Many people struggle with body confidence, especially in intimate relationships. If you’re plus-sized, those feelings can sometimes intensify. However, with the right mindset, you can improve your self-image and as such your relationship with your partner. Let’s explore some practical tips to help you feel confident and beautiful, no matter your size.
Understanding Body Confidence
Body confidence is about accepting and appreciating your body as it is. It’s a way of feeling comfortable in your skin and empowered by your unique beauty. For many, this is easier said than done, especially when society can be so narrow-minded.
The Impact of Society’s Beauty Standards
Media often promotes an ideal body type that can make plus-sized people, especially women feel less attractive. However, beauty comes in all shapes and sizes. Recognising this can be the first step towards building your confidence.
Self-Acceptance
Self-acceptance is key to body confidence because you need to accept the body you are in even if you strive to change it with weight loss. It involves recognising your worth beyond physical appearance. By focusing on your talents, kindness, and other qualities, you can start to accept yourself.
How Your Partner Can Impact Your Body Confidence
Your partner’s views and behaviours can massively influence your body confidence. A supportive partner who reassures and appreciates you can boost your self-esteem. Open communication about insecurities can also strengthen your bond. Whereas a negative or emotionally abusive partner can really put you down. I have found this in the past in a previous abusive relationship.
Building Confidence with Lingerie
Lingerie can play a big role in how you perceive your body. Choosing items that make you feel comfortable and attractive can enhance your confidence.
Finding the Right Fit
The fit of your lingerie is crucial. Well-fitting lingerie such as a Plus Size Basque can accentuate your best features and make you feel fabulous. Brands like LH Boutique offer a wide range of sizes to ensure you find the perfect fit.
Choosing Styles That Flatter
Different styles suit different body types. Experiment with various cuts and fabrics to see what makes you feel most confident. Remember, the goal is to find pieces that make you feel good.
Comfort is Key
Comfort should never be compromised for style. When you feel comfortable in what you’re wearing, it shows in your confidence. Look for materials that feel good on your skin and designs that support your body well.
Communication with Your Partner
Open and honest communication with your partner about body confidence can have a huge impact.
Sharing Your Feelings
Don’t shy away from discussing your insecurities with your partner. Sharing your feelings can lift some of the burdens and allow your partner to support you better.
Receiving Reassurance
Sometimes, we all need a little reassurance. Don’t hesitate to ask your partner for affirmations if it helps boost your confidence. Genuine compliments can go a long way in making you feel valued.
Establishing Boundaries
It’s important to set boundaries regarding comments or actions that affect your confidence. Mutual respect is truly key to a healthy relationship, and your partner should be willing to avoid behaviour that makes you uncomfortable.
Practising Self-Love
Self-love is essential for body confidence. It’s about treating yourself with the same kindness and respect you would offer to a friend. If you wouldn’t say it to your best friend then you need to stop saying it to yourself.
Daily Affirmations
Incorporate positive affirmations into your daily routine. Statements like “I am beautiful” or “I am worthy of love” can reinforce a positive self-image over time. I have previously found it helpful to have these things written next to my bed to read every morning and before bed at night.
Taking Care of Your Body
Engage in activities that make you feel good, be it yoga, dancing, or simply taking a relaxing bath. Taking care of your body can encourage you to accept and love it more.
Celebrating Your Uniqueness
Everyone has unique traits that make them special. Celebrate what makes you, you. This can be anything from your sense of humour to your talents at making people laugh. Whatever your uniqueness try to celebrate it rather than worry about it.
Dressing for Confidence
What you wear can really impact how you feel about your body.
Clothes That Fit Well
Wearing clothes that fit well and make you feel comfortable can boost your confidence. Avoid hiding behind baggy clothes. Instead, choose outfits that highlight your favourite features. Consider different brands, styles and sizes to find what fits the best. Jeans for example are available in so many different fits you are sure to find some to fit, dresses are the same and you could wear a stunning dress, even just at home, to feel better.
Expressing Your Style
Express your personal style through your clothing. Whether you prefer bold patterns or classic cuts, wearing clothes that fit your style can make you feel more confident. Do you love bright leggings or jeans and Converse? Wearing whatever you love will always make you feel better about how you look.
Accessorising
Accessories can add an extra layer to any outfit. From statement jewellery to stylish scarves, accessories can change your look and in turn boost your confidence.
Seeking Professional Help
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, we may struggle with body confidence. Seeking help from a professional can provide additional support.
Therapy and Counselling
Therapists and counsellors can offer tools and strategies to improve self-esteem and body confidence. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) has been shown to be particularly helpful for body image issues.
Social media can both positively and negatively impact body confidence. Using it mindfully is essential, if you find it is affecting you negatively then how about taking a break for a few hours, or even a few days.
Following Body-Positive Accounts
Follow accounts that promote body positivity and inclusivity. Seeing diverse bodies celebrated can help change your mindset.
Limiting Negative Exposure
Unfollow accounts that make you feel bad about your body. Give your feed a makeover to include content that uplifts and inspires you rather than makes you feel bad about yourself.
Building a Support Network
Having a strong support network can make a massive difference in your body confidence.
Friends and Family
Surround yourself with people who love and support you. Their positive reinforcement can help bolster your self-esteem. If you find someone in your friendship circle or family always puts you down, even discretely then distance yourself from them for your own wellbeing.
Final thoughts
Building body confidence, especially in a relationship, is a journey. By understanding the impact of society, practising self-love more often, communicating more with your partner, and seeking support when needed, you can grow a positive self-image. Remember, confidence is an inside job, and everyone deserves to feel beautiful and confident in their own skin. Years of hating yourself are years wasted, you won’t get that time back.
