Body Image

[Jon-michael]

Body image is a personal perception of one’s own body in appearance. Society greatly influences self-body image throughout many facets; one of which includes the media, extending the conception of normality through means of advertisements, subliminal messages, and more.This in which directs men and women to people in magazines, movies, and television. Our mind enfolds this image, and if we are not up to par as to what we believe is normal, or beautiful, we immediately aggress ourselves in abnormality.

How many of you are fixated with your appearance? Are we, as a society, too attentive on our appearance, that is has blown out of proportion; and we are too blind sighted to what is really meaningful in life.

[Sundance Kid]

I'm not really fixated on my body image I just work out to be strong and defend myself....and to help my heart and lungs....I could careless about my face......I am fugly as fuck but as long as I'm alive I dont care....

[Cactus Girl]

I think if this forum gave out an award for vainest member, I'd take the prize, hands down. :cookie: It's my biggest vice, but I'm not too concerned about it. I think it's fun.

[Misschoco]

In some sense the media has in some way set a boundary on what is deemed desirable i.e body traits,shape etc.People in general are easy to conform to these ideas and hit out on whats mainstream.(<was that an appropriate word?)

In how I view myself?I don't have an obsessive orientation over a certain part of my body.I'd hate if I did as that only mean my insecurities take over my life.

[Devious]

I don't go out of my way to look good, but if given the choice I'd probably wear the shirt that looks better rather than the one that's more comfortable. I'm also pissed at my hair becuase it never stays down. Unlike most people, the spiral thingy where your hair grows from is slightly on the left side of my head so my hair tends to stick up a lot on the left.

[Hextan]

I would say I have insecurities about my appearance and there are times when I think I look horrible. But I wouldn't say it was something that controls my life in any way. The only thing I would say is bad is that I probably just think of these things a little too much. I mean I can be pretty vain when I think I look good though. But I think a lot of people do that. It doesn't change my personality or anything but it would make me think a little more highly of myself. And there is a definite confidence boost that comes along with it.

[DarkClone]

We are too attentive on our image and too dismissive of our health in my opinion. Living a long fruitful life as a pineapple is far more precious than living a few decades as a strawberry :P. A lot of people seem to assume that if you're thin, you're healthy and this is only partly true. It's all about taking care of yourself, staying calm, eating well, exercising your body and your mind. That's all I really care about, living a good life and I'm not particularly concerned with fitting a certain image. Admitedly, I fit the "demands" of society, but this is just who I am rather than who I want to appear to be. People should be allowed to be their own person, although I know that realistically this will probably never happen again :/

[Misschoco]

.....In addition to whats being said-People conform to much to ideals-they lack the will to be who they
are which I would deem as weakmindedness-Sorry for being narrowminded and if I lack the compassion then this is all I'll show.Its difficult not being blasted in the face with another airbrushed photo deemed as perfect.It would cause anyone to question themselves as I once did(but hell I got over it in 2 days).At the end of the day people need to relise that these 'airbrushed' scrawny individuals are rare and in real life -well their bodies are quite repulsive actually (models-*shivers*)

Like I ever make sense anyways^^^

[AT23]

Yeah, you totally don't make sense Choco :aldo: :rolleyes: :wub:

jk!

I think people just need more truffles and less anorexic people!

[Käthe]

I have insecurities about my physical body image, yet it's not influenced by anything within the media on how i wish i could look like or how i can be deemed as 'normal'. It's only due to my well-being and health that affects me.

I'm not one which wears make-up, i actually despise it; around a year ago i used to be completely surrounded by wearing make-up to look good, but i went through a shitty bout in which old crappy memories where torn back which i was trying to push aside, and i came to realise that marterialistic things such as these where not worth anything, i came to terms with my appearance and stuck with it.
But i still have insecurities about my body image, but thats only due ot my body, not my face.
I'm able enough to have the ability to become more healthy and not measure it by weight, for it doesn't determine a healthy body.
I've learnt that through monthly pictures to see how I've progressed in order for myself ot determine when i feel I'm at a healthy and happy balance with my body.
And shit it's working D:

[Lifrasthir]

I'm not too concerned about my body image. I think I look pretty good. If you disagree, then that's your problem. Sure, sometimes I wish I was "pretty like those models," but if I let that kind of stuff get in the way of who I really am, I can't be who I'm meant to be.

[Whiplash]

.....In addition to whats being said-People conform to much to ideals-they lack the will to be who they
are which I would deem as weakmindedness-Sorry for being narrowminded and if I lack the compassion then this is all I'll show.Its difficult not being blasted in the face with another airbrushed photo deemed as perfect.It would cause anyone to question themselves as I once did(but hell I got over it in 2 days).At the end of the day people need to relise that these 'airbrushed' scrawny individuals are rare and in real life -well their bodies are quite repulsive actually (models-*shivers*)

Like I ever make sense anyways^^^

I resent your implication that I, as a naturally scrawny person, am inherently repulsive! I likes my body and I shouldn't have to go on a reverse-diet just to satisfy people's perceptions of what is normal.

I'm sick of all this skinny bashing. WE'RE PEOPLE TOO!

[Devious]

I'm not scrawny, just a bit skinny, although I'm healthier than before. I have a godly metabolism that lets me eat an entire large pizza by myself and still not put on a pound. Unfortunately I get hungry on an hourly basis.

It's true that people on either extreme can be creepy. I mean, you aren't SUPPOSED to be so skinny your heart can be seen beating through your ribs, or so fat that you can't even walk. It's unnatural.

[DarkClone]

I'm not scrawny, just a bit skinny, although I'm healthier than before. I have a godly metabolism that lets me eat an entire large pizza by myself and still not put on a pound. Unfortunately I get hungry on an hourly basis.

It's true that people on either extreme can be creepy. I mean, you aren't SUPPOSED to be so skinny your heart can be seen beating through your ribs, or so fat that you can't even walk. It's unnatural.

Enjoy it while it lasts my friend; I was the same as you for ages then one day - bam, bam, bam. Fat went on everywhere, I managed to lose it all but only through the mental torture of not being able to eat almost all the food I enjoy most. haha

I agree with the obesity / anorexia comment, both look really bad and can have very serious consequences in later life.

[AT23]

Whiplash, I don't think Choco was talking about you. She was referring to the models/celebrities who *make an effort to be super thin*. This, is probably one of the bigger driving forces and peer pressure for annorexic people. I think you're naturally thin though, so there's no problem right?

[Misschoco]

I resent your implication that I, as a naturally scrawny person, am inherently repulsive! I likes my body and I shouldn't have to go on a reverse-diet just to satisfy people's perceptions of what is normal.

I'm sick of all this skinny bashing. WE'RE PEOPLE TOO!
I thought someone would-but I wasnt entirely directing it to normal people as AT23 suggested-Im scrawny myself so I wouldnt really skinny bash unless the person in question made their body image an obsession.But i was also talking about unnatural skinny and the perception of perfect body image that is plain sight just not reality.

Forgives meh plx :aldo:

[Whiplash]

All right, I forgive you. But only because inside this skinny chest cavity beats a plump heart. :aldo:

[Misschoco]

All right, I forgive you. But only because inside this skinny chest cavity beats a plump heart. :aldo:
I consumed mine ages ago :aldo:


Fuking shit-lets spice up this topic a bit


http://data1.blog.de/blog/w/wulfweard/img/skinny.jpeg

You must be seriously deluded not to spot the freak you've become-Either clean your mirrors-or get some glasses.Im just hoping that this picture is extreme photo manip.

[Whiplash]

rofl at the silicone boobs not shrinking. Sick freak though.

I consumed mine ages ago :aldo:


I didn't say it was my heart :cathryn:

[Devious]

I consumed mine ages ago :aldo:


Fuking shit-lets spice up this topic a bit


http://data1.blog.de/blog/w/wulfweard/img/skinny.jpeg

You must be seriously deluded not to spot the freak you've become-Either clean your mirrors-or get some glasses.Im just hoping that this picture is extreme photo manip.
Is... Is it human?

