How important do you think your appearance is? How do you think it affects the way other people treat you?
I think it is vital. If how you look is the way you choose to represent yourself to the world, then you should try to make the best possible job of it. I don't mean that a person should just try to fit in with other people, out of a feeling of insecurity. But you are constantly judged on how you look, therefore it is in your interests to make sure that you look as good as you can.
Taking a pride in your appearance is part of developing your character, and your own unique identity.
I think my overall appearance is very crucial, and I know how I appear affects people's perception of me.
I'll give you an example that happened to me the other day.
I'm 5 foot 2inches. I wear 2 1/2 to 3 inch heels all the time so that I am able to look people in the eye without looking up. (When I say heel, read dress boots. I don't actually wear "heels". )
The other night, I was talking to a friend whom I have known for almost a decade, and I made the comment that I was tired of not being able to reach the top shelf in my apartment. She asked if they were 7 feet above me or something. I pointed out how short I am. She didn't believe me. She was convinced that I was at least 5 foot 5. In fact, she first said I was 5 foot 7, and I laughed. This is a woman who has seen practically nude. She's been around me when I wasn't wearing my heels. She's had much time to compare height. Yet, she was positive I was much taller.
So, we started talking about why she had this perception.
Height in a person often equals power and success. Think about it. We make fun of short leaders, and France's current leader wears stacked heels because he's short.
I have a very powerful personality. I have been told (though often doubt) that I am a natural leader. I am very assertive. I can be aggressive if the situation calls for it. People I know tend to turn to me when we need something coordinated. If you ever meet me in person, I promise you'll have no problem recognizing me in the crowd. This isn't because I'm stunningly attractive or super fugly. It's my personality. It's how I hold myself... with authority whether I'm trying or not.
Point being, my friend assigned to me in her head the height she thought my personality deserved. Apparently, I deserve about 5 more inches.
I am not an immaculate dresser. I always have a stray hair. I wear glasses. I'm overweight (this is a fact, I'm not downing myself). But, I am well groomed. My clothes always fit me well when I go in public, and I always dress appropriately for whatever the occasion is.
I am careful of my body language. I'm normally very aware of gestures and how I phrase things (because I had to learn how to speak without a East Texan accent).
I present a picture of competence to the world.
I find it important to do so. First impressions make or break deals.
Let me be clear. I've never considered myself attractive. To compensate, I've created a facade of competence. It works for me. It makes me feel strong, and I've managed to have some really strong, intimate relationships because of it.
I wouldn't say "ordinary".
(I also find you very attractive. And funny too. I still laugh at the pictures of you hanging off of stuff like Spiderman you posted on Facebook. 
)
That's so funny. I'm also 5'2". But, I go through phases between caring how others perceive me, then not caring.
I'm 5'2" but people who don't see me often tend to remember me as being a few inches taller. I'm overweight (something I don't grumble about because it's strictly my own doing, and it's up to me to change it) and am talkative, so I stand out if I want to. My height hasn't bothered me for years as there's nothing I can do about it. If I'm in a shop and can't reach something the line "Excuse me, you look like a friendly tall person, can you get that for me, please?" has never failed me yet. 
