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Can't stop comparing

3 replies

FlibbityFlip · 23/02/2022 21:01

Hi all,
I have absolutely no idea what I seek to achieve from this post, maybe hoping someone feels similar and I'm not alone.
I really really struggle with body image and low self esteem. I am so incredibly critical of myself and I know it is damaging my relationship.
I hate the way I look, I always have since very young.
Now with social media etc I find I spend the majority of my day comparing myself to others.
I obsess over the fact that my partner is inundated with images of attractive women daily through things like Instagram and tiktok and I am convinced that he'd sooner be with someone else.
I drive him crazy with the insecurity and he's so reassuring but I always end up back in this head space.
I have tried therapy which helps for a while but then I'll try on a new outfit or see a picture of myself and immediately return to self loathing.
I don't know what to do anymore other than be on my own so I'm not worrying about not being good enough.
I feel so low.

Thank you if anyone read any of this.

OP posts:
33goingon64 · 23/02/2022 21:08

Just want you to know you're not alone on feeling like this. If it helps at all, I was a bit like this in my 20s. I'm now in my 40s and hardly worry at all about it and haven't for a long time. Your BF loves you as you are. Is he perfect looking? Most of the women you see on social media are made up unrealistically and provably have filters on. It's more important to be a good, interesting, curious, funny and kind person than it is to be beautiful.

FlibbityFlip · 24/02/2022 08:47

@33goingon64 thank you so much for your kind reply. Did you see an obvious shift in the way you felt over time or has it been gradual?

OP posts:
33goingon64 · 24/02/2022 09:14

I think it's just growing older and seeing that the things I thought were important just aren't. I feel sad when I think of the emotional energy I wasted feeling insecure when I could have been focusing on what really matters: friends, hobbies, nature, just what interests me. It's quite a relief when you realise that you get all that time and brain space back! Basically I think if people are judging me on whether I look pretty enough or thin enough or am wearing the right clothes, then I don't want to waste time with them. Good luck on your journey - you'll get there.

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