Just to clarify, when I said I could eat an entire large pizza, I meant extra large. 12 slices without having to eat the crust (yeuch) and 8 if I have to.

[DarkClone]

I consumed mine ages ago :aldo:


Fuking shit-lets spice up this topic a bit


http://data1.blog.de/blog/w/wulfweard/img/skinny.jpeg

You must be seriously deluded not to spot the freak you've become-Either clean your mirrors-or get some glasses.Im just hoping that this picture is extreme photo manip.

Holy crap! She'd better watch out for any cracks in the road, she might fall into one! I hope she knows the only thing that she deserves to be stuck into her is a creamcake and not a man's part - she probably thinks it's making her look attractive or young. A bit of a shame really :(

[Devious]

Holy crap! She'd better watch out for any cracks in the road, she might fall into one! I hope she knows the only thing that she deserves to be stuck into her is a creamcake and not a man's part - she probably thinks it's making her look attractive or young. A bit of a shame really :(
I think she probably has some sort of eating disorder or a disease. I mean, how can ANYONE become that thin and still be able to walk? You'd think she'd be dragged down by the weight of her clothes. (Or breasts)

[DarkClone]

Yeh I realised towards the end of the piss-take then plucked up my compassion :cookie:

Her breasts look like acorns in stretched deflated balloons :(

[Fruit Bat]

*is too lazy to read all this shit*

All I have to say, is, that your weight should be healthy (in proportion to your height of course).

And being skinny is not bad, and it certainly looks better, as long as its still healthy skinny, if that makes any sense. >_<

I mean, some people are just born uber tiny, and will always be that way.

[Hitoshura]

I dont like being fat :(

(not saying I am though)

[DarkClone]

There there Allan. We're listening. :cookie:

[Fruit Bat]

I dont like being fat :(

(not saying I am though)

Now, now Allen. Bean sprout. We know thats why you wear the enormous t shirts. :aldo:

[Devious]

Now, now Allen. Bean sprout. We know thats why you wear the enormous t shirts. :aldo:
Most of my shirts are pretty big too. It's because I got them last year and I was supposed to "grow into them," however I haven't grown an inch in the past year or so.

[Fruit Bat]

Most of my shirts are pretty big too. It's because I got them last year and I was supposed to "grow into them," however I haven't grown an inch in the past year or so.

WELL, ruin the joke Rev. D8

[Devious]

WELL, ruin the joke Rev. D8
I can say what I want, YOU HAVE NO POWER OVER ME. D:<

[DarkClone]

My mum tried to do the "you'll grow into them" thing: I had to put things into perspective. 5' 10" is a generous height for a family of five 5' women and a 5' 5" man. I'm like goliath in my house :P

[Hitoshura]

Now, now Allen. Bean sprout. We know thats why you wear the enormous t shirts. :aldo:

Last I checked, I weigh 140 lbs. Thats not bad for a person my age/size.

[Fruit Bat]

Last I checked, I weigh 140 lbs. Thats not bad for a person my age/size.

djskfljdf

Fine, no one appreciate the joke. D8

[Misschoco]

Holy crap! She'd better watch out for any cracks in the road, she might fall into one! I hope she knows the only thing that she deserves to be stuck into her is a creamcake and not a man's part - she probably thinks it's making her look attractive or young. A bit of a shame really :(
I dont even think someone would be willing to rapez her :aldo:. I just want it to be a photo manip considering its scared me for life akhdafsdgf

I mean, some people are just born uber tiny, and will always be that way.
Explain deh pictuar plx :aldo:


Anways this topic on body image is always a tiresome one. Im not gona fight to provide the population with a healthy body mass or whatever.You shit your body up-its your deathbed.

[AT23]

yay, deathbed for unhealthy people! :rolleyes:

[Fruit Bat]

Explain deh pictuar plx :aldo:.

I doubt she was born that way. That, if any exist, is known as a failure of God. :aldo:

[Misschoco]

yay, deathbed for unhealthy people! :rolleyes:
Hell yez :aldo:
That, if any exist, is known as a failure of God. :aldo:
That just made me shit my pants from laughter TY :aldo:

How can I provide a pivotol thing to discuss here?.The psychology of people with eating disorders could be a good place to start.Instead of just saying that a disorder is due to trauma stress etc how about dwelling a bit deeper.
Bleh<<wtf ?? am I talking about.


Ignore my shit post.I just needed to bump this thread a lil :aldo:

[AT23]

That picture is enough evidence, God has failed, and failed many times before this on different occasions.

[Pyramid Head]

Kind of an odd topic for my introductory post, but...

I care about my appearance...a lot, actually. I work out three times a week and I eat semi-healthy even though I have a pretty good metabolism. I like being proud of the way I look, but I don't really know if that would make me vain or not. I just enjoy not being self-conscious of my physique.

[Bun]

I think it's fine to be concerned for your health, but when it gets to the point where you've got a distorted image of yourself or you're not really looking at the situation from all stand points (ie. am I really doing this for me or is it that I do care (even the slightest bit) what someone else will think of me?) In that case, if you are leaning more towards the latter, it boils down to the individual; whether or not you truly care how someone else will judge you.

In the end, if you're hurting yourself by paying too much attention to things like counting calories or adhering to some sort of ritual, then maybe you need to rethink your situation, or even seek professional help.

[Pyramid Head]

I think it's fine to be concerned for your health, but when it gets to the point where you've got a distorted image of yourself or you're not really looking at the situation from all stand points (ie. am I really doing this for me or is it that I do care (even the slightest bit) what someone else will think of me?) In that case, if you are leaning more towards the latter, it boils down to the individual; whether or not you truly care how someone else will judge you.

In the end, if you're hurting yourself by paying too much attention to things like counting calories or adhering to some sort of ritual, then maybe you need to rethink your situation, or even seek professional help.

You know the philosophy "Treat others how you would like to be treated?" I take the same approach towards my appearance...I try to look in shape, because I would most definitely prefer to look at someone with a good physique, rather than a poor physique. And it goes without saying why it is benificial to look good for the opposite sex. I have a "ritualistic" way of exercising...but I sure as heck don't think I need professional help!:P

[Bun]

Treat others how you would like to be treated, to me, applies to your actions towards another person, not whether you think they're fat or something. Wanting to have a good physique and being able to attain that is a personal choice (for the most part, save for physical and mental disorders) that I really don't care about. If I wanted to be fat, I would be, but that's not the case because I actually care about my health and not how much I weigh or what size jean I can fit into. As long as I'm healthy for my height and age, that's all that counts.

Besides the fact that I can't help I'm naturally petite and have a high metabolism, I don't work out at all. Although I could stand to tone a few areas, it hasn't come to the point where I can't squeeze into my size 0 jeans anymore...not that being able to is something I pride myself in, it's just how society works. -_- Do you know how hard it is for petites to shop for clothes?!

Anyway, like I said....it's fine to want to be healthy, and a very good thing for that matter. But you've got to ask yourself what "healthy" means to you? And what has shaped your view of this concept of being "healthy"? Was it you totally and completely? Or do you believe there were some outside influence? Maybe some artificial ones? Maybe scientific? Who knows; the answer is in your head.

[Pyramid Head]

I got into a habit of working out when I was a wrestler in High School (kinda makes sense to work out, since it gives you an advantage over your opponent if you are stronger than he is) and it just kinda stuck. And I'll be honest, the health factor is in the back of my mind...just basically 'looking good' is my goal. I like looking in the mirror and being happy with what I see. That's the #1 reason I work out...being proud of my appearance. Working out also gives me a sense of accomplishment when I can do more weight week after week.

I see no problem in my mind set. Some might consider it egotistical or caring too much about what other people think, and I can even understand why some people might think that. I just don't think it's bad to care about what other people think. Like I said before, I'd much rather look at an attractive person rather than an unattractive person, and I know most people are the same way.

