I’m a huge proponent of spouses supporting each other through body image issues. I think this is something both husbands and wives deal with. Having a poor image of yourself affects so many areas of your life.
I asked Jennifer Dawson to share a few of her tips on how to help your spouse with these issues.
Here is what she has to say-
Body image issues affect many individuals during one stage of their life or another. According to DoSomething.org, 91% of American females are unhappy with their bodies, but, when your partner is experiencing severe body image issues, it’s vital you stand by your vows and support them through it. After all, the key to a healthy marriage is love, communication and comforting each other in sickness and in health.
Listen To Their Complaints
It’s important you take the time to understand how your spouse perceives their body and the root cause of any issues they have. Ask questions to help boost your understanding and ensure you give your partner the opportunity to speak up and express their true feelings.
When your partner expresses dissatisfaction about their body, it’s easy to respond by saying the way they’re feeling isn’t true and isn’t how you see them; however, this often doesn’t make them feel any better about their appearance. Instead, praise them on non appearance related traits and characteristics as this will enhance their confidence and show you love and care for them.
Find Ways to Support Them
Your other half may decide to take action to transform their body image and to improve their self-confidence. Whether they opt to start a new diet, take on an intense fitness routine or are keen on aesthetic and cosmetic body adaptation options, you should provide support and encouragement at all times.
Things you can do to show your support are to help keep their diet on track by changing your eating habits, join your partner on their morning run and read up on surgical procedures together so you can have an open and frank discussion about them, as well as reviewing the cost.
Spend One on One Time Together
When something as significant as body image is affecting you, it can be difficult to think of anything else. This is where spouses play a vital role as when you recognize that your partner is having a particularly bad day. Make a conscious effort to pick your partner up by treating them to a special day out. Limit your influences.
Don’t take your spouse to the beach or a store with half-naked people if it feeds their poor self-image. Instead, head to the movie or enjoy a long stroll in the park together where you can make the most of some quality time together.
Understanding your partner’s body issues is essential in supporting them. To do this you need to communicate with your spouse and ask appropriate probing questions regarding their concerns. You should show encouragement for any decisions they make and, where possible, take their mind off the way they’re feeling by enjoying some one to one time together.
3 comments
Thanh
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Fredro
Nice post!
Keelie Reason
Thanks!