Body image
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Decorate your prosthetic limb to make it look cool and integrate it into your outfit.
This can help change your relationship with the limb, making it feel like part of your style rather than something jarring.
- It may feel jarring at first.
one person who lived it
Acknowledge that functional humanity outweighs physical appearance, since looks do not determine personal worth.
Many people deemed 'ugly' lead fulfilling lives due to other positive traits.
3 people, independently
Flip your photos horizontally to match the mirrored image you are accustomed to seeing.
It aligns with your self-image and provides peace of mind by making you look more photogenic.
3 people, independently
Find your best angle and practice relaxing your facial muscles to avoid freezing in candid photos.
It helps you feel better in the photos.
one person who lived it
- Take practice photos of yourself to discover which angles and expressions suit you best on camera.4
Use trial and error to find what works for you regarding angle, lighting, pose, clothes, and makeup, prioritizing the first three.
Angle, lighting, and pose are the most important factors.
one person who lived it
Compare a normal selfie with one taken from far away using digital zoom to test the effect of focal length.
To determine how the focal length affects the image.
one person who lived it
Avoid comparing yourself to others.
Such comparisons steal joy and negate any progress you have achieved.
4 people, independently
Pause random videos of people to see that most still frames look ridiculous.
80% of the time, paused video frames look absolutely ridiculous.
one person who lived it
Recognize negging as a manipulation tactic rather than a valid reflection of your worth or appearance.
Negging is not a compliment.
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Take up skincare and makeup routines.
These practices can help you feel like you are taking care of yourself and appear put together.
one person who lived it
Recognize that tall people face unique inconveniences such as fitting in planes, cars, and finding clothing or footwear in their size.
Being 6'6" creates issues with plane rides, small cars, and availability of shoes, socks, and specialty shirts.
one person who lived it
Accept that photos show your natural orientation, which feels abnormal because you are accustomed to seeing your reversed mirror image.
The brain recognizes the familiar reverse image in mirrors; seeing the true, flipped image in photos triggers a sense of abnormality.
3 people, independently
Reframe dislike of short stature by identifying successful role models who share that trait.
One person overcame hatred of their height by recognizing that a famous soccer player is also short and awesome.
one person who lived it
Wear tighter clothing, particularly in the sleeves, to feel bigger.
Modern clothes are often loose in the arms; tighter sleeves create a feeling of being bigger.
one person who lived it
Wait a short period before looking at a photo of yourself.
Waiting gives better perspective.
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If you are currently attractive, accept it as a temporary privilege and avoid letting it inflate your ego.
This helps cultivate a more humble and grounded personality compared to those who grew up pretty.
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Ignore marketing and social media messages designed to make you feel bad to sell products; focus on working on yourself.
Marketing is primarily about getting money.
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Use scents like lavender or tea tree essential oils and lotions to feel confident and beautiful.
One person reported that smelling amazing makes them feel confident and beautiful.
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Respond confidently to comparisons with past photos by stating you look amazing now and are proud of yourself.
Owning your current appearance reveals the other person's intentions if they do not respond kindly.
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Interpret comments about a 'glow up' as compliments on aging well rather than insults about past appearances.
People generally look better as they age, and such comments likely reflect this improvement rather than negative views of your past looks.
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Control lighting and angles carefully, avoiding having photos taken unless conditions are flattering.
Lighting and angle are everything; the 'myspace angle' works because it is flattering.
one person who lived it
Consider whether the photographer's skill level is affecting the quality of your photos.
There is a significant difference between professional and amateur photography.
one person who lived it
Try aiming for body neutrality rather than body positivity if the latter feels unattainable or ineffective for you.
- This is based on one person's experience where neutrality worked better than positivity.
one person who lived it