And looking good for the opposite sex is a no-brainer. Right now I have a girlfriend and I want to look good for her. And for single folks, having a good physique will give them better chances to get a girlfriend/boyfriend.

[Bun]

If caring what people think about how you look is what motivates you, that's fine. I mean, like I just said, it'll keep you motivated, but I guess what I'm trying to say is that I'm disappointed in the fact that our society is so focused on appearance and what people look like on the outside. I understand that's how things work; not even on a narcissistic level, but the fact that human beings are wired to be that way.

Now, with the knowledge we possess, we've sort of screw ourselves by raising the standards to such a high level that what is considered "beautiful" or "hot" isn't even attainable. I just think it's pointless to try so hard for something that's not realistic. In the end, we're simply endorsing this vicious cycle that doesn't seem to be steering in the right direction; I say this bearing in mind the various disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, and the entirety of the advertising market.

[AT23]

Nill, you misunderstood Pyramid Head. When he said he takes the philosophy "Treat others how you would like to be treated" and approaches/applies it to himself, he meant that his body is... hmm... not to sound religious or anything, but a holy place for him to live in, thus being his body. Thus, he will treat his body with respect, by working out and eating somewhat "healthily" and in turn, it'll treat him with good appearance/physiques and a longer lasting body, compared to someone who, say, chain smokes and eats fast food 3 meals a day, 7 days a week, who... looks like shit and is unhealthy.

... is what I think he was trying to say...

[Bun]

And I suppose you misunderstood that I said it's totally fine, and I understand that. I was simply explaining the other side of my argument for the people who actually do think that way.

[Pyramid Head]

You are right; society IS very focused on appearance. This is isn't going to change any time soon, so you might as well try your best to look good, ya know? There's nothing wrong with trying to fit into society (as long as it's not taken to extremes and agrees with your own common sense), since we're all a part of it.

And what I meant about the philosophy of treating others how I want to be treated is this:

I would rather look at someone who is in shape than someone who is out of shape. Since other people think like this as well, I feel that people would have a better reaction to looking at me if I was fit, rather than fat, scrawny, or just plain out of shape. Therefore I'm treating them how I would like to be treated by looking good for them since I would rather look at physically fit people myself. So it's a different version of that philosophy and it's kinda hard to explain...but it makes sense in my head, though! :-p

[Sundance Kid]

I'd rather be myself then try and fit into society by looking a certain way ...I mean it's all good and dandy to look good and all, but in the end, is it you doing this for yourself? or for other people? Especially in America where we're fucking silicon country and shit it's actually kinda hard to get by without the looks...but in the end I dont really care....so long as I'm healthy and happy then that's all that matters to me in the end....I mean how much longer as a society are we going to dangle onto this appearance thing? and how much longer is it really going to last before we realize that we're so focused on the looks of another and that it really doesnt matter....because in the end it's really all about personality....

:cookie:

[AT23]

And I suppose you misunderstood that I said it's totally fine, and I understand that. I was simply explaining the other side of my argument for the people who actually do think that way.

No, I read everything most of the time before I post, I saw your other point of view and said nothing about that. I saw that you're fine with that, and you respect other people's point of views/values. What I was talking about, is the little excerpt below:

You also said in an earlier post before this: "Treat others how you would like to be treated, to me, applies to your actions towards another person, not whether you think they're fat or something."

That is literally saying, by your own words, that you think treating others how you would like to be treated can only be applied towards another person, not himself.

I was only pointing out and interjected my comment that maybe you misunderstood him, because he was interpretting the philosophy and directing it at himself, and you were directing it to other people. So no, no misunderstanding on my part. It's fine and dandy if I did indeed misunderstand what you said, I do apologize for my own mistakes, but it seems to me, and I'm pretty sure you're aware of this yourself, and this is only a guess, that you're having a bad day or something is bothering you and you're taking it out on me and coming back with me misunderstanding the point, or you're just taking things too seriously and know that I was right so you're being a sore loser. Take your pick, but I stand by my case:

I did not misunderstand you.

[Bun]

Now you're making assumptions.

That is literally saying, by your own words, that you think treating others how you would like to be treated can only be applied towards another person, not himself.

Literally? Are you being honest here, or do you really mean to say you know for a fact, 100% that what I said was literal?I'm just trying to clear the confusion here, so sorry if it sounds like I'm coming off as rude or a bitch or anything. But, to me, I would feel better if the idea I was trying to illustrate was understood and not misinterpreted.

I didn't mean for the saying, which, in fact, is only just a saying (that you can believe or not believe, mind you), to only apply to others and not yourself. I personally don't live by the specific philosophy, but that doesn't mean I don't try to treat my body and mind as best as I can.

So like I said, I understand what he means, and do and respect the fact. You're merely pulling things out of your ass and ignoring pertinent information that was still there, just not touched upon.

[AT23]

I'm done, I've proven my point. I don't want any more further arguement with you. Assumption and pulling stuff outta my arse? Sure, in your head.

You just admitted that you just said it. "In saying", yeah, what an excuse. If you don't want to be misunderstood or misinterpretted the next time, write it so it won't be. Don't blame your incompetant writing skills on me. Ignorant people is what makes this world go down hill.

[Bun]

Hey, come on. I'm not trying to pick a fight here. I don't know why you're getting so defensive and upset about this; telling me I'm an incompetent writer? You want to play hardball, then? Learn how to spell incompetent.

Okay, that was pointless. But seriously, I know what I said; however, I'm not really sure what you're trying to say getting so heated like that. Like you, I already said what I wanted to say and there's really no point for this to go any further.

PS.

That lady in the picture has some issues. :(

[Pyramid Head]

I'd rather be myself then try and fit into society by looking a certain way ...I mean it's all good and dandy to look good and all, but in the end, is it you doing this for yourself? or for other people? Especially in America where we're fucking silicon country and shit it's actually kinda hard to get by without the looks...but in the end I dont really care....so long as I'm healthy and happy then that's all that matters to me in the end....I mean how much longer as a society are we going to dangle onto this appearance thing? and how much longer is it really going to last before we realize that we're so focused on the looks of another and that it really doesnt matter....because in the end it's really all about personality....

:cookie:

I think I'm mainly doing it for myself because I am much more pleased with how I look the more muscular/toned I am. That's pretty much how everyone is. If they have flabby arms, they look in the mirror wish they had skinnier arms. If they have a little pouch gut, they wish they had a six-pack. Whether this is society dictating it or just people's natural instinct to want to be physically fit (probably a mix of both), that's how most people are, including myself. It's the same reason people get braces...people look better with straight teeth. There's no health benefit to straightening your teeth, it just looks better.

[Fruit Bat]

I think I'm mainly doing it for myself because I am much more pleased with how I look the more muscular/toned I am. That's pretty much how everyone is. If they have flabby arms, they look in the mirror wish they had better skinnier arms. If they have a little pouch gut, they wish they had a six-pack. Whether this is society dictating it or just people's natural instinct to want to be physically fit (probably a mix of both), that's how most people are, including myself. It's the same reason people get braces...people look better with straight teeth. There's no health benefit to straightening your teeth, it just looks better.

Well, for your comments to be correct, you have to assume that it is instinct for us to look "fit." I think thats bullshit.

Somewhere, someone one day, just decided to start calling people out for not being "fit", and ever since then, if your not, you look "ugly." Now, I am not saying that fat, or non-fit people look better than those who are, but I am curious as to what we would do if the whole personal preference of liking only fit people was forgotten.

Because, I gotta admit, I hate looking at non-fit people (to a certain extent [obesity = a no no]).

I have a feeling that post is very confusing and only I will get it. >_>

[Bun]

I understand what you mean, and wholeheartedly agree. Hundreds of thousands of years ago we didn't have fashion magazines or competing name brand clothing lines; neither did Jenny Craig exist or diet pills, so that's gotta tell ya something, right? Somewhere alone the line, this idea of aesthetic beauty was created and initiated for whatever reason, and now it's been blown so far out of proportion that there really isn't any hope in sight.

