How Toxic People Negatively Affect Your Body Image And Self-Esteem (And What You Can Do About It!)
It seems like our body image is assaulted on a daily basis, don’t you think?
From movies and television where beautiful people live and frolic to the new smartphones where everyday people can airbrush themselves to perfection, we’re faced with the fact that we’re not perfect.
Oh and if you thought this body image issue is solely with the girls, you’re wrong. According to The Guardian, negative body image is impacting the boys too.
If that weren’t enough to make us run home, smash all of our mirrors, and hide in our safe spaces, some of the important people in our lives are falling prey to the negative body image façade too.
And worse yet, they’re unloading their tainted, warped perspectives onto you and me.
Aren’t these the people who are supposed to love us unconditionally?
Aren’t these the people who are supposed to lift us up?
Yes and no. In my opinion, I think people have a tendency to forget that no one and nothing in life is perfect. The number on your scale, how big your breasts are or penis is, or how clear your complexion is certainly does not define your value in life.
Everyone has imperfections. Big butts, freckles, and other visual markers all make you unique. And those imperfections are what make you perfect in your own way.
Has anyone told you you’re perfect just the way you are. Who wants a country of supermodels or Stepford Wives anyway? That would be boring.
But let’s be honest, shall we? We can’t control the media. We can’t control advertising. However, we can impact the people and the immediate environment around us simply by speaking up.
If someone close to you is making you feel bad about the way you look or about the way they think you SHOULD look, explain to them how you feel when they say those hurtful comments. If they care about you and are willing to actually open their ears and listen, they may change their ways. If not, reduce your contact with these toxic people so you can minimize the impact their comments have on you.
There is no shame in cutting off contact with people who are making you miserable, even if they’re related to you. You have to do what you can to preserve yourself, your self-esteem, and your sanity.
If that someone close to you happens to be a girlfriend or a boyfriend, the same applies to them too. From my experiences, in order for a relationship to work, both people have to be attracted to each other for more than just physical attributes.
If you need to completely change for your significant other, you’re better off finding someone else or being by yourself for a while.
Once you’re comfortable with who you are, life gets a whole lot better. You don’t need to be a Barbie doll or Dwayne Johnson to value yourself.
Unfortunately, me telling you these things won’t change anything for you. You need to believe in yourself.
Take baby steps. Start today. You can begin by not being so hard on yourself.
Want more? If you found this article helpful and are in need of additional guidance, grab a copy of my book, “Grounded Girl’s Guide to Dealing With Difficult People and Saving Your Sanity.”