Looking Outward Instead of In

Its probably because you have become self-conscious of yourself..to the point of eating right/exercising/being on MFP. Dont be so hard on yourself. You were a beatiful person before you started..and will be once you complete your journey.

I am the same way..since I have started my journey..I think I am more hyper-critical of myself...and in doing so...I think others are also judging me.but they arent..its just my perception.

Hang in there..you are doing awesome..

I have been this way my entire life. Do you have a parent that feels this way? My dad has always been worried about his career and what his family looks liek to others. He is paranoid about facebook, flips out when I comment on things publicly and one time I wrote a letter to the editor for our paper and he just about lost it! He has made me incredibly paranoid. I think losing a littl ebit of weight has definitley made me more confident and I've noticed this paranoia going away.

I just had to tell you I know exactly what you mean.

I think self-acceptance is something that every human struggles with daily throughout our entire life. Depending on what's going on in your life (could be relationships, job, health), how you feel about yourself inside, the people around your (good friends, family, good boyfriend) the struggle may be harder or easier at that moment.

Committing to weigh loss is a lifechanging event, so I think it's normal to think about what other people think about you as long as you don't let their thoughts define you. I don't think it's something you have to get over, it's something you're going through to help you get to wherever you feel you want to be.

And, Girl--I look up crazy dating stuff too sometimes, but we all do-- we're human, and some of us want relationships, there's nothing embarrassing or wrong about it. I confess that I've spent entire days looking up astrological compatibility--is it crazy--maybe, am I crazy, maybe a bit. (lol), but I'm not going to beat myself up about, and I don't think you should either..

And, yes girl--I can tell you w/ a definite YES --some men like fat women and some men like natural hair-..I'm fat and I have natural hair--and I don't lack for suitors, suitable suitors, maybe, but not suitors..hahaha..

Enjoy your journey! (((hugs)))

I think that when we get the size that we are we kind of deaden ourselves to the outside world. We cover our fears and feelings with our food. Now that you have come out of hiding, you have to face the real world for the first time ina long time and that can be a daunting task! But, think of all of the new and exciting possibilities! I just think we all have to work through it in our own way...Just keep remembering how wonderful and beautiful you are and you will work through these feelings of insecurity!!!:flowerforyou:

this pretty much captures the same thoughts i had on the subject...i agree...you prob always felt this deep inside butare facing it now...also...for me...when i began i had to hit bottom ya know...and it dawned on me just how little i liked me...and how much i hadn't loved who i was enough to take care of myself properly...and well...that made me realize...man, if you feel this way about yourself...then surely others do(which i have learned is almost never the case bc we are far harder on ourselves than others are)...you can use it for the good...(also, as a newfound friend...you may want to find other activities besides tv til you are in a diff place mentally and emotionally bc i read a study published a year or so ago about how women who watch alot of regular programming and reality shows ate more, were more depressed, and had low self esteem...i stoppped watching tv about a year ago and i feel better about it *(but if you really love it, maybe just focus on diff programming til you feel better...