Sucker Punch to My Self Esteem..

ChunkiChica

So, today was going pretty well for me...I even posted my first NSV!

But then I went to the MVC (Motor Vehicle Commission) to renew my license. It's been four years since I renewed.

After waiting almost 2 hours (yes, you read that correctly!) I finally got my new photo taken for the license. The photo flashed on the screen pretty quickly, and there it was: The double chin. Not like, a little bit. No. A fully disgusting, absolutely mortifying double chin. But it doesn't stop there.

When the lady at the counter handed me my new license, she said very calmly and authoritatively, "You've changed a lot since your last picture." I took a quick glance at my old photo and new photo - the only difference is my face is wider and my chin has doubled. She was politely telling me I had gained a lot of weight in four years.

Well, after being mortified twice (once by the photo and then by the less-than-courteous woman at the counter) a mumbled a "Yeah," and got myself out of there quick.

But now I can't get that stupid photo out of my head. And I won't get it out of my head, because that stupid photo has to go with me everywhere I go for the next four years.

I haven't cried yet, but I really want to.

Encouragement, anyone?

annahuebscher

well, when you've lost the weight and you're in a happy place, you can whip that out like a badge of honor and be happy in your journey. Use it as fuel, so when people see the extra chin on your license and then look up and see you looking sexy and sleek, they won't believe its the same person.

Also, I look like a serial killer in mine. I think they're meant to be hideous photos.

SJCon

When you get to where you know you will then just say you lost it and pay to re-issue.

rnhoppe

I finally got a new one after losing 100lbs. Every time I used my old one I got tons of compliments and double takes...think of how fun it will be then!

sandrahulleman

Some people just don't know when to keep their mouths shut. Remember she works at the Motor Vehicles Branch.:flowerforyou:

Frankenbarbie01

Dont be discouraged, Go get the photo redone, say you lost it, it was destroyed, gone....whatever. Get a haircut, put on some makeup go do it again. Keep in mind its your DL....NO ONE has a good photo! LOL
If that woman is there again and she makes a comment just reply with "Oh I'll only be fat for a while, you'll be rude MUCH longer"

andreajp

I think there is some law that says the picture *HAS* to be unflattering. In fact I'm pretty sure they have some sort of special filter on their cameras to ensure you look heavier, more tired and more serial killerish than you are in real life.

jen10st

Ouch! I truly believe driving licence photos are meant to make you look awful. Mine is shockingly bad and here in the uk we're stuck with it for TEN YEARS! your profile pic on here is beautiful so everytime the licence pops into your head look at this one instead. You are beautiful.

liftingheavy

I can certainly feel your pain here, it's easy to not see things as they are until BAM - a picture which tells a thousand words.

But that's okay because

1.) You are here and will lose the weight - then you can go and pay a few bucks for a new DL and photo.
2.) You will not get tickets because you don't want to pull that one out

Try not to stress over it - it's a temporary point in time and you body can change if you commit.

Acidique

I honestly believe (not kidding here) that the angle the MVD chooses to have their cameras at must be a standard height. I say this because I JUST renewed my license. Now, I have about 30lbs to lose. This is the tail end of my journey, I've lost around 90lbs total. When I had my picture taken LAST time I didn't have a double chin. I've never really had one despite my weight, I carry the extra baggage in my stomach, butt, and thighs instead. Anyway. This time when I got my new license I was stoked because I figured the huge weight loss would totally show. Boy was I wrong. Now in the pic I HAVE a double chin, but I have way less body fat that before, so I KNOW I didn't magically gain a double chin. It's all the angle. So however they have it set up, even if you don't have much of a double chin, it makes it look much worse than it is. Seriously.

Don't beat yourself up. Everyone looks way worse in those than they do IRL.

Also, you can "accidentally" lose your license sometime if you don't mind paying for a new one, and try to get a better pic. Either way, don't let it get you down. Soon it'll be a distant piece of your past. Good luck!

FitXnX50

Or, You *could* scan and post that photo on your profie :grumble: Actually, it seems you already have the motivation. I too want to be healthier than people older than me. It's just the way things should be! I've posted a before picture and can't wait to save my reputation with the after-shot! It's helping me reach the goal faster than I'd imagined possible.

mindirella

I finally got a new one after losing 100lbs. Every time I used my old one I got tons of compliments and double takes...think of how fun it will be then!

