Body Image Issues, Not Just for Women Anymore

Sounds like something that boyfriends and husbands hear from their girlfriends and wives right before they make sure that whatever comes out of their mouth next is the right thing. What everyone needs to understand though is that quotes like that, and numerous others, often times come from men as well. The only difference is that those types of statements from guys aren't usually said out loud or to anyone because it really isn't the overly macho type of thing to do or admit.

Coming from a guy that isn't fully caught up in the whole "image is everything" motto that ninety percent of society likens too; I'm hear to let you know that men really do worry about image sometimes as much as women do. Everyone wants to look their best and present a good vision of themselves so they're going to make sure the hair looks good, the clothes match, and the skin looks clear. But it's going to be women much more often then men that ask opinions on their outfit and if their figure isn't what it used to be. That doesn't mean though that men aren't at home alone looking in the mirror wondering if they can do something new with their hair or if the shirt they have on look stupid.

Image issues and insecurities really set in when a guy is home by himself and getting ready to go to work or out for the night with friends. This holds true even more so for those guys out there that are single and hoping to find the certain someone they've been looking for. Getting dressed can often be a chore for guys when most believe that they just throw on a shirt and pants and they're done. Not true by a long shot. Most men will grab an outfit rather quickly and throw it on which is different from women who usually spend more time looking for what they're going to wear before trying it on. Men though will put the outfit on, get totally ready, and then realize the shirt is a bit too tight or makes them look too skinny. Neither of those thoughts are what guys want others thinking about them once they step out into public. Time to change and start all over.

Try and be fashionable guys, but don't try to be someone you're not. If the newest trends and hottest clothes are what are taking up the society pages and all over the biggest celebrities; don't change your image just to adjust to them. If those types of clothes and that look isn't you then attempting them will only make matters worse on you. Shop for clothes that are good looking and stylish, but don't change yourself to be one of the sheep following the flock. Stand out and be yourself.

Next up is the personal appearance of a man's face and hair. Let's look at hair first because there are so many different styles and each one can say something totally new and unique about the man that sports it. Whether what the hairstyle says is bad or good is what worries men the most. Long hair or a certain cut may make them look overly girly and turn others off when they're trying to impress. So let's just shave the head and go for the real manly look, but then again it's a drastic move to get rid of all your hair. Now there is the insecurity of whether your head is too small or big for your body and becoming much more noticeable. Should you dye your hair guys or is that considered to be too feminine or over the top? Decisions like this aren't easy to make and they cause a lot of stress in guys which can make them think far too long about what is the best look for them.

One area that guys have it a tad easier then women, is when it comes to how they present their face. Women have to deal with make-up which can be so incredibly frustrating and time consuming for them considering all I've witnessed in my life. Guys still have to deal with a lot of image issues though when it comes to their face. Acne can set a guy into a frenzy because it is embarrassing for anyone and will surely cause a need for panic if a big date is coming up. Then there's the whole "shaving" thing which is one of the biggest and most annoying problems for a guy. Does a beard make me look weird? Should I keep the cleanly shaven face or leave a light shadow? Those are just a few of the questions that men are faced with in wondering if facial hair will make them look too old or a cleanly shaven face makes them look too young. Portraying the wrong image with the most noticeable part of your body is a horrible way to make a good impression.

You can add clean and straight teeth to the whole facial issues men deal with. Women don't want to see a hot looking guy from across the room, walk up to him, and see yellow or crooked teeth when he first smiles at them. Talk about a turn off. Guys, take care of your teeth at all costs because it's so simple and will be to your advantage for a long time. Brush regularly, use dental floss, and have regular cleanings to ensure that your teeth don't become dingy or even cause problems. If you can't afford a regular cleaning then there are always whitening toothpastes and even Crest white strips to let you do it on your own. They work well and are less expensive so that way you can have a brighter smile and not have to worry about grossing anyone out. As for teeth that are crooked or out of place, you've got no choice but visit an orthodontist and get braces, a retainer, or other methods to fix things up. Coming from someone that had braces for two and a half years, it's worth it.

Men are always going to have image issues whether it deals with their face, hair, teeth, weight, clothing, or anything else that will affect their appearance. It just won't seem like it because so many men refuse to let it be known that they don't feel they look as good as they should or they just won't feel manly enough asking someone's opinion on their looks. Believe me that self-esteem problems run rampant in the mind of every single man and I know this because I'm one of them. I don't think my looks are that bad, or that my appearance comes off as something unappealing, but confidence in my attractiveness is very small. Thinking I'm only cute and nothing more. Thinking she is way out of my league. Wondering what she sees in me at all. All of these thoughts go through my head and the only thing I can do is work at being the most attractive possible and never being afraid to ask the question, "Does this look alright?"

The answers you receive may end up helping you more then you realize and solving a lot of issues that only you ever thought about yourself.