The Power of Positive Friendship
In today’s society, it’s common for women to bond over body image issues, sharing concerns about weight gain, appearance, and fitness. However, my closest friends and I have taken a different approach. We’ve formed a unique friendship circle where we focus on supporting each other’s well-being, rather than criticizing our bodies.
A Shift in Conversation
We use a video chat app called Marco Polo to stay in touch, sending dozens of videos daily, discussing everything from new vibrator purchases to postpartum depression, skincare recommendations, and cooking tips. What’s striking is that body image issues are noticeably absent from our conversations. We’ve created a safe space where we can be ourselves, without fear of judgment or criticism.
Breaking Free from Societal Pressures
As women, we’re often conditioned to perform our femininity by putting ourselves down. We’ve learned to make friends by insulting our own appearance, comparing ourselves to others, and striving for an unrealistic beauty standard. I’ve been guilty of this myself, keeping a tally of my daily food intake and exercising to achieve a certain body type. But over time, I’ve come to realize that this mindset is harmful and unproductive.
The Influence of Friends
Recently, I made a new friend who had a fixation on eating “healthy” and constantly criticized her body. Being around her made me realize how easily I could fall back into old patterns of negative self-talk. It was a wake-up call, highlighting the importance of surrounding myself with people who promote positivity and self-love.
The Power of Words
Our words have the power to shape our perceptions and influence our behaviors. The way we talk about ourselves and our bodies matters. By focusing on other topics and prioritizing support over criticism, my friend group has created a culture of self-acceptance. We’ve learned that true friendship is about lifting each other up, rather than tearing ourselves down.
Choosing Your Inner Circle
The people we surround ourselves with have a profound impact on our lives. By demanding positive, supportive relationships, we can cultivate a culture of self-love and acceptance. So, take a closer look at your inner circle and ask yourself: Are your friends helping you feel whole and confident, or are they perpetuating negative self-talk? The stakes are high, and the choice is yours.
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