We struggle with and enjoy our bodies. The wrinkles on our faces are remnants of our worries, our worries about the future, and our joys as we reminisce on a loved one lost, or the marks on our bodies from carrying children.
We move through the world using our bodies as containers. They provide a channel for expressing love and experiencing it.
Often, it feels like our containers have turned against us, and we have a long and twisted journey to find who we are. For those recovering from eating disorders, this challenge is especially challenging.
Someone may have told you that loving yourself is the first step to loving others. Science says that the saying is kind of true, despite the way you rolled your eyes at it.
Those with better body images have better romantic relationships, based on a recent study. People who are unsatisfied with their weight and appearance report being less satisfied in their general lives. According to the study, the happier you are with your body, the happier you are in your relationships and your life.
It is possible to spiral out of control if you have body dissatisfaction along with anxiety attachment styles. Less confident individuals are more likely to worry they will lose their partners when they look less attractive.
A good percentage of people aren’t satisfied with their appearance. Results show that only 24% of men and 20% of women are satisfied with their weight. Self-perceptions like these are probably influenced by societal pressures, the study reports.
Impacts of Poor Body Image on Dating Life
Whether in your personal existence or in the office, negative body image perception can hurt your quality of life. You can’t grow if you have a poor self-image or low confidence.
Body dissatisfaction can lead to uncomfortable intimate relationships, primarily as a result of not wanting to appear naked before your partner.
As a result, your lover might get angry with your intimacy or might have the idea that you don’t engage in intimacy because you’re unhappy. The relationship is inevitably affected by these ideas running through their minds.
It has been found that body image is associated with general identity. When you don’t like your physical looks, it can have a significant impact on your sense of self-worth.
Making yourself feel assertive when you dress up isn’t the only way to like how you look. As your lover views your naked body, you will feel inhibited and intimacy problems will arise.
Anger and frustration may also be triggered by a poor body perception in your relationship. Both in your relationship and your daily life, such bad emotions can lead to a negative attitude.
How to Improve Body Image
1. Take control of your worth, identity, and body image
To cultivate self-worth, it is essential to have a strong sense of identity and value. Relationships with ourselves, with others, and with our spirituality are at the core of the journey.
Don’t let your appearance define who you are. Is there anything that energises you? How would you describe your values? Whether someone feels good in their skin is deeply affected by other factors.
Changing these views requires us to reveal oppressive systems; such systems show some people as having good bodies, and others, not so good bodies. We should also actively work toward the construction of new self-perceptions that align with the unique identity and lived experiences of each individual.
Practice cultivating your worthiness and finding out more about your identity. You deserve to be loved, cared for, intimate, and connected.
2. Communicate with your partner regarding body image
Relationships with bodies are crucial. Our perception of our partner and the universe is shaped by them. It is through our senses that we can feel love, trust, deep connection, and intimacy.
Intimacy can be hindered by low self-value and shame associated with eating disorders. Talk to your lover about how you view your body.
In addition to combating oppressors that demonize overweight and adore slim bodies, you can also discuss ways to combat them together with your partner. Together, you can make a positive difference in each other’s lives as well as make a significant impact on society as a whole.
3. Celebrate love and have self-compassion
Spirituality is at the heart of a positive body image. Taking care of your soul is part of it. In what ways does your body matter to you? How can you show your body love and care?
Love yourself, no matter how difficult it may seem. Focus on function and not on looks when appreciating yourself and what you can do with your body.
Rachel Hall, M.A., completed her education in English at the University of Pennsylvania and received her master’s degree in family therapy from Northern Washington University. She has been actively involved in the treatment of anxiety disorders, depression, OCD, and coping with life changes and traumatic events for both families and individual clients for over a decade. Her areas of expertise include narrative therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and therapy for traumatic cases. In addition, Rachel conducts workshops focusing on the psychology of positive thinking and coping skills for both parents and teens. She has also authored numerous articles on the topics of mental health, stress, family dynamics and parenting.
