QOTD - Self-Reflection

Okay, so I was having this discussion with my hubby and I was wondering where you all stand. I see myself in the mirror and yes I know I am fat, but I really think I am pretty, hot and all that. There are days that I look in the mirror and think wow I look really good. But a picture can be taken that day, when I'm at 100% and when I see it, I think who is that hiddeous person. How ugly, fat etc. My hair looks stupid, etc. It's weird how except on film.. I really think I'm good looking, but the minute I see it on the screen or in a photo album it's ewww. I was wondering, what is your self-reflection? Am I alone in this? ::hugs:: Cyndi

Not at all.... I have been that way for years. Always the one behind the camera for fear of what I would end up looking like if in front of the camera. My family has always given me a hard time about it. If I were in a picture, I was always hiding behind someone, which was not the easiest thing to do when you are the largest one there. I am hoping for better photo days in the future... Sandy L

I can completely identify with you, Cyndi. I know I am very pretty, men stare at my face and when they look down the gaze goes away. For years I was befuddled why I was not attracting (quality) men because I am shapely and have strong self confidence. But now I know that there's something missing from my confidence which is why I've kept myself overweight for all of my life; that's what I need to figure out and resolve thru therapy and living in my new body. And men are also visual creatures and I know I cannot evaluate myself based on their responses. Fortunately I am as single as single gets and have a clear landscape ahead. Obesity is a disease of isolation in insulation. ~Tiffany 280/254.5/150 Down 25.5 since 11 Jan!!!

Dear Cyndi, The funny thing about ME is that "in my head" I am NOT fat, ugly or ANYTHING negative! It is only when I see myself in a non-forgiving mirror or my reflection in a store window that I "realize" that I am NOT thin, fit or beautiful. I guess, in a way, it is better that I have this "thin image" in my head, rather than a permanently distorted negative image (like those that people afflicted with anorexia nervosa have described).... Maybe one day my outsides will match my "insides". As far as photographs are concerned.... I remember a commercial on t.v. where a woman talks about "robbing her family of prescious memories". When I realized how true that statement was, I made a vow to LET myself be photographed, because I know my kids and my grandkids and my MAN love me no matter how fat or "ugly" I might think I look. One thing to look forward to is that our bodies are going to CHANGE, and with that, our SELF-IMAGE will change, too. Any way, I think you are VERY pretty in your picture! ~Teri~ 311/279/261.6/140

Wow, what a great question. I, too, am one of those people who felt thinner than I really was. I have a fantastic husband who has always told me I'm sexy, pretty, etc. no matter what I weighed. Yes, if not for those darn photos and reflections, I would probably be ok. I try to dress in a trendy fashion and people say I carry my weight very well. But, for me it was about getting healthy, providing a good example for children and yes, I would love to look better in the clothes I wear and have them be a smaller size! Great question, thanks for asking. Lisa