It's good you can admit you're, what they call, "shallow", Interficio. As much as I wish I didn't, I'd rather not have to look at things like fat chicks in revealing clothing with their rolls hanging out of the bottom of their shirt... Then again, it doesn't always work that way for everybody, as I'm speaking for myself here.

[aldo]

I aim for personal satisfaction. It falls into the broad subject of personal taste and habits which is subjective. Completely futile to debate about. :aldo: If I'd rather die of famine than live off McDonald's(to avoid being fat.), it's totally up to me.

If a person does not give a shit on how they look, they'll look just that; shit. Now it's completely up to the viewer to be judgmental on how they look. Now, on how they look, I'm talking about presentation; personal hygene, sense of style. Not natural bound stuff such as lobes attacked to your cheeks. (No offense! I personally find that disgusting. zomg *shallow creature*)


People are bound to judge. We have no choice but to. We need to formulate how one character is swiftly and only looks could be of help. Now, I'm not saying using looks as a factor is fair and accurate, but I think it's part of instinct. We like analyzing, don't we? Suppose people shouldn't be so impatient and look beyond looks and try to get to know a person, but what do you think of an obese person sitting on a bus stop consuming an ice lolly? Lazy. Inactive, excessive consumption. It's natural and most likely right. Well, I can't help but to label people like this mentally. I'm awful!

I like judging, honestly, but I keep these judgments to myself until they're proven right. Because I love using the phrase "I told you so."

Somewhere, someone one day, just decided to start calling people out for not being "fit", and ever since then, if your not, you look "ugly." Now, I am not saying that fat, or non-fit people look better than those who are, but I am curious as to what we would do if the whole personal preference of liking only fit people was forgotten.Better looking bodies seem to stimulate people more often, so perhaps its human to do so? Perhaps that's why we're the only species who are shallow?:wub:

[Pyramid Head]

Well, for your comments to be correct, you have to assume that it is instinct for us to look "fit." I think thats bullshit.

Somewhere, someone one day, just decided to start calling people out for not being "fit", and ever since then, if your not, you look "ugly." Now, I am not saying that fat, or non-fit people look better than those who are, but I am curious as to what we would do if the whole personal preference of liking only fit people was forgotten.

Because, I gotta admit, I hate looking at non-fit people (to a certain extent [obesity = a no no]).

I have a feeling that post is very confusing and only I will get it. >_>

It certainly is instinct. It's evolutionary. Ever since humans have been around, it has been instinct for women to want to be with the bigger, stronger male. This is both for protection and to pass on better genes. Also, a fatass isn't going to be a good hunter for obvious reasons. So yes, it is instinct.

Oh, and as for Aldo's "shallow" comment...actually it's known that a male peacock missing some feathers will rarely find a mate, whereas male peacocks with bright, beautiful feathers can pretty much get any mate they want. Other animals "judge" others simply based on looks...not just humans! :)

[Bun]

It's fine to judge, it's natural to judge, but to the extent some people go, like the entire reason this thread about "body image" exists in the first place? That's what I'm talking about; the extreme. Not you guys in particular. It goes way deeper than some of you actually live by, and the reason is purely our fault.

[Whiplash]

Personally I like to think I capable of more than a peacock, but then I am rather egotistical.


btw my university has peacocks :aldo:. They squawked during my exam...

[AT23]

Thank you "Bun", for correcting me on spelling "competent". I always get mixed up with the last "e" with an "a", but since you corrected me I shall remember it from now on. What I should have done was go look it up on dictionary.com or something but I am lazy lol... >.>;;;

[Fruit Bat]

It certainly is instinct. It's evolutionary. Ever since humans have been around, it has been instinct for women to want to be with the bigger, stronger male. This is both for protection and to pass on better genes. Also, a fatass isn't going to be a good hunter for obvious reasons. So yes, it is instinct.

Oh, and as for Aldo's "shallow" comment...actually it's known that a male peacock missing some feathers will rarely find a mate, whereas male peacocks with bright, beautiful feathers can pretty much get any mate they want. Other animals "judge" others simply based on looks...not just humans! :)

See, I don't agree with that. If anything, the reason we always go for the "fit" people is all because of procreation, and that instinct. Its simple. The more "fit" a mate, the better the offspring may be.

Its that way with every species. Look at Moose, and other animals. The Males always have fights to determine the strongest one, and the strongest one gets with the best female. So then they can potentially have better offspring.

*Wonders if that makes any sense, its late*

[Pyramid Head]

See, I don't agree with that. If anything, the reason we always go for the "fit" people is all because of procreation, and that instinct. Its simple. The more "fit" a mate, the better the offspring may be.


And it's an instinct to procreate. And this selective pressure, in turn, makes people WANT to be fit because they have a better chance of finding a mate and procreating. This is why people naturally want to be fit and why being fit is considered attractive.

[Misschoco]

It certainly is instinct. It's evolutionary. Ever since humans have been around, it has been instinct for women to want to be with the bigger, stronger male. This is both for protection and to pass on better genes. Also, a fatass isn't going to be a good hunter for obvious reasons. So yes, it is instinct.


To an extent I agree with you-I also agree with your most recent post due to the fact you tied in procreation with instinct.But I dont purely believe its instinct-If it was then we wouldnt have fat people screwing around with our NHS funds (in the uk anyways).But maybe im not understanding what your saying very well and Im just not making sense.

Judgement or attractiveness is fairly universal to the entire population but it is also partly a matter of individual subjective preference.

Still what sucks is that more attractive people will have postive attributes associated with them unconciously even though it may not be correct.

[Pyramid Head]

To an extent I agree with you-I also agree with your most recent post due to the fact you tied in procreation with instinct.But I dont purely believe its instinct-If it was then we wouldnt have fat people screwing around with our NHS funds (in the uk anyways).But maybe im not understanding what your saying very well and Im just not making sense.

Judgement or attractiveness is fairly universal to the entire population but it is also partly a matter of individual subjective preference.

Still what sucks is that more attractive people will have postive attributes associated with them unconciously even though it may not be correct.

You have fat people screwing with your NHS funds because now there's McDonald's, people are sitting at desks all day, people can afford to be lazy, etc. And people see that they're fat and realize it's unnatractive...but they might not have the time, might not have the drive, or might not even have the right genes. The instinct is there, but sometimes instinct isn't enough. It's also an instinct to procreate, but there are plenty of people that never have kids.

As for your individual subjective preference comment...

If you ask a girl "Describe the perfect man," she's not going to say "I want someone short, fat, and a face that looks like it was beaten with a brick." :P Naturally, there are going to be cases where extra pounds are attractive to some (fetishes and such), but for the most part, everyone is attracted to sculpted bodies, rather than blubbery ones.

And you're right on the money about attractive people having positive attributes associate with them.

[Bun]

To be honest, (and I'm only using what experience I've had) nearly every girl I've asked to describe their perfect man has listed personality traits more so than physical ones. You know how the conversation goes... "he's gotta be funny, OH and nice...and trustworthy, and smart..." Catch my drift? Their physical attributes seem to take the backseat when it comes down to what they really want. If a woman is gonna list off physical attributes, chances are she's only in it for a fling; or they're the last thing she names off.

[Misschoco]

You have fat people screwing with your NHS funds because now there's McDonald's, people are sitting at desks all day, people can afford to be lazy, etc. And people see that they're fat and realize it's unnatractive...but they might not have the time, might not have the drive, or might not even have the right genes. The instinct is there, but sometimes instinct isn't enough. It's also an instinct to procreate, but there are plenty of people that never have kids.

As for your individual subjective preference comment...

If you ask a girl "Describe the perfect man," she's not going to say "I want someone short, fat, and a face that looks like it was beaten with a brick." :P Naturally, there are going to be cases where extra pounds are attractive to some (fetishes and such), but for the most part, everyone is attracted to sculpted bodies, rather than blubbery ones.

