Body image issues in women

This article is about how social expectations and social media affect women's self-image, and what we can do to build a positive self-image.

Maybe even today we can say, although not beyond doubt, that men are given more importance when it comes to appearance. Many people criticize them for this, but in fact monitoring visual traits is their evolutionary legacy, which once served survival.

Since the most important thing for men is to make sure they can pass on their genes, it is essential for them to choose the right woman for this. So, whether we like it or not, they are tuned to select traits such as a fresh complexion, shiny long hair, the right waist-to-hip ratio, a youthful walk, beautiful skin, full lips, a healthy build – because all of these traits suggest vitality. It is no coincidence that among the first products of the beauty industry were red lipstick and blush, and I could also mention corsets and the rise of high heels.

No matter how much women fight against being judged by their looks, in reality they have always unconsciously cared about pleasing men and winning their attention.

How is the emphasis on femininity taking shape today? I think the worst thing that can happen to us in this area is the strong rise of social media. On various online platforms, a false image of women dominates, and it is absolutely destructive at every age and life stage. One of the gags that in my opinion should shock any decent person is the ideal angle between the jawline and the neck. Yes. We even have the perfect measurement for that now, did you know?! Incredible. There is no better Saturday afternoon plan than a nice jawline sculpting. Everyone knows that squeezing the many perfect body traits into one body these days is so to speak, a mission impossible. Yet a large number of women still desperately try to achieve it. Why? If we object to being labeled based on appearances, then why? Why is it better to create and live in an artificial world instead of the one nature gave us? And how can we return to the “normal,” traditional framework?

The answer probably lies in building a positive and stable self-image. As a bonus, I'll tell you this: none of it has anything to do with actual physical features – but it has a lot to do with self-esteem and a realistic self-image grounded on firm feet. It takes hard work, but it is worth it to know yourself and your real values.

Frequently asked questions

Can I change the dissatisfaction I feel about my appearance with a cosmetic procedure?

Changing your appearance often only brings temporary relief, because real satisfaction depends on the balance between your inner self-image and self-acceptance, not on physical features.

How can I separate my self-esteem from the feedback I get from men?

Through self-awareness work, you can learn to let your sense of self-worth depend not on outside approval, but on your inner abilities and a stable self-image.

Am I a bad person if beauty and being attractive to others matter to me as a woman?

Not at all, because emphasizing attractiveness is part of our evolutionary heritage; the goal is simply to make sure it is not compulsive conformity, but a joyful way of living out your femininity.

Did you like the article? Then save it to your bookmarks so you can find it again quickly anytime, or share it on one of your social platforms.