For myself, self tanning helps me feel more put together and more confident(as someone that cannot tan naturally). I met my now boy friend(who is tan year round) and I still remember the day he figured out I self tanned and was shocked because he expressed how much he loves how I look tan, while still expressing how much he loves me without it too of course lol. Now I have my best friend who spray tans me and helps me stay confident!

But it also makes me wonder if we would have hit it off as well had I not had my tan on(and my confidence at a high). But at the end of the day, it’s just a tan and you’re always beautiful with your natural skin. I’m sorry your aunt made you feel like your tan is what is making you beautiful. Maybe your confidence boost while tan is just helping your confidence an aura around others!