“Bony knees.” Knobby knees, sharp knees, knees that don’t conform to some smooth, rounded ideal. For years, I felt self-conscious […]

Thigh gap obsession. The body image myth perpetuated by media and unrealistic beauty standards. For years, I secretly wished for

Sweaty armpits. The ultimate public embarrassment fear. For years, I lived in fear of pit stains. Wore dark colors, avoided

“Flat butt.” Pancake butt, no-booty-zone, whatever you call it, it can feel like a lacking asset in a booty-obsessed culture.

Weight worries. The constant background hum of body dissatisfaction. For years, I was fixated on my weight, constantly monitoring the

Tight jeans. The ultimate test of body confidence, or torture device, depending on your perspective. For years, I avoided them.

Gray hair. The dreaded sign of aging, something to be covered up, fought against, and generally avoided at all costs.

“Wide hips.” Childbearing hips, thunder thighs, whatever you call them, they can be a source of body image angst, especially

Thin lips. Often deemed “less desirable” in a plump-lip-obsessed culture. For years, I shied away from bold lip colors, convinced

“Short legs.” Stumpy, disproportionate, fashion-challenged. For years, I felt self-conscious about my shorter legs. Felt like they made me look