And you're right on the money about attractive people having positive attributes associate with them.

I dont think its entirely fair to blame mc Donalds for the human races' shortcomings :aldo:-In the end people have a choice to go to mcdonalds-That why I consider these dicks who try to sue Mcdonalds--as purely stupid dicks.

Anyways...

I dont completely disagree with the fact that instinct is influential-Its just when someone says it is 100% influential (and im not saying that,thats what your suggesting.As for my individual subjective preference comment....To an extent its true-But I dont want the exlude the minority who have erm..disturbing fetishes-damn Im shallow :aldo:But in the end we all have a universal idea of what is deemed attractive-i.e having a certain hip to waist ratio or whatever.

Even if we did deem certain features as 'attractive' I still dont understand how its going to affect or help us in some way benificially-Other then dwindle our self-confidence or boost it.It all seems pretty much as a whole pointless.

But how we look can also have a direct affect on how are personallity develops-Other then most attractive people being narcissists,egotistical,up themselves,and exclusive......bleh they do generally develop postive traits more then someone unattractive.

To be honest, (and I'm only using what experience I've had) nearly every girl I've asked to describe their perfect man has listed personality traits more so than physical ones. You know how the conversation goes... "he's gotta be funny, OH and nice...and trustworthy, and smart..." Catch my drift? Their physical attributes seem to take the backseat when it comes down to what they really want. If a woman is gonna list off physical attributes, chances are she's only in it for a fling; or they're the last thing she names off.
We can afford to be picky these days.Hell someone even labelled it as a single-epidemic-WTF




I didnt make any fuking sense :aldo:

[Fruit Bat]

I dont think its entirely fair to blame mc Donalds for the human races' shortcomings :aldo:-In the end people have a choice to go to mcdonalds-That why I consider these dicks who try to sue Mcdonalds--as purely stupid dicks.

Anyways...

I dont completely disagree with the fact that instinct is influential-Its just when someone says it is 100% influential (and im not saying that,thats what your suggesting.As for my individual subjective preference comment....To an extent its true-But I dont want the exlude the minority who have erm..disturbing fetishes-damn Im shallow :aldo:But in the end we all have a universal idea of what is deemed attractive-i.e having a certain hip to waist ratio or whatever.

Even if we did deem certain features as 'attractive' I still dont understand how its going to affect or help us in some way benificially-Other then dwindle our self-confidence or boost it.It all seems pretty much as a whole pointless.

But how we look can also have a direct affect on how are personallity develops-Other then most attractive people being narcissists,egotistical,up themselves,and exclusive......bleh they do generally develop postive traits more then someone unattractive.


I think the whole "attractive" and "unattractive" thing can never be grouped in one, giant stereotypical category. It all stems from the need (and most of the time, desire :aldo: to procreate), but from there, I think it really depends on the genes, mindset, etc, etc, of the individual.

If your quiet, you could want someone who is also quiet or a total loudmouth. And if your fat, I would assume you would go for fat people. The whole debate on what makes someone attractive can vary so much, because of so many variables; its almost pointless to try and choose one factor. Sooo, the whole conversation of slightly pointless.

Granted, you can make some assumptions about how certain types of people go for others, just based off of all the times we have lived on the planet, and all the data and shit researchers have collected over the years. But, like I said, there is always going to be an anomaly.

I would personally like to say if the conversation should continue, we should start discussing how personality traits and personal habits can/and or will influence your body image and in turn makes you look for (looking for meaning what are attractive qualities to you). Would be much more interesting. :aldo:

[Misschoco]

I think the whole "attractive" and "unattractive" thing can never be grouped in one, giant stereotypical category. It all stems from the need (and most of the time, desire :aldo: to procreate), but from there, I think it really depends on the genes, mindset, etc, etc, of the individual.

If your quiet, you could want someone who is also quiet or a total loudmouth. And if your fat, I would assume you would go for fat people. The whole debate on what makes someone attractive can vary so much, because of so many variables; its almost pointless to try and choose one factor. Sooo, the whole conversation of slightly pointless.


I would personally like to say if the conversation should continue, we should start discussing how personality traits and personal habits can/and or will influence your body image and in turn makes you look for (looking for meaning what are attractive qualities to you). Would be much more interesting. :aldo:
To the latter-We're visual creaturs dammit :aldo:Rofl take the example of creating a character.Because we are visual creatures, we tend to create characters we would find physically attractive. Our good characters tend to be beautiful and our bad characters end up ugly or scarred.Is this why were so shallow-But why do we assocaite certain features with certain traits-Where do these guidelines come from-i.e for the modern day >media influences,Genes? etc-lmao Im not making sense.Rofl I keep thinking of the B'n'B's from MGS4 whilst typing this.

Anways.......

Granted, you can make some assumptions about how certain types of people go for others, just based off of all the times we have lived on the planet, and all the data and shit researchers have collected over the years. But, like I said, there is always going to be an anomaly.Hell...a lot of anomalies.Its narrowminded to place certain 100% 'solid' guidelines 'on what we as humans should deem as attractive and associate good character traits accordingly.

Im not sure if our personality can affect out physical side immensely-Maybe a little.But its usually our physical attributes which would affect our personality more than the other way round.Due to the fact that uncounsiously our social interactions etc are influenced by our looks-Due to the fact that 95% of the population are judgemental twats :)

For the sake of discussion....

If you had a different type of body, would you still be who you are? If your brain had been born into a model's body, would you still be who you are or would you have developed a totally different personality?

Ideas are welcome.

[Fruit Bat]

Where do these guidelines come from-i.e for the modern day >media influences,Genes? etc-lmao Im not making sense.Rofl I keep thinking of the B'n'B's from MGS4 whilst typing this.

Im not sure if our personality can affect out physical side immensely-Maybe a little.But its usually our physical attributes which would affect our personality more than the other way round.Due to the fact that uncounsiously our social interactions etc are influenced by our looks-Due to the fact that 95% of the population are judgemental twats :)

For the sake of discussion....

If you had a different type of body, would you still be who you are? If your brain had been born into a model's body, would you still be who you are or would you have developed a totally different personality?

Ideas are welcome.

I think personality has a lot to do with it. You personality affects everything. Your habits, choices, if you care to even be fit. :aldo:

Of course, you have to think too that some of this only stems form younger people. Older people never seem to care about looks as much(well, unless your like the chick who is 30 and is like ZOMG, a wrinkle, TIME TO GET THE ANTI-AGING CREAM. :aldo: [and sadly, that is becoming more popular, but I digress]).

Although, now that I think about it, maybe the younger people in the world are so anal about the looks of others, and the looks of themselves because they feel they need to look that way (which, I am sure is true for at least 50% of the population), but I guess what I am trying to get at is... Why does that feeling or need to look attractive slightly "burn out" as you age.

* Speaking of the current older generation, if I went for the up and coming one, they would all look like plastic shells due to botox*

Maybe its because you feel like its not important anymore b/c you could kick the bucket soon anyway, or maybe when you age you finally seem to understand that looks are not everything? I dunno, lmfao, I am typing random shit.

As for the last thing about being born into so and so, I would say it has to depend on if you were raised the same. *Incorporates Nurture Vs. Nature*

[Bun]

Personality definitely has a lot to do with it. Again, speaking from experience, many people have said I am beautiful, pretty, all that crap. Now I don't necessarily believe them; I think I'm rather average compared to the many bombshells out there, but I can't really remember a time when anyone has ever said I was "ugly" or insinuated I was a hideous monster. So I grew up being self conscious on my own terms, which I would consider a personality trait. Then again, I don't care enough to go so far as to exercise...I mean I do try to eat healthy as much as possible, especially at home, but that's about as far as I'll go.

Luckily I got the petite trait from my aunt's and I have a high metabolism so I don't necessarily need to.

[Rulebreaker510]

i can't argue your case because i plan on modeling lollll.

