This piece is part of my 2016–2026 archive migration. Some original formatting, content, and external links may be missing, changed, or not be optimized.
And how the experiences made me more confident
Your self-image is not reflected or based on how someone else views you. Only you can decide how confident and healthy your self-image is.
It’s nice to receive affirmation and body-positive words from others about your body, but the most important person to receive them is ourselves.
Self-love is a journey. Just when you thought you couldn’t love yourself anymore, you can. I’ve been able to continually show myself love in many ways after receiving criticism from others. Each day provides me with a new opportunity to love myself. Some ways I can do this include: eating healthy, working out, reading books that help me grow, meditating, stretching, believing my dreams are possible, and loving others. When you love others, you love yourself.
I never criticize others’ bodies. I understand how powerful words are, and I never want others to have to experience what I’ve had to go through. I do my best to uplift, praise, and admire the bodies of my friends, family, and strangers.
Give others what you desire to receive. If you want others to love and praise your body, be sure you are doing the same for others. Stay away from criticism.
You might not forget the words others have said about your body, but it doesn’t mean you have to allow these words to define how you view your body for the duration of your life on earth. Never allow negative words and criticisms about your body to have power over how you view yourself.
Often, the relationship won’t work. It’s difficult for me to stay with someone who criticizes my body because I have a healthy self-image. I won’t consistently accept poor and unhealthy behavior from others.
My body will go through changes for all of time. But my body deserves my love and respect as long as I’m here on earth. The more I respect and love my body, the more I will attract others who do the same.
Whenever someone criticizes my body, I know that I’m actually receiving a compliment. Since this is the case, stay humble. Don’t get egotistical. Don’t rub others’ poor self-image in their faces.
Recap: 10 Lessons From Dating Critical People
When someone criticizes your body, it reflects their poor self-image.
Your self-image is based on your thoughts and beliefs-no one else.
The more important person to affirm your body is you.
You can never love yourself (healthily) enough.
Never criticize others’ bodies.
Treat others as you wish to be treated.
Never allow criticism to affect your self-image.
Relationships can be damaged by consistent criticism.
When people attack your body, it’s because they usually admire it.
This content is for informational purposes only — not professional advice. Consult a qualified professional before making any major decisions.