Raising a daughter with a healthy body image is not an easy thing to achieve. In this clip from the show, Body Expert Dr. Robyn Silverman shares her top tips for how parents can help their daughters feel beautiful...
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All easy to say Anderson Cooper. But when an 'ugly' woman walk into a room, how many men or even women go up and talk to her? How many men get married to unattractive women? Even if guys date an unattractive woman, they want a pretty wife! Would you date an unattractive woman who doesn't wear makeup? A lot of so called pretty women are actually pretty because of the makeup and look hideous without it! But that's what gets them all the attention!
Recently I read an article that a study found that attractive people get paid higher and do better in their jobs. So its not surprising that a lot of women are hiding behind makeup and plastic surgery.
Just look at the kind of criticism Condoleeza Rice gets. I think she is an extremely accomplished lady who reached where she is just by her own abilities (no high profile family or husband or boyfriend). But instead of commending her for her achievements, I have seen numerous comments from people criticizing her appearance.
The fact is, in this superficial world, looks do matter!
My problem is that I compare myself to other women, then I feel I'm not as desirable. I feel uncomfortable in skimpy clothes or lingerie. I could use a breast lift, but I'd rather work out with weights and see where that gets me.
I've been an insulin dependent diabetic since I was 10 and it's hard to control. I have an insulin pump now and I can see the exercise not only helps aesthetically, but my blood sugar is more stable. I want to be fit when I turn 50!
My problem is that I constantly compare myself to other women. I have relationship problems because I feel like I have to look like a Victoria's Secret model in order to be sexy. If I were to get surgery, it would be a breast lift, but I don't obsess over it. I'm in the process of exercising to get in shape by my 50th birthday. 50 is scary because I lost both parents in their 60s. I want to eliminate some of the risk factors that cause early death. Being healthy makes a difference in one's appearance.
A zone in the home where talking about your body is forbidden? Really? Seems like in Dr. Silverman's zest to jump on the 'Everything Is Beautiful" bandwagon, she is placing untenable limits on legitimate mother/daughter conversation which takes place when the daughter is ready to discuss it, regardless of location. Sometimes that is in the car, the kitchen, the utility room, etc. Shouldn't the focus be on open communication and healthy discussion about body image instead of setting limits on that discussion as though the limits make the feelings any less real?