myself.”

Well ... that’s nice, right? Of course it is — it’s totally nice — unless, perhaps, you’re one of Brick’s sisters.

“For as long as I can remember, I got birthday cards from [my father] addressed to ‘my No 1 girl,’” Brick continued. “While he was probably referring to the fact I was his eldest daughter (he has five) I interpreted it as meaning I was No 1 in his life.”

Brick wrote about how she instinctively turned to her dad for solace when readers, pundits and the Twittersphere eviscerated her for her essay headlined, “‘There are downsides to looking this pretty’: Why women hate me for being beautiful.”

“Unable to understand why I’d become the focus of so much bitterness, he asked: ‘Why aren’t people directing such anger towards the real problems going on in this country?’” Brick relayed. “‘You’ve done nothing wrong, you’ve struck a nerve and you’ve proved that your point is valid. Treat them with the contempt they deserve.’”

Brick said this kind of unwavering support from her father has had a profound effect on her self-image.

“It’s the reason why when I look in the mirror, I don’t see a 40-something woman with crow’s feet, squidgy cheeks sliding southwards and the beginnings of a crepey chest. I see a twinkly eyed temptress who grins confidently back at me — one who stands tall, proud and with masses of va-va-voom.”

OK, it’s feedback time. What do you think? Does Brick make good points about the connection between dads and self-confidence? Do you wish you didn’t know so much about Brick’s family life? Please let us know in the comments area below!

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