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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To think that my appearance is no one else’s business?

134 replies

burntoranges · 13/07/2025 17:02

I’ve lost 5 stone over the course of around a year, and I finally feel happy with myself for the first time in a very long time. The weight loss was fuelled by a relationship breakup, and I’ve really been prioritising self care and enjoying being alone. I feel genuinely happy and confident, and I’ve always been curious about aesthetic treatments but to be honest I never bothered because I knew I’d still feel rubbish until I’d shifted the weight so it felt pointless. Fast forward to now and so far I’ve had my eyebrows micro bladed, hair extensions fitted, and an upper blepharoplasty scheduled later this month as I’ve always had hooded eyes that are now starting to affect my vision due to the skin sagging onto my eyelashes.

I also got the tiniest bit of lip filler at the weekend, had zero plans of telling my family because it’s none of their business, but they saw me the afternoon I had it done and it’s like all hell has broken loose. My mum and sister are disgusted with me, saying I’m ’taking It too far’ and I don’t need anything done. I’m just so annoyed because I’m finally happy and confident and treating myself to these little tweaks that I KNOW the risks of, I’ve accepted those. I feel like they’d rather I went back to being fat and miserable.

AIBU to ignore them if they ever bring up my
looks as it’s none of their business? Am I being too harsh?

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Teaforthetotal · 13/07/2025 21:13

Well done on all the positive changes. Sounds like you're healthy and happy. I voted YANBU.
Tweakments are not for me but I understand why others might want them however they can divide opinion as you often see on here. The important thing is it's what you want for you. I think shutting down conversations about your appearance with the family is the way to go. Eg
Mum: What have you had done to your lips?!
You: I've had lip filler recently. I'm really happy with the results but I don't want to discuss it further. Have you seen the weather today? What are you eating for dinner?

You can use this technique for other topics they disagree with too. Perhaps they don't agree with tweakments and that's totally fine, it's dealing with the conflict when it arises.

nzeire · 13/07/2025 20:53

You look gorgeous! And what beautiful skin and hair. The lips look lovely too!

well done on turning your life around, stay happy, it suits you

Ddakji · 13/07/2025 20:09

Meadowfinch · 13/07/2025 20:04

I think this is the oddest opinion and conclusion I've read on MN.

Much much more likely is they are concerned about the hazards of a procedure carried out by someone who is not a doctor, or simply that they don't think the OP needs such things and are concerned for her mental health or confidence.

However op is an adult and is free to do as she pleases, and can just ignore the comments.

Really? Because over the years, especially in the relationships board, I have seen many examples of this situation. Some families can get very peculiar when members step out of their lane (as they see it).

And I think the OP has confirmed that this dynamic is in play. As well as her sister being a conspiracy theorist.

IPM · 13/07/2025 20:09

You do you OP and ignore everyone else.

Including the lazy posters who slap out the word 'jealous' like a seal hitting a keypad.

Whatever other people's reasons are for trying to get into your business, it's your business so just ignore them.

Meadowfinch · 13/07/2025 20:04

Ddakji · 13/07/2025 17:37

Because they’re jealous of how good the OP is feeling about herself.

I’m guessing that the OP has filled the family position of the fat girl who everyone feels slightly sorry for and oh no, her relationship has broken down now so we can carry on feeling sorry for her - only the OP has taken control of the narrative now.

I think this is the oddest opinion and conclusion I've read on MN.

Much much more likely is they are concerned about the hazards of a procedure carried out by someone who is not a doctor, or simply that they don't think the OP needs such things and are concerned for her mental health or confidence.

However op is an adult and is free to do as she pleases, and can just ignore the comments.

