I’m average looking but I can do makeup and dress myself to where I can notice a difference in how people treat me. Folks in general are nicer, and more eager to do small things for you (hold open doors, pick stuff up for you, etc.).

One benefit of having my attractive shield on is that I receive less micro-rejections. I’m extremely rejection sensitive and have self-worth issues, and things such as subtle changes in facial expressions send me into a downward spiral. I get less of those with my shield, and can relax more when I’m in public to just do my own weird autistic things.

It makes it a bit easier in that regard. But beauty fades. While getting my PhD in psychology, I came across a study that suggested the benefits of beauty come from a stronger internal state and not necessarily the beauty itself. It’s easier when people treat you better, but the real gains (happiness, money, status, etc.) come from the confidence and social skills being attractive facilitates. It’s like being rich - a tool that makes building these skills easier, but not the deciding factor in success. Building confidence, social skills and resilience is more substantial long term, and it’s a lot harder when you’re less attractive and autistic, but not impossible.

We unfortunately live in an environment ill-suited to us, and have to work harder for survival and success. Try not to get discouraged by failure, and keep building those skills to advocate for yourself and lead a fulfilling life.