Why we should stop hating our bodies

Lingerie shop, Bluebella.com, recently did a poll where they asked 500 men and 500 women to describe their idea of the “perfect man” and “perfect woman”. They did so in an attempt to create a mash-up of images showing just how men and women differ when it comes to the idea of what a “perfect body” is.

Men predominantly chose Kim K’s breasts and Megan Fox’s face as the most attractive, while women envy Cara Delevingne’s face and Jen Aniston’s breasts. Showing that desirability and “perfection” are perceived quite differently by the sexes.

But what is this “perfect body” thou speakest of?  Don’t we all find different features, proportions and shapes attractive? No, we don’t. Or, at least, we have been told that we shouldn’t.

But, this is nothing new. When you look at the history of how beauty standards have changed, it covers quite a spectrum. Every few years a new “perfect body” is upheld as the ideal: from blonde bombshell Bardot in the 1960s to waif-like supermodel Kate Moss in the 1990s. And now, curvy contouring queen, Kim Kardashian, is the be-all and end-all of attractiveness.

This notion of a “perfect body” (or, better yet, a “perfect beauty”) is a manufactured one. We’re all drinking the Kool-Aid, people. It’s not really what ALL people find attractive.

So, what does this study show? Firstly, that men and women think very differently about beauty. There’s a massive disparity between what we believe to be the ideal (what the world upholds as the “perfect body”) and that which we truly find attractive.

Secondly, it shows (in lights and neon capitals) that you, yes you, ARE FAR FROM “PERFECT”.

So, what do we do? We end up hating our bodies (or parts of it anyways) because of our lack of “perfection”. Your thighs, cellulite, nose or double chin does not measure up. But, don’t fret; the world is forever coming up with new solutions to “fix” your flaws: Botox, fillers, slimming treatments, fake tans, laser hair removal, highlights, make-up, body sculpting, liposuction, calf implants, etc.

But to what end does one hope to attain this elusive, “perfection”? To be desirable? We have earlier established that this, in fact, is objective.

So, maybe you are actively trying to mould yourself into “perfection” (for summer, right?), or maybe you just couldn’t care less. But without sounding like a Dove ad, you are your own definition of “perfect”. If you want to wax, exercise, eat, lipo your way to a better body and face - that’s your prerogative. Do it. If you have no desire to do so, on the other hand, then don’t. It’s really simple.

No matter what, I promise, someone will ALWAYS find you desirable.

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