peter-50314427 @peter-50314427
I've always been aware of my body type, but I never really thought it was a big deal until I hit puberty and started to develop in ways that set me apart from the other girls at school. I went through this awkward phase where all my friends were suddenly super skinny and had these flat stomachs and everyone looked up to them because they fit the ideal beauty standards of society.
Meanwhile, I was stuck with a bit more padding on my hips and thighs and I got made fun of for it. My friends would tease me about being "pudgy" or that I needed to lose some weight before the summer beach volleyball season started. It was really hurtful and made me feel like I wasn't good enough.
I tried hard, though, to change my body type. I went on fad diets, cut out food groups, and even worked out with these crazy intense programs but nothing seemed to work for long and it always left me feeling miserable. Now, at 18, I've come to accept that this is who I am and that I'm actually pretty cool just the way I am. It's taken some time but I've learned to love myself, flaws and all. What about you? Do you have any fun stories or experiences related to body image?
