Body Image in Relationships Part 2

These Show Notes are a ChatGPT summary of the episode transcript (with brief additional editing)

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Trigger Warning

The issues we are discussing today regarding body image can evoke strong emotional and psychological responses. They land differently with each individual, and it is always important that we check in with ourselves before we receive information as to whether we are mentally in a place to manage the processing of that information. It is an act of self-compassion to know when not to listen to something. Please take a moment to do this. Check-in now to decide what is right for you and if listening to the show today brings up any issues for you, help is always available at Lifeline on 13 11 14, or through the Butterfly Foundation, who specialize in support for eating disorders and body image issues on 1800 33 4673.

In this podcast, hosts Kim and Rog discuss body image issues and share their own experiences. By having these real conversations, they want to provide a gateway for others who might not feel comfortable to talk about it. Body image is an issue that affects people of all genders, and it can have a significant impact on our lives and relationships. While men tend to talk about body image less than women, it is still a growing issue, especially with the rise of social media and dating apps. Men may feel pressure to conform to certain physical standards, such as height, which can lead to low self-esteem and body dissatisfaction.

Roger delves into some of common the male experience of body image and the need to create safe spaces where men can express their feelings without fear of judgment or emasculation. While in the past, male pattern baldness and penis size were generally the only body issues that concerned men, social media and dating apps have amplified body image concerns, particularly for young men.
Height, in for example, has become an issue, as some dating apps allow women to specify a height minimum, leading some men to exaggerate their height in their profiles. Muscle dysmorphia (feeling like they need to be thinner and musclier) is also a body issue on the rise amongst men.

However, these superficial criteria have little correlation with a successful relationship. Therefore, it is essential to understand the male experience of body image and create safe spaces where men can express their feelings about their bodies without fear of being judged.

The conversation then focuses on how women’s body image has been deeply affected by oppressive behaviours, including sexism and objectification, as well as media and advertising promoting unrealistic beauty standards which can make it difficult for women to feel comfortable in their own bodies. Women face enormous pressure to look and feel a certain way, which can lead to low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression.

Rog shares his own struggles with weight and body image, and how it impacted his confidence and mood. Kim and Rog emphasized that you cannot make your partner healthier, but you can support them with their body image, which may give them more agency and control in the future to focus on making changes that they choose in their life. It’s crucial to not judge those you love and care about.

They also discuss how in society people who are “body positive” will often get called out or shamed because they may be seen as “overweight” and by being openly positive about themselves they are sending a bad message to others with the same body shape or size. However the hosts believe critics have it wrong and without a positive attitude towards your body, you won’t have the belief in yourself. Without belief in yourself you cannot grow or achieve difficult things.

Body image is an issue that affects us all, and it is important to have honest conversations about it and create safe spaces where people can express their feelings without fear of judgment or shame. By understanding the impact of historical and current oppressive behaviours on body image and promoting self-acceptance and love, we can build healthier relationships.