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By Anonymous | Published on December 18, 2024
Good day, question asker.
I will address the final inquiry first. Is there anyone who can relate to the questioner? The answer is affirmative. Some individuals experience distress related to their appearance, and there is a specific academic term that describes this phenomenon: appearance anxiety.
The sentiment expressed by the original poster (OP) when she gazed into the mirror at the age of 18 has persisted to the present day. It would be beneficial to understand the emotional state of the individual at the time. What were the feelings experienced at that moment?
It would be beneficial to ascertain which individuals hold favourable opinions of you. It is advisable to give greater heed to those who offer positive feedback.
"Looks anxiety" is defined as the situation in which many individuals lack confidence in their appearance when influenced by external factors related to appearance enhancement.
Ultimately, this phenomenon can be attributed to a lack of confidence, which may be influenced by prior experiences or external factors. Some individuals who possess physical beauty may not perceive themselves as such, whereas others who are less physically attractive may hold positive self-perceptions. This discrepancy can be attributed to their psychological state.
As the specific situation of the questioner is unknown, some advice will be provided to help relieve anxiety.
Firstly, it is important to identify one's own personal advantages.
It is a fallacy to believe that any individual is perfect. Each person possesses both advantages and disadvantages. If one is preoccupied with one's perceived shortcomings, it is unlikely that one will experience happiness. It is beneficial to identify the positive attributes of one's appearance, such as a sensual mouth, dimples, long eyelashes, a straight nose, large double eyelids, and an attractive face shape, and to accentuate them.
Secondly, positive mental suggestions can be employed.
One can posit that self-acceptance entails the affirmation that one is not ugly. In a Japanese experiment, an ordinary girl who was praised for a period of time not only became beautiful but also elegant.
With regular self-affirmation, even when one is unconsciously comparing oneself to others or is compelled to examine the discrepancy between oneself and an internet celebrity, one's self-appreciation remains resilient.
Thirdly, it is advisable to seek diversion and concentrate on enhancing one's own capabilities.
Spending time on self-growth and helping others not only diverts attention from unnecessary self-reflection but also enhances energy levels and stabilizes one's sense of self-worth. Improving oneself can encompass both cultivation and ability. It is a fulfilling and engaging pursuit, and one need not prioritize appearance.
The most attractive person is not simply defined by their physical appearance; rather, it is the individual whose actions and behaviors elicit a positive emotional response from others who are most attractive.
The fourth step is to accept oneself.
The field of psychology maintains that individuals must "accept themselves." However, this assertion is predicated on the assumption that everyone possesses a multitude of shortcomings. Consequently, the question arises: Should these perceived deficiencies be disregarded?
"Does this not constitute an excuse for laziness and a lack of motivation?"
This is, in fact, a common misinterpretation of the concept of self-acceptance.
The term "self-acceptance" is used to describe the extent to which an individual is able to embrace all of their characteristics, regardless of whether they are perceived as positive or negative.
This implies that an individual can acknowledge their own imperfections without self-loathing or the belief that they are "good enough." The notion of "loving yourself" is contingent upon the foundation of self-acceptance. If an individual is unable to accept themselves and their relationship with themselves is characterized by self-criticism and negativity, it is implausible to establish a genuine sense of love.
When an individual accepts themselves, their body, and their mind, they begin to experience wholeness, rather than being consumed by internal conflict. This is when they are at their most powerful, and it is also the foundation upon which they can rebuild their confidence.
Fifthly, it is recommended to engage in more physical activity.
Furthermore, exercise has been demonstrated to facilitate the release of emotions and the production of dopamine, which contributes to an elevated mood. Additionally, it has been shown to enhance physical strength and to influence the appearance. Individuals who engage in regular exercise often exhibit skin that is firm and toned.
Ultimately, when one accepts oneself and loves oneself, one is the most beautiful.
One must have faith in oneself in order to achieve a state of equilibrium.
The world and I extend our love to you.
Helpful to me 346
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Comments
I can totally relate to how you feel, it's almost like your mind gets stuck on this one thing and won't let go. The anxiety about our appearance can be really overwhelming sometimes.
It sounds like you've been through a lot with these persistent worries about your appearance. I wonder if talking to someone who specializes in such concerns could offer some relief or new perspectives.
Your story hits close to home for me. I too have had moments where I fixated on certain aspects of my looks, and it led to a lot of stress and sleepless nights. Seeking support from friends or professionals has helped me cope.
Feeling this intense about one's appearance is more common than we think. It's important to remember that we're all unique and sometimes professional help can guide us towards accepting ourselves more fully.
Hearing about your experience is quite touching. Many people might not openly share such feelings, but knowing there are others out there who understand can make a difference. Maybe connecting with them could provide some comfort.