[VeraAlexander]

I am not interested i looks i am more interested in the persons personality i do not care how good a person looks if i cannot get along with them. As for how i see myself well i try to be active but i have a slow metabolism i eat less than my six year old niece seriously a sandwich will fill me up for a day or a bowl of cereal will fill me up for almost two days the thing is cannot get out in the heat see i can't sweat if i am out in temperstures above 80 degrees fahrenheit for too long i will pass out or i will get heat stroke (i have had it 7 times so far) so exercising becomes really difficult as i can only do it in the winter months or in a cold room so yes i am over weight however my heart is healthy and my bad cholesterol levels are low (last time they checked it was between 30-50 i think) the doctor had to resend the test because they did not believe the result lol i guess they saw i was over weight and figured that it was really high, however i think that it is good for someone of my weight and i am not weak if it is cold i can easily spend an hour or more lifting 180+ pound weights if it is 90 degrees i can't even lift 30 pounds so it kinda depends on what the temperature is on whether i am weak or not so i am not the strongest person here but i am not the weakest unless it is hot then i probably am. If i get along well with someone great if we do not get along i do not care that is how it is.

Anyways sorry for the long post.

[Pyramid Head]

Wow, I have a lot of posts to catch up on!:P

Bun: My example for "Describe your perfect man" was poorly worded. I should have said "Describe what your perfect man would LOOK like." Just trying to focus on physical appearance here.

Misschocho: Good points...appearance does have a HUGE impact on how your personality develops and instinct is definitely not 100% influential. I also don't know what the benefit is of deeming a certain attribute attractive, other than overall fitness in general because fit people live longer than out-of-shape people. Other than that, I got nothin':D

Interficio Nocte: Fat people don't go out with other fat people because they want to or because they're attracted to them more than a physically fit person...it's because it's the best they can get. Sad, but true.

[Misschoco]

Oh shit too much to catch up on :aldo:

rofl this may seem incredibly shallow of me but should be consider obesity a brain disorder of somesort.

lulz just read this and express your opinions-Im doing this post for the sake of it.

Obesity a brain disorder?

There have been a lot of suggestions and treatments to prevent obesity, but it seems like the scale is still going up. In the article Issue for DSM- V: Should Obesity Be Included as a Brain Disorder by Nora Volkow and Charles O’ Brien the author challenge the American Psychiatric Association (APA) in whether obesity should be included in DSM V. They argue that “DSM- IV recognizes eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia as mental disorders with severe impairments and serious adverse outcomes, but does not recognize obesity despite its devastating medical and psychological consequences. Obesity characterized by compulsive consumption of food and the inability to restrain from eating despite the desire to do so. These symptoms are remarkably parallel to those described in DSM IV for substance abuse and drug dependence, which has led some to suggest that obesity may be considered “food addiction.”

[AT23]

Very much a "brain" disorder, although I prefer to stick to "psychological" disorders for better phrasing.

[Bun]

Oh shit too much to catch up on :aldo:

rofl this may seem incredibly shallow of me but should be consider obesity a brain disorder of somesort.

lulz just read this and express your opinions-Im doing this post for the sake of it.

Obesity a brain disorder?

There have been a lot of suggestions and treatments to prevent obesity, but it seems like the scale is still going up. In the article Issue for DSM- V: Should Obesity Be Included as a Brain Disorder by Nora Volkow and Charles O’ Brien the author challenge the American Psychiatric Association (APA) in whether obesity should be included in DSM V. They argue that “DSM- IV recognizes eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia as mental disorders with severe impairments and serious adverse outcomes, but does not recognize obesity despite its devastating medical and psychological consequences. Obesity characterized by compulsive consumption of food and the inability to restrain from eating despite the desire to do so. These symptoms are remarkably parallel to those described in DSM IV for substance abuse and drug dependence, which has led some to suggest that obesity may be considered “food addiction.”

I'd like to know why you think this is a credible source, and what that source actually is. As the issue of obesity is still quite apparently disagreed on, you can't expect us to go formulating opinions from some unknown quote.

[Misschoco]

I'd like to know why you think this is a credible source, and what that source actually is. As the issue of obesity is still quite apparently disagreed on, you can't expect us to go formulating opinions from some unknown quote.
Wikipedia btw.I didnt state that it was a 100 % credible source,but I meerly asked for vague opinions on what was being stated above.

Anything would of done...like:omfg this statement is bull shit

Catch my drift?

[Pyramid Head]

LOL, I think obesity is more of a "put down the fork" disorder.

I keeeed, I keeeed :D

[Bun]

@Misschoco: I gotcha.

LOL, I think obesity is more of a "put down the fork" disorder.

I keeeed, I keeeed :D

To be perfectly honest, I'd have to say it's more so a matter of will power than literally not being able to stop putting food into your body.

I mean, I know there've been studies showing that eating tends to release the same chemicals as a pleasant high from smoking a cigarette or something (at least I think that's what it was), but not everyone is smoking cigarettes or chowing down food because of it...er, whatever.

I think a great deal of that has to do with common sense and self control, but I'm definitely not knocking down the idea that there is some genetic or other kind of influence. I'm just saying I've known a good amount of people who could probably control their diets if they REALLY wanted to.

[Fruit Bat]

@Misschoco: I gotcha.



To be perfectly honest, I'd have to say it's more so a matter of will power than literally not being able to stop putting food into your body.

I concur. Granted, some people say "OH, I could quit if I wanted to..." but really, if your that addicted to food and that overweight, the only thing that will make you quit is when you get so much shit about your weight, are slammed with medical facts, and finally realize its desecrating your body.

I think to get rid of those habits, your will has to be broke, and then raised again with the intention of quiting whatever it is.

[Pyramid Head]

@Misschoco: I gotcha.



To be perfectly honest, I'd have to say it's more so a matter of will power than literally not being able to stop putting food into your body.

I mean, I know there've been studies showing that eating tends to release the same chemicals as a pleasant high from smoking a cigarette or something (at least I think that's what it was), but not everyone is smoking cigarettes or chowing down food because of it...er, whatever.

I think a great deal of that has to do with common sense and self control, but I'm definitely not knocking down the idea that there is some genetic or other kind of influence. I'm just saying I've known a good amount of people who could probably control their diets if they REALLY wanted to.

I agree with pretty much everything you said. While genetics plays a role, the majority of overweight people only have themselves to blame. Every obese person that I have been friends with wants to slim down, but doesn't stick with a diet or exercise regimen.

[Bun]

Exactly.

However, I'm not pointing the finger without having three pointed back at me. There are things in my life that I am addicted to that I wouldn't want to give up so easily; although I've never really had an addictive personality (thank God), I can say I've been in similar situations before. The only thing is, I knew damn well I was capable of sticking to a plan or replacing a bad habit with a good one, which is where I know I have the right to say that it is very possible.

Things like whether or not my addictions are a direct result of genetics is a completely different story - an undecided one, at this point.

[Tidus]

Growing up....I used to not think as hard about the way I looked. I never really figured myself attractive. I was always attracted to girls only on a physical level. I just figured there was no way in hell I would ever have the opportunity to hook up with them. I was pretty popular in High School thanks to the friends I grew up with.....and being the class-clown helped out alot too. I always hung around alot of hot girls (my guy friends were usually dating them)....I was sorta always the odd man out.....but alot of people liked me due to my personality.

After I graduated, I had a complete transformation. I wrestled in college and started doing Mixed Martial Arts....I worked out....Cut my hair....grew some facial hair (lol finally!!!!)....and I started to get noticed. I started getting chances with the "All-American" girls....both black and white. I realized through experience that I was looking for love in the wrong places. I'm not going to lie....I enjoy a good-looking girl...but there are other things. Looks can be quite deceiving to how a person truly is. I know thats an obvious assumption....but it is one I needed to understand through experience.

