I've spent most of my life (47 years) battling with body dysmorphia, bulimia and basically absolutely hating myself. I could critique my body head to toe and find literally loads of things I despised. I'm just 5'3 and weigh around 6st 10 and 7st), I exercise (at home) daily too.
I was badly bullied at school for being 'fat and ugly' (I was a lot bigger then) and throughout my older years I've been ridiculed for my appearance which has been really difficult to deal with.
My ex partners have all made derogatory comments about how I look and my last LTR cheated on me, wanted me to be someone I wasn't, used to make snarky comments and made it abundantly clear his ex wife was much better looking which shattered my self esteem even more.
Anyway, over the last year or so of being single I've come to FINALLY realise that I do NOT need validation from a man or anyone else. I wouldn't say I am 100% happy with myself but who is? What I do know is that I look pretty good for my age, that doesn't mean I think I'm attractive but my sons girlfriend thought I was in my 30s and no one ever believes how old I am or that my son is almost 24. I dress young too but in a tomboy kinda way, not short skirts, heels and low tops (not that there's anything wrong with that, just not what I feel comfortable in).
What I would like to know, male or female, do you feel comfortable in your body and if you haven't always, what made you change your mind?
Many thanks :-)