Overcoming body-critical comments-how?

Continuing the thread on body positivity in the previous post, I am posting some common self-critical  comments that I face from women with regard to their bodies. I wonder what would be the best way to reassure and build confidence in women who are under intense self-induced pressure to have the “perfect”body. I am not a 100% body confident but I am on the way.

 

In a professional capacity, I often do not have the liberty to say what I would say were these people my friends or family. To know my professional responses read below and my “mental no-holds barred” response  read inbetween the lines 😉

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I hate my arms, they have to be covered.

Professional response

“Let us find a third piece with sleeves to cover your arms” or “Don’t worry, no one will be noticing your arms when you will be looking this radiant.”

Mental no holds barred response

“It is normal to have arms, people would really notice more if you didn’t have them so please stop complaining about having arms.”

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I do not like how my butt looks in these jeans. I feel very conscious of them sticking out as an eyesore.

Professional response

 “Let us find jeans that you are more comfortable wearing.”

Mental no holds barred response

“Why do you hate your body so much?”

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There is no problem with the clothes, the problem is with my body. I wish I were 20 pounds lighter (I hear it from skinny and curvy women alike)

Professional response

“You are perfect the way you are”

Mental no holds barred response

“The problem is really in your mind and your perception of yourself. No one will notice if you are 20 pounds lighter or heavier if you have the confidence to pull it off.”

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I am too old for this trend ( insert trend – cold-shoulders/off-shoulders/ distressed jeans etc.)

Professional response

“What is your preferred style”

Mental no holds barred response

 “No one is putting a gun to your head to invest in this trend.”

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Is this too young for me?

Professional response

“It depends on how you want to style it”

Mental no holds barred response

 “It depends on how old you think are”

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As serious as the topic of body positivity is, I want to keep the discussion light by injecting humor into this blogpost. Please let me know how you would overcome self-body-criticism in a professional or non-professional setting in the comments below.