So a few days ago, I bought a bikini, and (here's the miracle), I didn't cry while I tried on any of the dozen or so rejects. Why? Because I found a little confidence this summer, and I'm ready to rock my two-piece. Here's what I discovered.
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1. Everyone Drinks the Poison
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It's so weird how all of us drink that toxic blend of self-shaming and self-loathing. Look, no one, not even Kate Upton, is PERFECT. There's no such thing! You may not know it, but someone else is wishing she had your body, the one you're always picking apart.
2. Size Does Matter
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Once I started ignoring the size on the tag inside the swimsuit, and just paid attention to how it fit, I found a flattering bikini. Who cares if I normally wear a size 4, and the bikini I chose is an 8? It fits, and that's what matters.
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3. Comfort Counts
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If you're tugging at the swimsuit in the fitting room, you'll be tugging at it while you're poolside, too, and even if no one notices, you'll feel like a spectacle. Cast that uncomfortable suit aside and try on something else.
4. Focus
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Okay, so I don't love everything about the way my body looks, but I do love my tummy, and my smile; what is it about your body that you love? Focus on that. I don't mean to find a suit that accentuates that - I mean, keep YOUR focus on what you love most.
5. Screw the Shamers
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There will always, always be some asshat at the beach or by the pool ready to hurl a hurtful insult at you. Ignore them! They're obviously unhappy in their own skin and want to bring you down too. Don't let them! Smile, and give them an extra bootie-shake as you saunter away.
6. Gather the Girls
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I hate feeling singled out, and I'm much more comfortable traveling in a pack with my squad. If you're not quite confident yet, head out for the first few trips to the pool with your friends, and banish any "fat talk" among yourselves.
7. Pamper and Prep
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When I've spent a little time on myself before I head to the pool, I feel more secure and sexy. Exfoliate. Slip on some scented sunscreen. Wear a little lip gloss. Maybe try a pretty new braid. Do something to pamper yourself a little, and you'll feel more confident, too.
Do you have any other confidence-boosting-in-a-bikini tips or thoughts to share?
Comments
lovingnyc: I agree... Some of them looked VERY skinny...
Leanne: So love the green and whit bikini in the first shot...she looks divine
Blackbeta: Literally nothing that I like about myself so not wearing a Bellini this summer
Isabella: Hoopefully I'll get my (new) bikini out sometime, hasn't even had an outing yet! 😅 I hardly ever go to the beach or the pool though..
Blackbeta: Bikini
Anna-Marie: Skinny girls are self conscious as well. Like the article says, no one is perfect.
Aief: I loved how beautiful the girl in green looked.
Maya: Maybe don't show a bunch of skinny girls ....
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