One of the quickest ways to get under my skin is to body shame a person. Not only is the act disrespectful, but it is also incredibly hurtful. As much as mainstream media wants us to believe that beauty can be defined, it can’t. What’s worse is that sometimes even people close to us can body shame without realizing. There is no such thing as being the “perfect” size although society tells you otherwise. With so many beautiful people made up of different shapes and sizes in the beauty industry, body shaming shouldn’t be a thing. However, body shaming doesn’t discriminate, everyone from celebs to everyday people encounter body shamers.
How to Brush off Body Shaming in a Healthy Way
Whether you’re supermodel skinny, slim, curvy or working with a little extra, you are amazing just the way you are. I know that hearing negative comments about your body can take a toll on your self- esteem, but you can’t allow an opinion to influence the way you look at yourself. So, how should you deal with body shamers? The short answer: confidence. Ready to take on body shaming? Read on for some useful tips to keep in mind.
1. Speak up about how you feel.
No matter what someone says to you, it’s always healthy to speak up and let your voice be heard. I find that having a genuine discussion with a person be it a friend or family member about how their comments make you feel can change the behavior. Keep in mind; there are many instances where a person is not aware of their actions. Standing up for yourself and letting them know how you feel is the only way to rid the behavior for good and can serve as a teachable moment.
2. Embrace your body.
This may sound cliché, but you will be surprised as to how many people wish they had specific features that you do. From shapely thighs, full lips, to a generous derriere, some people would kill to have a particular look. Embracing your body is vital because the only way to be happy is to be proud of everything about yourself-including your flaws. Once you welcome what you have, it will be tough for any opinions to dim your light.
3. Remember that beauty cannot be defined.
It can be easy to believe the harsh things said via social media. If you find yourself always seeing negative comments or images that make you feel uncomfortable- utilize your block button. Make it a goal to follow influencers who you admire to remind yourself that beauty comes in all forms, shapes, and sizes.
4. Get rid of negative thoughts.
It is time to break the habit. We can be our own hardest critics, but when it comes to your body, all of that needs to go out of the window. Merely breaking the cycle of replacing negative thinking with positive thoughts will allow you to feel more confident in your skin.