I like to work-out.....but not everyone likes that. I've learned that as long as you are comfortable with yourself, what anyone else says or thinks shouldn't matter. You just need to find your own inner-confidence. I'm proud of the way I look now...and now I've grown to be proud of the way I used to look. I was Jordy then...and I'm Jordy now! My Myspace pic.....

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/GooooK/n38417289_27774.jpg

P.S. I got the scar from wrestling.....I know its ugly....but it reminds me of a certain period in my life when I was lost. The scar isn't just a mark on my body. In a way, its also a mark on my soul to remind me of that period in my life.

[TakuyaHyuga]

Wow this is deep... I do care about my body image, most people say they don't but i do. I try not to be but i find myself caring anyway. I think stuff like "I"m getting to fat, i need to go and run" or "My eyebrows are to bushy, i need to trim them". I try to wear nice clothes, put on cologne, and stuff like that, so i can be more 'descent'. I tell myself that personality is the one that matters, but somehow i can't stop thinking about little facial and body details. This type of society we are living in does influence my thinking, but overall i'm happy on the way i am and look. I thank god for making me like i am, and for blessing me with good health.

[Tidus]

Wow this is deep... I do care about my body image, most people say they don't but i do. I try not to be but i find myself caring anyway. I think stuff like "I"m getting to fat, i need to go and run" or "My eyebrows are to bushy, i need to trim them". I try to wear nice clothes, put on cologne, and stuff like that, so i can be more 'descent'. I tell myself that personality is the one that matters, but somehow i can't stop thinking about little facial and body details. This type of society we are living in does influence my thinking, but overall i'm happy on the way i am and look. I thank god for making me like i am, and for blessing me with good health.

Amen Brother!

[Fruit Bat]

Growing up....I used to not think as hard about the way I looked. I never really figured myself attractive. I was always attracted to girls only on a physical level. I just figured there was no way in hell I would ever have the opportunity to hook up with them. I was pretty popular in High School thanks to the friends I grew up with.....and being the class-clown helped out alot too. I always hung around alot of hot girls (my guy friends were usually dating them)....I was sorta always the odd man out.....but alot of people liked me due to my personality.

After I graduated, I had a complete transformation. I wrestled in college and started doing Mixed Martial Arts....I worked out....Cut my hair....grew some facial hair (lol finally!!!!)....and I started to get noticed. I started getting chances with the "All-American" girls....both black and white. I realized through experience that I was looking for love in the wrong places. I'm not going to lie....I enjoy a good-looking girl...but there are other things. Looks can be quite deceiving to how a person truly is. I know thats an obvious assumption....but it is one I needed to understand through experience.

I like to work-out.....but not everyone likes that. I've learned that as long as you are comfortable with yourself, what anyone else says or thinks shouldn't matter. You just need to find your own inner-confidence. I'm proud of the way I look now...and now I've grown to be proud of the way I used to look. I was Jordy then...and I'm Jordy now! My Myspace pic.....

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/GooooK/n38417289_27774.jpg

P.S. I got the scar from wrestling.....I know its ugly....but it reminds me of a certain period in my life when I was lost. The scar isn't just a mark on my body. In a way, its also a mark on my soul to remind me of that period in my life.

That was very deep. 0.0

[Arashi XIII]

I used to have a horrible body image...and not just my body but my appearance in general. I was a dancer all through high school so...I was surrounded by tiny girls who were obsessed with their looks and we wore skimpy little things...so I'd worry if I looked too fat or too thin or too I don't even know. I'd ALWAYS compare myself to other people and I'd worry about my legs or anything jiggling too much, lol.... even crazy fit people jiggle so..whatever.
and I was always made fun of for having big buck teeth too ;__; (I can't help it dammit!!!) so I used to look at myself in the mirror and hate what was looking back at me..aha, and I used to wish I was mixed? like half asian and half german or something, I always thought mixed kids were beautiful (best of two worlds, right? :D)and I wanted to be one, haha. and I'm really pale...and my natural hair color is blond so people would ask if I was albino...and I've never understood the "tan craze" that's taken over so many people, but I didn't like the pale skin/blond hair combo either so...my hair is dark brown now :) yay, lol.

but as I got older *that's so weird to say, I feel OLD NOW* I sort of learned to accept myself for me...I still get self conscious sometimes? but probably not more than any normal person. I figure if I don't accept all of me, then I can't expect anyone else to either...so now I'm ok not being mixed...but I still like being a brunette more :)

and I used to dress horribley, lol *baggy sweaters and jeans* but now I like dressing up a little bit *shrug* It's nice to at least FEEL like you look ok and are worthy of wearing nice clothes, whether you do or not by "social standards"

and I don't really work out <___< (I used to when I was in dance...but that was years ago, aha) so if I get fat it's my fault and I'm ok with that, lol. ok, not really, but we'll just pretend my metabolism will remain that of my 16 year old self foreverrrr

[Jarre]

@Above post

It really pains me to read "It's nice to at least FEEL like you look ok and are worthy of wearing nice clothes, whether you do or not by "social standards"

Im so fucking sick of this total shallowness our society has become. Its crazy that people have to live up to social standards and that people are enslaved to this.

I myself am a slave i cant say im not. Thats the horrible thing, i judge myself and i sometimes judge others too. Its just so ingrained from all the media.

Im sick of myself everytime i walk by a mirror that i check myself out so my hair is ok and ya... I know how i look why do i have to be so obsesive about it?
Im better now then i was a few years ago tough, my selfastem has grown loads the past 2 years.

People have forgotten about real joy and whats important, instead our society pushes us into "buying" happines and that other people needs to rate you "ok" for you to be happy and accepted.

I really try not giving a shit what other people think, for example not everyone probobly agree's with the fact that im into guys but what can you do right?

So am i a victim and a follower of all this bullshit? Yes and no
Am i shallow? Unfortnatly i am but mostly with myself, and im sick of being it too.

[E-Motion]

I think if this forum gave out an award for vainest member, I'd take the prize, hands down. :cookie: It's my biggest vice, but I'm not too concerned about it. I think it's fun.
I can testify to that, Cactus girl is ALMOST as pretty as Lightning, and it is recommended she cosplay as Lightning

[Whiplash]

http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/mp/6645679/fatties-kicked-off-dating-site/

I was going to put that in its own thread but here will do :aldo:

Reactions?

[Henry]

Letting fatties roam the site
:aldo: .

[Whiplash]

I know, I fucking lol'd at that. :aldo:

[Black Mamba]

Growing up....I used to not think as hard about the way I looked. I never really figured myself attractive. I was always attracted to girls only on a physical level. I just figured there was no way in hell I would ever have the opportunity to hook up with them. I was pretty popular in High School thanks to the friends I grew up with.....and being the class-clown helped out alot too. I always hung around alot of hot girls (my guy friends were usually dating them)....I was sorta always the odd man out.....but alot of people liked me due to my personality.

After I graduated, I had a complete transformation. I wrestled in college and started doing Mixed Martial Arts....I worked out....Cut my hair....grew some facial hair (lol finally!!!!)....and I started to get noticed. I started getting chances with the "All-American" girls....both black and white. I realized through experience that I was looking for love in the wrong places. I'm not going to lie....I enjoy a good-looking girl...but there are other things. Looks can be quite deceiving to how a person truly is. I know thats an obvious assumption....but it is one I needed to understand through experience.

I like to work-out.....but not everyone likes that. I've learned that as long as you are comfortable with yourself, what anyone else says or thinks shouldn't matter. You just need to find your own inner-confidence. I'm proud of the way I look now...and now I've grown to be proud of the way I used to look. I was Jordy then...and I'm Jordy now! My Myspace pic.....

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/GooooK/n38417289_27774.jpg

P.S. I got the scar from wrestling.....I know its ugly....but it reminds me of a certain period in my life when I was lost. The scar isn't just a mark on my body. In a way, its also a mark on my soul to remind me of that period in my life.


Oh my god, where are you? :awesome:
Now seriously, what you've said is very deep and inteligent.