PopeJoan2 · 13/07/2025 19:50

Slimagain · 13/07/2025 19:16

I’ve gone from size 22.. to size 8/10 over 17 months. With the miracle drug that is Mounjaro. First and foremost.. my blood pressure has gone from 180/120. To 117/73. That alone is enough for me to feel happy - along with cholesterol 1.8 mmol/L
However that weight loss left me with an apron of skin hanging below my pubis .. hideous and no clothes fitted . Size 8/10 everywhere except round the waist . Which was still a 18. I had a tummy tuck.
was is dangerous ? Yes . Like all operations. Was it vane ? . Absolutely. Were my kids worried ? Yes .. very . BUT they also knew how much the excess skin hurt (sores, infections .. anytime the temperature increased and sometimes just by exerting myself) . They all ‘got it’ and helped me research surgery/ understand the risk and make my decision.
The best scariest decision that I have ever made . They have all.. (adult kids, Husband , boyfriend & friends ) have ALL been completely supportive.

Would I like more for the saggy arms and baggy breasts ? Yes of course . Will I do more ? No. Not at the moment . However , if I do .. then it’s my business and no one else’s. My body. My choice !!

I don’t think a tummy tuck is vanity in your case.

godmum56 · 13/07/2025 19:42

fuck em. Your body your choice

Ladamesansmerci · 13/07/2025 19:32

I don't like lip filler so I don't get it done. That's my body and my choice.

You are entitled to do what you please to your body. It is absolutely no one's business. Ignore your family, OP.

You can consider a feminist perspective and be critical of things like surgery, beauty treatments, and make up, without being a dick and dragging down/insulting other women.

BunnyLake · 13/07/2025 19:31

SantasLargerHelper · 13/07/2025 19:29

Lip fillers look ridiculous and I have no idea why lovely young women feel they need to mutilate themselves in this way. I think it's really sad. They look a mess, they stick out stupidly from the face in profile. So if I were your mum, I would be saying the same.

Nothing to do with jealousy.

OP’s lips look good though. As long as she doesn’t go into trout pout territory they look really nice.

SantasLargerHelper · 13/07/2025 19:29

Lip fillers look ridiculous and I have no idea why lovely young women feel they need to mutilate themselves in this way. I think it's really sad. They look a mess, they stick out stupidly from the face in profile. So if I were your mum, I would be saying the same.

Nothing to do with jealousy.

BunnyLake · 13/07/2025 19:25

Great if it enhances you and you don’t go down the route where everyone looks the same (Love Island type looks) or Liberace. I was just thinking earlier today how David Beckham has mucked about with his face and I wondered what he would have looked like without it, probably very good.

I had a little bit of filler and botox done a few year’s ago and loved the result but it was just a one off (couldn’t afford more). It took ten years off me but in a way that just made me look fresh.

Good luck with your updated look, hope you enjoy it. Your family are probably just worried you'll go all Wildenstein.

burntoranges · 13/07/2025 19:22

@Slimagain that’s amazing, well done you!

OP posts:
Trentdarkmore · 13/07/2025 19:20

Congratulations on your weight loss.
I don't think your family are jealous or want to spoil things for you.
Many people find cosmetic procedures concerning for many different reasons. For example, your lips look bruised and sore in the picture you share, and I would be upset to see someone had hurt themselves to that extent in the pursuit of "beauty" Nothing to do with not wanting you to look good.

Slimagain · 13/07/2025 19:16

I’ve gone from size 22.. to size 8/10 over 17 months. With the miracle drug that is Mounjaro. First and foremost.. my blood pressure has gone from 180/120. To 117/73. That alone is enough for me to feel happy - along with cholesterol 1.8 mmol/L
However that weight loss left me with an apron of skin hanging below my pubis .. hideous and no clothes fitted . Size 8/10 everywhere except round the waist . Which was still a 18. I had a tummy tuck.
was is dangerous ? Yes . Like all operations. Was it vane ? . Absolutely. Were my kids worried ? Yes .. very . BUT they also knew how much the excess skin hurt (sores, infections .. anytime the temperature increased and sometimes just by exerting myself) . They all ‘got it’ and helped me research surgery/ understand the risk and make my decision.
The best scariest decision that I have ever made . They have all.. (adult kids, Husband , boyfriend & friends ) have ALL been completely supportive.

