Mirror, $5

I used to think that after experiencing the pain of childbirth, the pain of dental work would seem like a walk in the park. But nope, it turns out I’m just as anxious about visiting the dentist as ever. So what makes a person impervious to pain? Vanity seems to help. Going under the knife is painful, but people elect to do it because the prospect of being better-looking is that much of a motivator. Either that, or the pain of becoming more and more invisible hurts more.

I do tip my hat to people who choose the path of pain; it takes some doing. But it must be a sad day indeed when a woman looks in the mirror and finally comes to the conclusion that great hair and make-up just ain’t gonna cut it anymore.