Body peace belongs to everyone

Body positivity refers to the right of every person to exist exactly as they are and look, without being questioned by others. Body positivity includes the idea that no one has the right to comment on another person's body. Nor should assumptions about a person, their life, or their health be made based on their body.

Body esteem can also be extended to one's own body. Body esteem is appreciating and accepting one's own body as it is, imperfectly perfect, unique and wonderful.

The media creates ideals and pressures

As summer approaches, magazine headlines are filled with headlines like “You still have time to get in shape for summer.” Online weight loss coaching is marketed with slogans like “Be the best version of yourself” or “Dream body in a month.” Social media is full of (often edited) pictures of people whose bodies are “perfect” and their lives seem to be too.

We humans often have a need to belong, to please others and to always fit into the new mold that is given to us. It is no wonder that many people constantly struggle with their own body image. It is easy to think that just that “perfect” body would magically transform our own life into perfect. For many, perfect means exactly what we most often see in the media, i.e. a very narrow picture of the wide and wonderful spectrum of humanity and bodies.

There is a need for diversity in the media landscape, because every person is different and unique. Each of us has the right to be seen exactly as we are. For example, the appearance of injuries and illnesses in the media is still rare, even though they are human characteristics just like any other.

Appearance is just the outer shell of a person

Each of us has our own, different body. The body is the first thing that other people see in a person. It is quite natural that the first impression of a person is created based on their appearance upon first meeting. However, a person is so much more than their appearance and external nature!

You can't completely control the formation of first impressions, as they mostly happen unconsciously. However, it's worth noting and understanding that we make assumptions about people without knowing them. More important than creating a first impression is being willing to let go of it and get to know them as people.

Appearance is just the outer shell of a person, meaning ultimately a very small part of the person.

Appearance does not tell us about a person's well-being, life situation, skills or other characteristics. A person can be, for example, athletic, hardworking, sick, sad, successful or musical, even if it does not seem that way to others at first glance. But what should these characteristics "suppose" to look like?

No one has the right to comment on someone else's body.

Many of us have sad memories of situations where someone close to us or a stranger has made a negative comment about our body. The comments can be direct criticism, for example, “You’ve gained weight since I last saw you,” but regardless of the subject matter, less direct expressions can also hurt and be memorable.

A person forms an idea of ​​themselves in relation to their environment. Any comments related to their own body easily affect how they see themselves. Negative comments usually have a negative impact, regardless of the intention of the commenter. A comment can be said in the moment and without thinking about it, but it can have a very long-term effect on its recipient.

Many people write things on social media and the internet that they might not say face to face. Because of the physical distance, sometimes we even forget that there is a real, living, feeling person behind the screen. Unkind comments hurt, no matter what environment they are said in. It doesn't matter whether you comment on someone's body face to face or, for example, on social media. So think twice before you comment <3

Even a comment meant to be positive can hurt

We live in a society where, for example, being slim and losing weight are idealized. These are easily seen as positive, praiseworthy things about a person. There is nothing wrong with praise in itself, but it would be good to base the praise on factors other than appearance.

Even comments intended to be positive can be harmful, especially if you don't know the person and their situation. It's worth remembering that an outsider can't know what kind of things a person is struggling with. For example, praising someone for losing weight can unknowingly fuel eating disorder behavior. Not everyone idealizes thinness, but it can be a painful thing that they would like to change in themselves.

Speak nicely to yourself too!

Many people understand that other people's bodies should not be commented on or criticized. At the same time, comments about one's own body in front of the mirror are unfortunately often merciless. Something is too much and something is too little, and it is never enough for oneself.

At worst, we live a life of perseverance, waiting for some change to happen, after which we can realize all our dreams. Years of our lives are spent punishing and hiding our bodies. We strive for beach fitness, wedding fitness, count calories and fill our cabinets with products that promise miracles. What if life could be here and now?

Giving yourself body peace doesn't mean you can't long for a stronger body, for example. On the contrary, loving your own body also helps you take care of its well-being! However, it is important that it is done gently, respecting the body, not self-loathing and beating yourself up. Exercise can and should also be done for the joy of exercise, not to shape your body.

The body does not need to “earn” its own or others’ respect by being a certain way, always bending to a new mold. The body’s job is also not to please others, but to carry you day after day in one way or another and enable wonderful things in life <3 For that, the body does not need to be a certain way or “perfect”. Every body is different, good and beautiful just the way it is!

The topic of the customer bridge is body peace.

Come hear more about this interesting topic that concerns us all at our customer evening at the Erotiikan Aja store on Saturday, May 14, 2022, starting at 5:00 PM! We will be delighted to have the wonderful Mari Korpela as our expert guest, who is a trainer and authorized sex educator (SSS).

The evening is free for customers and there is no obligation to purchase anything.

There is no need to register at the customer service desk. Everyone over the age of 18 is warmly welcome to the evening. Come alone or with a larger group! We will provide light snacks.

See you on Saturday?

Best regards,

Girls of the Erotic Era