^^ Totally!!!!!!

leo02098

Those photos NEVER look good!! Don't beat yourself up hun!
I have the most horrible photo on my drivers license, on my passport and don't get me started on my student ID!! They are never flattering...that's what photos with your friends on a night out are for!!! You're gorgeous! Don't let some DMV or MVC lady get you down...screw her!

dwh77tx

I think you are very pretty and have great hair, if that makes you feel better. I am a former NJ resident- a Rutgers grad also. I miss NJ...a little...

familyof9

I work in the government, and guess what, there are more rude people than nice people. I am sorry she was so crude but you are not your picture, it is just an image. Allow it to motivate you to greatness! Another thing, that woman is a miserable person with low-self esteem. Don't let her get you down girl!:flowerforyou: OH! And you are gorgeous!

kimothy38

How rude of the staff member to even say anything. My drivers licence photo is hideous too but I hardly ever look it anyway. It just sits in my wallet though I am reminded on the odd occassion how truly awful it is.

bufger

Put that photo on your fridge. Surely thats motivation enough to work hard at losing weight?

I look at fat photos i hate and it makes me want to go to the gym and train hard. I'm running away from the fat man!

GeekyGoddess

Its a great "before" shot. when you're ready for a new, thinner one just pretend you lost it and go get a new one, and make sure they don't try to print one up with the old picture file.

waronmyfat

i renewed mine yesterday im also dreading my photo when it comes in the mail eeek.. I hope its not horrible

wingednotes

I keep mine in my wallet backwards so I don't have to look at it.

cinden33

Ahhh, that sucks sweetie. However, NO ONE takes a good license picture....lol There is a few lucky ones out there, but I'd say the norm is pretty bad. I bet if you googled "bad license pics" you would end up feeling better. Hang in there...you won't remember this in ten years

PLUMSGRL

wash it and go get another one when you're ready!

Pixi_Rex

I literally look like I crawled out of a crack den...I wish I was joking when I say this, my mom asked me if I needed an intervention when she saw the photo. In fact in all my ID photos I look horrendous (double chins, horrible hair bags under my eyes etc.) I wouldn't let it get you down honestly. Just think in 4 more years how wonderful you will look - you will get the same comment about how you have changed a lot since the last photo.

JuliesS82

I'm sorry you had a bad day, I feel your pain. You're beautiful on the outside and I'm sure on the inside as well. Do something nice for yourself like try out a new class at the gym or buy yourself a cute pair of tennis shoes----there is sooooooo much more to you than a pic.

Spartan_Maker

My first reaction to opening this thread was: "She's pretty." I then read your profile and thought: "She's also smart and motivated."

You'll master the body recomposition process with ease.

BrownEyedGrrl

Those photos NEVER look good!! Don't beat yourself up hun!
I have the most horrible photo on my drivers license, on my passport and don't get me started on my student ID!! They are never flattering...that's what photos with your friends on a night out are for!!! You're gorgeous! Don't let some DMV or MVC lady get you down...screw her!

^^^^^ this. You're very pretty!!!

CyberEd312

That picture works both ways... The only photos I have of me at my max weight was my drivers license and my Ymca card:

me at 560 lbs.


me at 249 lbs.


they ask me every week (jokingly now cause they know the answer) if I want to take a new photo and my answer is always NO I leave the YMCA everyday and put my ID on my visor with the picture looking down at me and it is my constant motivation to never go back to where that guy once was.... Use your picture as motivation and not as a hindrance....... Best of Luck

RunnerInVT

At least you can lose weight. I can't lose "old"

dearprudence78

I feel for you, I really do. That woman has no business whatsoever commenting on anyone's photo. She has no idea who you are and what your story is. Hopefully you can use your new license as motivation to keep working towards your goals. One person here put it beautifully - you are not that photo. Don't let an unflattering picture define who you are. You seem to be a well educated and sweet girl. I think those are better things to dwell on.

SnowWhite824

First of all, the woman behind the counter needs to get a life, and shut her mouth. I'm sure shes gained weight in her life, and I'm sure she knows how if feels.

Anyway, I think you should use this as fuel to motovate yourself to get healthy!! And yes, you can redo the picture - So get to a happy weight, and then get in there, and shove it in her face with a new photo!!

curlygirly80

:bigsmile: Well my friend, this should be your motivation to get to goal! Then once u do, accidentally lose your license and take a trip to the DMV to get a new license. This shouldnt be your demise since no one ever sees it, unless you get pulled over by the po-po often. LOL:bigsmile: