Body image?

[Beetlejuice]

**I wasn't sure where to put this so I decided here would be most appropriate because it's not about eating disorders which, judging by the title, would be the most appropriate place to put it but it's not about that, please move it if in the wrong place**

I'm a healthy curvy 17 year old girl, I'm only a little 'overweight' for someone my size and age and I'm only a little unfit (I'm not a sporty person but I still run about and stuff)
Surely I should be happy with myself?
Thing is society and my subconscious seem to dictate otherwise.

The other day I resolved to love myself, including my body (which, in the past, has been a contributor to self harm [SH free now]) there is nothing obviously wrong with me apart from a couple of easily hidden small scars. I'm the average clothes size for a woman from the UK.

But I still can't seem to get away from this desire to look different. My boyfriend tells me I'm beautiful and I'm over the moon that he thinks so but I just can't bring myself to believe it.

I'm constantly surrounded by really gorgeous girls, all of whom are at least 4 sizes smaller than I am and it just makes things worse. I know I'm this size due to genetics as all of my family are big boned but I can't get away from this image of 'thin' that the media rams down my throat.

I just wondered if anyone had any advice on how to learn to like how I look instead of looking in the mirror and thinking "oh no, not you again"

I've tried dressing up, making myself feel nice on the outside but that is only temporary and I want something more long term :L

I guess this is more of a rant then anything else :L

I know it's all in my head, I just want to get over that, so basically, any tips?

Thanks for reading this, I didn't realise it would be so long winded

[escape_thereal_world]

It's good that you recognized your body is fine the way it is - logically. The hard part is to actually convince yourself of that.

The main problem here is insecurity/confidence. That is what makes people worry about their bodies. So you should do some research on how to build your self esteem.

I know this will sound silly, but walking faster can make you feel better. 1) It gets the blood moving and adrenaline going so you get a buzz. 2) People with confidence walk faster because they know where they are going and feel comfortable doing it. So this is kind of like tricking your brain into thinking you are going somewhere important (even if you are just going to get your nails done).

Another thing is to compliment other people. This makes you feel better about yourself. Generally, if you are talking behind someone's back you then think they are doing the same to you. So avoid this cycle all together.

Working out boosts your confidence in several ways. Again, it gets the blood pumping as well as gives you something productive to do. In the end, you feel really good about yourself.

I hope this helps.

[Beetlejuice]

Thanks those are some great tips, I'll try them out

[Le bonheur*]

I agree with Kelly 100% with the whole post and I like the walking faster idea. I heard it from someone else and I've been doing that and I feel so much more confident. Oh and maybe sticking post-it notes/sticky notes where you see them the most and write the things you like the most about yourself and write "I am beautiful" on a post-it and put it on a mirror so you are reminded everytime you look in the mirror. I personally love this method. Hope I helped! xx

[Beetlejuice]

I love the post it note idea will be off to buy some nice post it notes asap!

[escape_thereal_world]

I'm going to move this to General. Maybe you'll get more ideas from there too