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.
Others’ criticism is never about you; it’s always their issue
In some of my previous romantic involvements, people told me I needed to change some parts of my body or criticized parts of my body.
When this happens, I enter into a state of shock because I am healthy, consistently work out, and maintain an athletic build. But more importantly, I never criticize the body of any person I date and could never see myself doing so because I know how powerful words can be when they’re aimed at the body.
Everyone is shaped differently and is beautiful in their own unique way.
I learned early in life that people will criticize your body no matter how GOOD and positive you feel about it.
As a kid, I was very slender, and a heavier woman told me I would be overweight and carry all my weight in my legs. It still hasn’t happened, but I never forgot her words.
Words are powerful.
However, we can dictate how words affect us – positively or negatively.
Others Criticizing My Body Made Me Confident
It’s ironic; many people shrivel up and become insecure after they receive criticism about their bodies, but for me, it did the opposite.
The criticism helped me come out of my shell even more. I noticed an increase in my confidence and self-image and was finally able to see my unique beauty clearly and appreciate my body on a deeper level.
I strive to maintain a healthy self-image, and I realize that when someone criticizes my body, it’s a reflection of themselves; it’s never about me. It’s always about them.
An interesting fact is that the more we appreciate our bodies, the more we will attract other healthy individuals who appreciate our bodies as well as their bodies.
We all have “imperfections,” but in my eyes, imperfections make us uniquely perfect. Everyone has beauty to them.
When we enter into relationships, we often experience the following two things; some experience more than others, though:
Praise
Criticism
The words we receive from our partners are powerful. We should always strive to affirm our partners instead of criticizing them.
Furthermore, never over-emphasize physical appearance because that is ever-changing and not something that will hold a relationship together long-term.
How To Address A Critical Partner
Is your partner critical of you or your body? Call them out. Set a boundary. Make them aware of the fact that it is their self-image that needs work.
We must never forget there are 8 billion people in the world. Plenty of people would love to appreciate, admire, adore, and acknowledge the perfection of your body and your entire being.
If you feel the criticism has been consistent and caused too much damage to the relationship, it’s okay to part ways.
In Conclusion
100% of the time, when someone criticizes your body, it’s because they have a poor self-image and want to make themselves feel bigger by making you feel smaller.
Instead of feeling insecure about the comments others make about your body, empathize with them. Show them, love, by loving yourself.
I love my body. I’m not changing it for anyone. I don’t care who you are.
Too many people feel inadequate with their natural bodies. A healthy image starts with you. YOU are the standard of beauty. YOU are perfection.
This content is for informational purposes only — not professional advice. Consult a qualified professional before making any major decisions.