SUMMER IS HERE... AND THE BODY KNOWS IT

Summer is here! A time of heat and changes in our clothing choices. Some people enjoy this season showing off their favorite bikinis. Others might feel afraid to wear light clothing or show more skin at the beach… and in bed.

What you think about your physical appearance has an impact on your life. This includes your emotional well-being, your self-esteem, and your interpersonal relationships. There is an important relationship between body image and sexuality. This relationship shapes our self-perception as sexual beings and influences our experiences with partners.

The media often reflects unrealistic beauty standards, leading people to feel they must conform to an idealized appearance. These standards can shape perceptions of what constitutes an attractive body, leading to comparisons with others and self-criticism.

When it comes to sexual desire, a positive body image can encourage you to embrace your sensuality and engage in intimate experiences with enthusiasm. It can contribute to a healthier sense of sexual desire and satisfaction.

A negative body image can present challenges to intimacy. It can lead to feelings of insecurity and shame, hindering your ability to fully enjoy sexual activity. You may avoid certain sexual activities or positions due to discomfort with your appearance. It can reach a point where sexual intercourse is avoided altogether, affecting not only your personal well-being but also the health of your relationship.

Here are some ways to promote a positive body image:

1. Don't compare: Remember that each person is unique and has their own beauty. Don't compare yourself or your partner to unrealistic beauty standards.

2. Communicate: Open and honest communication is essential. Be sure to praise your partner and highlight their qualities. Together you can work on building a positive body image.

3. Education: Learning about the diversity of bodies, normalizing natural changes, and recognizing that beauty comes in diverse forms can help change self-perception about the body.

4. Professional support: If you are struggling with a negative body image, seek guidance from a sexologist or therapist who can provide you with tools to reframe your perceptions and develop positive self-esteem.

Remember that beauty goes beyond physical appearance. Embrace your uniqueness and celebrate your body just as it is. Everyone has the right to emotional and sexual well-being, regardless of size, shape, scars, wrinkles… and that includes you.

SHENI MARTÍNEZ

Sexologist

@shenimartinezpr