Really embarrased about well...stretch marks!

[Carmen87]

Considering that my mother survived off of TAB cola (gross) for her first and second pregnancy I'd have to say no, we are not a well hydrated bunch. I'll definitely have to up my water intake. Luckily my job provides free purified drinking water. I should take advantage of this. But my job also provides free sodas and snacks, most of which are unhealthy. Oh well, you take the good with the bad.

 

Pure cocoa butter everyday helps skin retain moisture and well help keep the skin soft so it can stretch.

[fray718]

Thanks for all the replies everyone! I guess I just needed some reassurance and I agree that if he's the right one for me, then he will accept me with all my stretch marks and all hahaha.

[lbj123]

I don't have stretch marks, but I do have cellulite on the back of my thighs that I feel very self conscious about. It drives me crazy and I tend to obsess over it. Overall I am thin and fit, exercise regularly and eat well, but even at my absolute skinniest, it doesn't go away. I sometimes think about going for a consultation for plastic surgery, but 1) have heard that even surgery doesn't significantly reduce the appearance of cellulite and 2) when it comes down to it, with all of the sickness and disabilities in the world that we cannot control, something about getting a surgery that is not necessary just wouldn't feel right to me.

 

I struggle with body image issues, but work really hard to focus on the positive. It's not easy though...it tends to be the first thing I notice when I look in the mirror, and in new relationships, I absolutely dread walking around naked if he is behind me until I really feel comfortable.

 

I do have to say though, when I feel confident and good about myself, I can see and feel others picking up on it. If you decide that you are sexy, others will agree. Sometimes I feel sad when I think about the times I've wasted picking myself apart uneccessarily. I am still a thin girl now, but I was very skinny in college (a size 1 or 2) and when I look back at pictures I think "How could I have been self conscious then about a couple of indents in the back of my thighs when I looked so amazing and thin and toned!?!"

 

I bet you are absolutely beautiful, and you should tell yourself that every single day!

[Lauriebell82]

I have stretch marks from weight fluctuations. I've maintained a healthy weight for the last 3 years, so they havn't gotten any worse. I rub cocoa butter on them and it makes them less noticable. My boyfriend has never even said anything to me about them. Any guy who won't want to be with you because of something like that isn't worth your time!!!!

[bozwa]

Most men don't care about that superficial stuff. It's YOU he's into. It took me a while to feel this way (and I still think I don't feel it 100% - still self-conscious). I also have stretch marks, and then throw on top of THAT a bunch of loose skin from losing almost 100lbs. My boyfriend is aware of the weight I lost, he's aware of how I used to be and he thinks I am beautiful as is. It's taken some time and reassurances, but I am feeling more comfortable in my own skin finially in front of him sans clothing.

[Saxis]

There is nothing sexier to a man than a woman who is confident with her body. Lights on, lights off.... doesn't matter to me.

 

Someone that loves you, doesn't care- trust me. Also know that many men have the same feelings of vulnerability that we do.

 

And that's really all there is to it.... Well said!

[x07_dani_x]

i know what your talking about here, not personally, but my cousin grew up in a family where everyone was overweight and when she was growing up (like little to about the time she was 12) no one really got her to eat right and so she turned out overweight too and by the time she was 14, she was so disgusted by her body that she lost all of the fat and now has stretch marks all over her stomach, some on her hips, and her thighs..shes 16 now and i think that she looks like a model, her body shape is perfect....she just has some marks....and even though guys LOOK at her like their interested, shes just now with her first boyfriend and shes deathly afraid of him seeing her marks...she doesnt even let him touch her stomach when there cuddling she said....and it makes him feel awkward because he doesnt know why she doesnt let him touch her or anythig and they wind up getting into arguments because of it.....but otherwise they are perfect together.....does anyone have any suggestions for me to tell her??? im 19 and her and i have been like the best of friends forever and i would just love for her to finally be comfortable in her own skin

[bozwa]

i know what your talking about here, not personally, but my cousin grew up in a family where everyone was overweight and when she was growing up (like little to about the time she was 12) no one really got her to eat right and so she turned out overweight too and by the time she was 14, she was so disgusted by her body that she lost all of the fat and now has stretch marks all over her stomach, some on her hips, and her thighs..shes 16 now and i think that she looks like a model, her body shape is perfect....she just has some marks....and even though guys LOOK at her like their interested, shes just now with her first boyfriend and shes deathly afraid of him seeing her marks...she doesnt even let him touch her stomach when there cuddling she said....and it makes him feel awkward because he doesnt know why she doesnt let him touch her or anythig and they wind up getting into arguments because of it.....but otherwise they are perfect together.....does anyone have any suggestions for me to tell her??? im 19 and her and i have been like the best of friends forever and i would just love for her to finally be comfortable in her own skin

 

Just piece together everything that was said here on this thread and have a talk with her. Once she sees that the guy she's with doesn't give a crap about the marks, she'll feel better (although at 16, do you think you should be encouraging her to take her clothes off with a boy??)