There is no second thought on the fact that we’re always thinking either we are too skinny or too fat or too tall or too short. I too am left thinking about the same myself. In fact, we’re shaming each other and we’re shaming ourselves, which can prove detrimental in the long run.
None of us need to conform to the skinny standards. There are plenty of ways to handle your encounter with body shaming.
1. Handle Smartly:
We live in a world where dealing with shaming imagery and messages is literally an everyday, non-stop thing. For example, if the offending person is a member of the family or a good friend, letting their dinner table comment slide and not disrupting what is otherwise a pleasant evening might be an act of self-preservation. In those instances, try gathering your thoughts and talking with the person privately later on. Remember, it’s usually more about the other person than it is about you. Try to detach yourself from their comments and negativity. Also try to analyze the comment if it comes from a loved one, may be their intention is for your good. So next time your mom or a friend mentions that your clothes look tighter than usual, remind yourself that this could be her gone-awry attempt to show you they care.
2. Go further on to build up your confidence:
It’s natural and human to feel upset by criticism, but if you manage not to let those words infect your mood and thoughts, you’re becoming a more self-possessed person, one who refuses to be the victim of someone’s insensitivity or judgy-ness. Learn to love yourself no matter what someone else says or thinks about you. Develop the ability to navigate difficult situations with grace and dignity.For instance, if someone is making fun of your hair, you can post a pic showing what you love about it, including a caption, such as “Others may not love it, but I think my hair rocks!”
3. Build a Strong, Healthy Self-esteem:
You don’t need to justify your appearance to anyone. You shouldn’t have to send pictures randomly, begging him/her to recognize your sexiness and femininity. You should never wait for validation that will never arrive. Focus on healthy lifestyle habits to stay a disease-free life. Train to stay healthy and eat a balanced diet. Find pleasure in your body, claim its beauty, and care for your body to the best of your ability. Do this because you love your body, not because you hate it.
4. Take Note, It’s May Not be About You:
Remember that the shaming, cruel things another person says are about their own prejudices and misconceptions, not about who you are as a person. Though it might be the shamer’s intention to make you feel like crap, you don’t have to absorb their words, take them seriously, or think about them for any longer than the moment.
5. Get Instant Therapy from your Friend:
It’s 100% okay to reach for your phone, even at a formal family gathering. Grab your purse, head to the bathroom, and hit up your most empathetic buddy — or whoever’s likely to reply ASAP. Experts agree that moral support from your other family — the one you get to choose — is key to getting through these moments with your sense of humor (and sanity) intact.
As said by Sasha Pieterse, The Pretty Little Liars “You and your health are what matters, not anyone else’s opinions and assumptions of you. Getting healthy isn’t just about working out and eating right (however extremely important) it’s also about surrounding yourself with those who care about you and want to see you succeed and become the best you can be”
Remember, Comparison is one long, agonizing death. You are unique creation of nature, Be proud of your body.