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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To feel a bit embarrassed about my glow up?

155 replies

Donttalkaboutit · 26/04/2025 16:21

I know this will sound very silly!
So over the past decade, my thirties, I've been having babies, breastfeeding, sleepless nights etc etc. I've been carrying excess weight and been dressing to hide my shape. My hair was dull and straggly and I just looked tired and (sorry to use the word!) 'Frumpy'.

Anyway, I'm now 40 and I have lost lots of weight, got my hair cut and highlighted and started wearing make up and stylish clothes. I look 100 x better.

Now when I meet people I haven't seen in a while they are shocked and tell me how much different I look, how young I look, how trendy I am and will comment all good things but inside it just makes me think I must have looked a state before!

I do actually think that I'm looking better than I ever did (!) and am just struggling with all of these compliments even though I know I should be really glad of them! I see.myself in the mirror and can't believe it's me and then get all self conscious when people say I look nice. I'm ve4y, very gracious of the compliments and always say thank you but inside I feel a bit silly or something??
Aibu to feel like this or is this normal?

OP posts:
Shufflebumnessie · 26/04/2025 16:49

Well done for giving yourself a glow up. I love that you're feeling so much more confident in yourself.
Embrace the compliments and enjoy your refreshed look!

Hatty65 · 26/04/2025 16:45

Don't feel silly!

Just laugh and say, 'The sleepless nights used to take their toll, I'm afraid'.

Glad you are looking and feeling good!

nomas · 26/04/2025 16:39

It’s normal for some people to feel awkward at compliments.

I think you’re over thinking it.

User5274959 · 26/04/2025 16:23

It's normal ime (as a yoyo dieter), and why I never comment on someone's weight.

Some people, like me, just want to blend in and not be noticed and not have their appearance commented on! It makes me feel uncomfortable too.

But try not to take it as you looked awful before, it's just a change eg. The haircut, which they are saying suits you.

It's also probably because you are feeling better about yourself so carrying yourself with more confidence

RedWhite · 26/04/2025 16:23

You must look super great, don’t sweat it. Having young kids takes its toll on your body in many way and you’ve addressed many of them and people are noticing how lovely you look.

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