I: “Look at this, this flap of skin hanging from my arm. It’s revolting and baggy, like a bingo-wing found on an 80 year-old’s arm. Look at these thunder thighs, how can I ever walk down a beach with legs like these?”
R: “Look how toned your upper arms are! I can see the muscle even when you don’t tense. You must’ve worked so hard to achieve that, well done you! And as for your legs, they’re shapely and firm, extremely similar to mine, and my legs are just fine as they are.”
I: “I don’t go to the gym as often as I’d like; my routine has been slipping lately and I feel positively awful about it. It’s kind of depressing really.”
R: “You were in the gym at least four times last week, I saw you. You looked determined and healthy. You really set a good example and I think you spur others on.”
I: “That’s ridiculous! Why would anyone want to emulate me?? I’m chubby and not as pretty as the rest of the girls, and I look like a sweaty idiot when I work out.”
R: ” How dare you say that about yourself. Look at that smile; when you smile, you light up the whole room. Your eyes are so blue that even the ocean would be jealous! Your dimples are the cutest and to me, you’re perfect, why would you want to change anything about your appearance?”
I: “It’s not that I want to change, exactly, it’s a comparison, isn’t it? Beauty is portrayed as skinny, pretty, perfect….look at the magazines….do I look like I’ve stepped out of a magazine???”
R: “You always look great. Always. And do you know how much airbrushing goes into those images? Do you? Do you think celebrities don’t employ all manner of nutritionists/dietitians/personal trainers? You are who you are. A beautiful, talented, incredibly impressive young woman. Why would you ever compare yourself to anyone else? Why would you need to?”
I: “Everyone compares don’t they?”
R: “Not everyone. I don’t compare when I look at you. When I look at you I only see myself. And to me, that reflection is all I need….after all, the mirror never lies…”
Chasing Amy-Lou 