Time Chinese women realize they are truly beautiful

I fit the typical American mold: I'm vain, facetious and mildly obsessed when it comes to matters of appearance. I calorie count and annually attempt short-lived bursts of extreme workouts - but can polish off a "Philly cheesesteak" like a professional. Now entering my senior year of college, I'm no stranger to constant body comparisons and waif-thin girls who whine, "I'm so fat," as they guiltily shovel low-fat frozen yogurt into their mouths.

But never before have I been witness to such a diluted self-image as appears to be the case in Beijing. Every morning I stand between beautiful women on the subway. I see petite figures and glossy haircuts, dressed in the latest European fashions - all in sample size.

Flawless skin complements the look, as do stylish shoes on small feet. I feel the self-deprecation building, thankful I wore my large aviator sunglasses. Initially, I assumed these women would be full of self-confidence. After all, I've nary seen a girl hold her own handbag, so I guessed their boyfriends must worship the ground their goddesses walk on.