subject: The Looking-glass Effect, And How Plus Size Bathing Suits Can Help Fix It [print this page] It is a known fact among many professionals and psychologist that self-esteem stems from physical appearance, and typically a majority of the time this is due to being self conscious about weight. This play a little on the looking-glass effect, which was a term coined by Charles Cooley a social psychologists. Essentially the idea shares that individuals may be defined as peoples conceptualization of their own views of self, simply based on how others view them.
One may be wondering, what does this have to do with bathing suits? Truth be told, those with low self esteem due to weight, typically feel the most vulnerable during swimsuit season. Reasonings for this are on a multitude scale such as feeling insecure about the body type and not wanting to showcase it, stores not carrying appropriate sizes, and the unpleasantness of trying on the bathing suit in a fitting room.
But what is one to do? Simply avoid outings to water parks, beaches, and pool parties? This course of action should not even be taken into consideration, but rather embrace the problem and find a solution. It is understood that the average female American waist size nowadays is roughly a size 12, which incidentally was also the size of the famous Marilyn Monroe. Typically stores do not carry this size or over, due to the trend of smaller is better.
There are options such as plus size bathing suits. Most would dread the thought of wearing such a thing, and would prefer to not participate in social activities that would require swimwear. There is a company that has recognized the need for appealing swimwear and has provided these items online, for an easier and comfortable shopping experience.
And contrary to belief, the suits are figure flattering and fashionable. Curves are hugged rather than hidden. And despite the fact of being considered plus size, these suits remove that notion from the mind, thus building self confidence and self esteem. Based off the looking-glass notion, if one feels great on how they look, those perceptions are cast to those around them.
One must be able to embrace who they are, bulges, curves, and everything in between. Despite what media influences may say, many individuals do not bolster the notion of thinness. Thus, one should feel audacious enough enjoy summer events, rather than hide under an oversized shirt. As shared by the famous Paul Tillich, The courage to be is the courage to accept oneself, in spite of being unacceptable.
