To feel shit based on fb pics

[Lateliein]

... Have always been up and down in weight. Currently about a 14 (5'6) but carry disproportionate weight round my stomach like my mother so can look like an old alcoholic on a bad day. Sometimes a 16. Am 45 and admittedly a bit vain, use a lot of creams to look younger. (should exercise and not drink as much wine 🙄)

Family wedding (sibling) in a few weeks.

Friend has just out pics on fb of a holiday together. No bikini pics or anything but Im shocked and sad at some of the pics. I look so fat. I've had to ask her to delete about five of them as I'm so unhappy. My stomach looks like another entity.

It doesn't help my ex is still in her group of friends.

1. I'm gutted at how big I look, especially as still thought I was quite attractive
2. I'm gutted at how much I care as I have kids and don't want to model this nonsense.
3. I'm gutted at the thought of people seeing the pics and being snide... I guess I was always thought of as pretty and took it for granted.
4. I don't want to go to the wedding as I'm worried about pictures which I know is stupid and shallow and sad and pathetic.

I feel old and fat and stupid. Help 😭

One day all there will be lift of us is photos

Oh dear, this is horrible to experience, I know. Such a shock when a change creeps up on you like that.

I tried to reframe as a positive really and used it as a spur to try and keep my weight down a bit. It is an ongoing struggle but the weight doesn't get too out of hand now.

Remember no one else is judging your photos in the way you are to yourself.

"One day all there will be lift of us is photos"

Wtf are you pissed? 🤣

I could have written this. It's an awful feeling when you think you look nice then see a photo that suggests otherwise. I carry all of my weight around my stomach and also enjoy wine a bit too much (and pasta and takeaways and cheese and crisps and cake).

I always feel better when I drop a few lbs and I can do it relatively easily with diet if I put my mind to it but frankly, life is too short to deprive yourself of things you enjoy purely for aesthetics.

If it's really bothering you try eating in a calorie deficit for a week or so and you'll probably lose a bit.

In 10 years time you'll look back on those photos and think, what was I worrying about. I was so young at 45 and my skin was great!
Blame the clothes, buy a new outfit for the wedding. Sometimes photo's don't show what people in person see - they just catch a bad 2D slice of you. I'm sure you'll look lovely at the wedding.

I have been there OP. Shit feeling. But nothing to do with being stupid!

I'd say don't hide. You won't get younger even if you lose weight, you have to get used to this. Try a new outfit, try to be differently beautiful.

It's a typo, left of us, I'm sure they meant as well you know