Re Vanity - First of all, when it concerns the loss of the way one used to look, I don't think it is vanity to remember the physical beauty that was there and enjoy the memories it brings. It's like losing a friend, and remembering the happy times and beauty of those times together. There can be a mourning period and a time for sadness and even depression, but soon it turns to the happy memories that can always be there to enjoy. Choosing Vanity over one's life, however, is just plain dumb, and selfish to those around you who worry about losing you when you lose your life.
Secondly, most of us tend to see ourselves differently from the way others do. We get in real close to the mirror and focus on one particular area. Others see a much wider area and are influenced by other physical and non physical things. I was reminded of this years ago in my twenties with a co-worker in our office that no one considered particularly attractive. She was very difficult person to be around and just aggravated everyone. Several weeks after she was finally let go (fired) I happened to be watching the weather news and there was a new young lady giving a portion of that newscast, and I thought, Wow! what a beautiful woman!! Then, as I paid closer attention, I recognized her as the same person we had known in our office and whom no one ever thought was particularly attractive. I knew then, that there are many influences which help us decide what we observe as beautiful. And Christine and Eric are two of the most beautiful people I know!