My Nose Isn't Big, I Just Happen To Have A Small Face.

Growing up, I had friends saying I have a big nose and that's the only thing noticeable in my face. Once, I even got called 'Indian Pinocchio' by a boy I don't wish to name. To be honest, I actually didn't see it. The only thing I realized was that little hump on my nose. But from the amount of comments I received, I got the message - I have a big nose. 

Take a good look at that nose.

There' a kutty (short) story for that hump - I had a fall when I was seven, a face-to-the-ground fall while playing with my cousin, Elicia. I tripped, fell, lifted my head up, saw blood stain on the floor & went back to the same position I fell and waited for someone to pick me up cos I freaked out after seeing the blood. My sister came to the rescue and my poor cousin got scolding for my fall. The story doesn't stop there. After a few weeks, at school, I walked into a pole. Yeah, I WALKED INTO A POLE! **Stop laughing you mean people** Accidents happen and in my case, there's a very suitable Tamil saying which goes "Patta edethele thiripu padethu" (Injuring the same place over & over again). 

But you know what, I was okay back then, in other words, I was in good terms with my nose until my teenage years. People repeatedly picked on my nose and I started hating my nose for that reason. It is sad that people fail to realize how their statements / "jokes" about appearances can make one feel. I obviously felt insecure and pressured - "Am I not pretty enough?" I used to stand in front the mirror thinking why of all the noses in the world, I got this! And things got worse - you know how the media world fail to represent all body types and all skin colors, I think it is just about the same for noses. Only small and sharp noses are considered attractive. Hence models / actresses have such variations of noses and even if they don't, they alter it to fit in. Sad, isn't it? Haaiih. 

Did you know back in 2018, there was a campaign to break the big nose taboo which of cos I think is a great effort because I can relate to it. You can check it out too - #sideprofileselfie. But do we need such a campaign? I really don't think so. We, humans need to be a little more kind with our words. If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all.  

I don't quite remember when I accepted my nose but yeah, I have. I started seeing myself as whole package, and not just fret over my nose. And in fact, now I think I've got a pretty cool nose which I can reach out with my tongue. Can you? Press play for visual proof. 

Cool, right? Thanks to my big nose, I too have a hidden talent. 😜 So, with all this being said, here's a public apology to my nose. "Dear Nose, I'm sorry for the times I said you were too big and wished you were different. You're perfect!" And to all other nose owners - big nose, broad nose, flat nose, wide nose, bumpy nose, just any kind of nose, just remember - Whatever the shape of your eyes or nose - a joyful face is always a beautiful face.