Would I like more for the saggy arms and baggy breasts ? Yes of course . Will I do more ? No. Not at the moment . However , if I do .. then it’s my business and no one else’s. My body. My choice !!

marylou25 · 13/07/2025 19:12

Well done on the weight loss, could even go with the eye job, I have similar issue but am nearly double your age! Definitely going the way my father was with hooded eyes and my eyes even feel tired from trying to hold up that skin!

But the lip fillers, I dunno, you look fine from the front and I often see people like that but then when they turn sideways you see that ridiculous duck like pout and the blurring of the actual upper line of the lip into the surrounding skin. Now maybe I have just seen bad ones and maybe the good ones I haven't noticed but I'd never judge on a front photo, I'd be more interested in side profile.

FleaDog · 13/07/2025 19:12

Op, if you don't mind me asking, who have you booked for your blepharoscopy?

SonK · 13/07/2025 19:00

Congratulations on your weight loss and body confidence OP x

Of course it's not their business - tell them to let it go!

I will be honest, I can't say whether your family have made those comments because they are genuinely concerned or jealous as other posters have mentioned.

However, you are a grown woman and you should do whatever you want with your own body once you have done your own research and assessed any risks involved : )

burntoranges · 13/07/2025 18:59

@Delphiniumandlupins I could, but the waiting list for NHS treatment is long and it’s something that I’d rather have the benefit of now.

OP posts:
burntoranges · 13/07/2025 18:58

@MrsTerryPratchett I did try the sticky eyelid tape, I couldn’t get it quite even on both sides but I loved the feeling of having that weight off of my eyes! I also tried a little Botox brow lift before opting for surgery but it didn’t do much!

OP posts:
CoolShoeshine · 13/07/2025 18:57

If they were really concerned about you they'd have had a quiet, calm word with you. Sounds to me like they're jealous. I don't like lip fillers at all but yours look natural.

Shnuzzbucket · 13/07/2025 18:52

FinallyHere · 13/07/2025 17:04

Their jealousy. Such an ugly emotion.

don’t give them any headspace.

Why did you rush to jealousy?

I dont know the op, but it is possible that her "improvements" may look like Katie Price.

And even if they don't, some people just don't like the fake look (not saying op is fake looking, but maybe)

Delphiniumandlupins · 13/07/2025 18:50

burntoranges · 13/07/2025 18:36

@IceLollyMolly yup. It’s more so in one eye specifically, plus I work from home on a screen all day so by the end of the day my eyes feel extremely heavy and tired from having to open them so much wider to see properly due to the excess skin sitting on my lashes.

But also, even if it wasn’t affecting my vision and I just wanted it done purely for cosmetic reasons does it really make a difference?

If your eyelids are affecting your vision you could get a blepharoscopy on the NHS. If you have it done at 34 and have naturally dropping eyelids you're likely to need it done again when you're older. Of course it's your body and your face but everybody who goes too far started with a little tweak, so your family's concern is not unexpected.

jay55 · 13/07/2025 18:49

Well done on the weight loss and a bigger well done on feeling better about yourself.

Im not one for filler and the like, and I might judge you in private but as long as you can afford it and feel happy with it, then it really is your business.

Overtheatlantic · 13/07/2025 18:46

I think you look gorgeous!

MrsTerryPratchett · 13/07/2025 18:41

burntoranges · 13/07/2025 18:36

@IceLollyMolly yup. It’s more so in one eye specifically, plus I work from home on a screen all day so by the end of the day my eyes feel extremely heavy and tired from having to open them so much wider to see properly due to the excess skin sitting on my lashes.

But also, even if it wasn’t affecting my vision and I just wanted it done purely for cosmetic reasons does it really make a difference?

Have you tried the sticky eyelid tape? I did once and looked really odd. But I wonder if anyone has tried it to good effect.

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