3 Cool Ways Good Friends Can Boost Body Image Together

Photo by Sarah Pflug from Burst

 

Support from trusted friends can make life easier when working toward improving your body image.  Why go it alone when you can bring friends along on the journey! No doubt, this can be a positive experience for both of you. Here's how to get started. 

 

Start by setting a positive body pact!  

Start off by setting some 'body' ground-rules together. These are things you'll work on collectively and build awareness about. Ground-rules will act as the foundation for building a 'positive body' protective environment around you both. 

And it starts with how you talk with each other about your bodies! 

 

1. No more negative body talk, please

Negative body talk is when you say aloud something negative about your body.

For example, "My legs are fat/thin/curvy/bumpy/ugly!"

It's ingrained in us to do it, so it can take conscious effort to stop!  I have many memories of chatting with my girlfriends picking out all the bits of ourselves we didn't like! Many!!

So first step, make a pact you'll never speak badly about your bodies in passing comments, conversation or ever again. 

This step alone is worth its weight in gold for your body. 

 

2. Try complimenting each other on things besides appearance

It's nice to compliment a friend when you think they're pretty awesome!

For body image, it's good to highlight your many other qualities besides appearance.

It might sound counterintuitive, but too much emphasis on appearance can send a message that appearance is the most important thing about you. Especially when its the first thing people notice and comment on. 

And as the hashtag says you're #morethanabody -- way more. 

"you're a brilliant writer!"
"the way you handled that situation was inspiring"
"gee you've got a quick wit!" 
"you're such a great friend!" 
"marketing is your thing that's for sure!"

 

3. Keep each other accountable 

Knowone's perfect at being kind and positive about their bodies 24-7. You won't love your body every day.  This is normal and makes it all the more important to look out for one another.

Agree together that you'll work through the setbacks, the good times, and uncertainties together when it comes to appreciating your body's again. 

"Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, ‘What! You too? I thought I was the only one" -- C.S Lewis.

You got this!

 

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