I'd like to grow up and be beautiful. I know it doesn't matter

The soft murmur of the café filled the space, with the rhythmic sound of rain tapping against the window. Jack sat across from Jeeny, his coffee cup cradled in his hands, staring out at the rainy streets. Jeeny, sitting opposite him, seemed lost in thought, her fingers lightly tracing the rim of her cup.

Host: After a brief moment of silence, Jeeny spoke, her voice thoughtful but with a hint of curiosity.

Jeeny: “I came across a quote from Kirsten Dunst today that made me reflect on beauty and self-perception. She said, ‘I’d like to grow up and be beautiful. I know it doesn’t matter, but it doesn’t hurt.’ What do you think about that? Do you think beauty really matters in the grand scheme of things, or is it something we just naturally care about?”

Jack: He looked up, considering her question. “I think beauty, in the way Dunst describes it, is a complicated thing. It’s not something that defines us, but it’s something we often feel drawn to. We live in a world where aesthetics are valued, so it’s natural to desire beauty in some form. But the way Dunst puts it—she acknowledges that it doesn’t matter in the grand scheme, yet still, there’s this desire to have it. I think that’s something many people can relate to. We don’t want it to define us, but we also don’t mind having it.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. It’s like beauty can be both a source of confidence and a source of pressure. We live in a society that often holds physical beauty in high regard, and yet, we also know that true worth comes from much deeper places—character, kindness, and talent. But that doesn’t take away the fact that we still want to feel attractive, to fit into certain ideals. It’s a conflict between what we’re told matters and what we know deep down matters.”

Host: The rain outside had softened, leaving a quiet stillness in the café. Jack set his coffee cup down gently, his fingers resting on the edge as he continued.

Jack: “It’s a tension we all live with, I think. We know beauty isn’t everything, but there’s this human nature to care about how we’re perceived. It’s not about being vain; it’s about wanting to feel good in our own skin, to feel seen and appreciated. But at the same time, it’s a reminder that the more we focus on the superficial, the more we miss out on the deeper qualities that truly define us.”

Jeeny: “Yes, and I think Dunst’s quote also reflects how we sometimes downplay our desire for beauty, as if it’s something we shouldn’t care about. It’s almost like we’re afraid to admit that we want to be attractive, to meet societal standards. But in truth, it doesn’t hurt to want to feel beautiful, as long as we understand that it’s not the only thing that defines us. It’s part of the human experience to want to look and feel our best, but it doesn’t mean we lose sight of what really matters.”

Host: The atmosphere in the café seemed to deepen, a quiet understanding settling between them. Jack’s expression softened as he reflected on what Jeeny had said.

Jack: “Exactly. The key is in balancing it. Beauty is one aspect of who we are, but it doesn’t define our entire identity. When we can appreciate it without letting it dictate our worth, that’s when it becomes a healthy part of who we are. The desire for beauty doesn’t make us shallow—it makes us human.”

Jeeny: Her smile was small but genuine, filled with quiet understanding. “Exactly. It’s about embracing beauty in all its forms—whether it’s external or internal—and not letting it become the sole measure of who we are. Beauty can be part of the experience of living, but it doesn’t have to be the measure of our value.”

Host: The rain outside had stopped, leaving a quiet calm in its wake. Inside, Jack and Jeeny sat in the realization that beauty, while it might matter on a surface level, is only one part of the whole. Kirsten Dunst’s words serve as a reminder that wanting to feel beautiful doesn’t diminish our worth—it’s simply part of being human. True value comes from embracing all the aspects of who we are, both seen and unseen.