My brother has been recently in hospital because of bulimia... You realize that the society are constantly showing you perfect people, with perfect bodies and perfect faces (we're not talking about them empty minds, of course) and they want you to be like them. I've been noticed of a couple of cases more of nourishing disorders and some of them finished with attempts of suicide.

[N2Y]

I have had a bad body image. Of course there are always things you don't like, but there was a period in my life where I could not see how thin I actually was.
I'm a guy btw.

Right before I was about to reach puberty, I became a little chubby (your body gets ready to start growing, so it needs a lot of food basically). And with little, I MEAN little. But kids notice changes all the time, and even though it was rare, sometimes a kid teased me about it. And I got convinced I had to do something about it.

So, very soon, I got an eating disorder. Did not eat except for dinner. Didn't eat in the morning, nor during the day. If I did, it was an apple. And what I ate during dinner was very little.
"Not hungry?"
"No, already ate a lot..."

And I lost weight. Sometimes 2 pounds a day. People asked me if I was sick. That I looked too skinny. If there was something wrong with me. And that actually made me feel good! ('Yes, it's working!')

But when someone filmed me, and I watched myself, I was shocked of how thin I was. "That's me?! Wow..." was my initial reaction. And then I knew I had to stop, that this wasn't the direction I wanted to go in. So I slowly made myself eat more and more.

Fortunately I came to that conclusion sooner than later. If I wasn't confronted with my real body image then, I could be in a serious problem right now.

Society really destroys people for their body image. Especially kids are victim of it.

[E-Motion]

^ Yea I know how u feel man, I had a good friend once who was so skinny that when he swallowed a meatball everybody thought he was pregnant. I kid you not, you could literally use his arms as toothpicks. It got so bad to the point where other kids were calling him Nicole Richie, but I stood by him cos we were in the same clan in counterstrike back in the days. I swear despite his anorexia, he could game! I tell u that much.

[wildcard]

Tidus. You have my respect. That was deep and emotional.

As for my body image, growing up, I thought I had funny legs. Still do. I remeber never wearing shorts. In fact, I never wore girl clothes. I was a tomboy growing up. I never really liked my body. I came to terms with this body since there are some things I can't change but I'll deal with it and not be ungrateful.

...I'm healthy. I exercise daily, there's actually nothing physically wrong with me, medically speaking. So I'll shut up, and be glad I got a working body that can take me places.

...like down the road for a donut. :awesome:

But I'll always sympathize with people who have serious problems because you know what? Feeling like you're worth shit because of what you look like is pretty fucking horrible.

I really don't think we should be so damn superficial because you can't choose how you're gonna be born. So why hold something against someone if they really had no control over it? :wtf:

Sure, you can change your body and skin, but your facial features won't change unless you get surgery. And I won't say getting surgery is pathetic because wanting to look attractive so people don't pick on you is understandable. We're not all hard asses who can just shrug things off. As shocking as it may seem, words can really hurt. And with the media showing us what 'beauty' is it makes sense why so many people have weight issues.

Sometimes, I want to move into the wilderness and become a hermit. :nagase:

[Arashi XIII]

I can't find it online...but I saw a commercial on TV the other day that was about a fast, low calorie meal. The girls in the beginning of the commercial are looking at Lean Cuisine (and other such low calorie microwavable dinner trays) and they're like "350 calories?! no way!" and then they pull out the dinner thing that's being advertised *and it's TINY* and they're like "omgosh! only 80 calories and it has zero grams of fat!! this is so much better!" and then the eat it. WTF?! my yogurt has more than 80 calories, do not try to sell me that 350 calories is "too much" for a MEAL. It was just really warped and messed up...like I'm not going to live off 80 calorie meals to achieve some warped standard of "beauty" (or malnutrition as it should properly be named).

so, so stupid.

I feel guilty because even though I don't really judge other people for their apperances/weight *in general -- I do appreciate GOOD HYGIENE though, lol so...yeah* I know I enjoy looking at attractive people and I always wish they were like...down to earth and nerdy, lol...although they're *usually* full of themselves and then I get turned off...but not always! It just sucks that society in puts "attractive" people on this high pedestal and they get all this attention for their beauty and everyone talks about how beautiful they are, etc and then it just alienates people who don't fit in that category. Like, really? do you have to mention how PRETTY so and so is all the time, shut up. lol *personal anger issues, lol*

and no one ever talks about this, but all the characters in final fantasies are hot and beautiful, etc. *ok, except for maybe Sazh, but even he isn't UGLY. he's just old* and no one complains about them being hot because they're fictional, but would we still like them if they were "ugly"? probably not in the same way!

[E-Motion]

and no one ever talks about this, but all the characters in final fantasies are hot and beautiful, etc. *ok, except for maybe Sazh, but even he isn't UGLY. he's just old* and no one complains about them being hot because they're fictional, but would we still like them if they were "ugly"? probably not in the same way!
very true... if lightning didn't look the way she does, she wudn't b regarded as the hottest FF girl of all time. She'd just b ur everyday Fang or Vanille

[Arashi XIII]

very true... if lightning didn't look the way she does, she wudn't b regarded as the hottest FF girl of all time. She'd just b ur everyday Fang or Vanille

WHAT! lol, Fang and Vanille are sexy beasts too. damn them all.

[S-r-ex]

I don't care much about my own body. I'm "healthy skinny", and have my genetics entirely to blame. I've learned to accept that. Besides, I'm not growing fat either, despite having sudden eruptions of voracious appetite from time to time. Sufficient to say, my most frequently used muscle has to be the one for my right index finger.....

[Tidus]

As an amateur fighter (Pro Soon hoppefully), I am forced to be in the best shape I can possibly be in. I just like to have a nice looking body....and boy have I worked hard. Its also a confidence booster. I have my shirt off in my pics on here/facebook/myspace/etc. because I am proud of the way I look. It represents a personal turning point for me in my personal life. I became a new person.

I agree that society emphasizes body image alot. More so for women than men. I'm a firm believer in being comfortable with yourself. Don't worry about what others think about you. I like myself the way I am. It makes me feel good. It's sad that young girls judge each other according to society standards. If every woman looked like Megan Fox, things would get boring.

[Moklin]

I grew up very fast, really fast so my muscles couldn´t develop accordingly. Since i was 7 i pratice weekly some kind of sport. I´ve already tryed football, hokey, natation, athletics and now i´m signed up in gym and natation. I did and i do a lot of exercise, i eat a lot of healthy food rich in energy and guess what? I´m still skiny. If i had a normal metabolysm i would had a lot of muscle, but no, i have no muscle neither fats. I was never picked up about this by other people but inside i feel a litle frustated. Althought i never meet someone who ate as much i me it´s impossible to me to win weight. Now with 17 years old i´m 1.90m/68 kg. You can imagine how my body looks..

[S-r-ex]

1.90 and below 70 kg? And I'm just ~1.75@~60kg, but it's been a while since I last checked, tough. And that height is most likely in the morning before gravity makes it's toll on my scoliosis-ridden spine.

[Tidus]

I grew up very fast, really fast so my muscles couldn´t develop accordingly. Since i was 7 i pratice weekly some kind of sport. I´ve already tryed football, hokey, natation, athletics and now i´m signed up in gym and natation. I did and i do a lot of exercise, i eat a lot of healthy food rich in energy and guess what? I´m still skiny. If i had a normal metabolysm i would had a lot of muscle, but no, i have no muscle neither fats. I was never picked up about this by other people but inside i feel a litle frustated. Althought i never meet someone who ate as much i me it´s impossible to me to win weight. Now with 17 years old i´m 1.90m/68 kg. You can imagine how my body looks..

I was the same way man. I promise you. Give it time. Keep working hard and you'll see results soon enough.

[o0PinkSquid0o]

haha I am obsessed with how I look. If I know someone is going to see me that day, I will cake on make up, straighten my hair the whole lot. I can not let anyone see me with curly hair and a make-upless face, it's kind of sad really :P