Body Positivity in Relationships

In relationships, whether with family, friends, or a romantic partner, practicing body positivity is essential to make each individual feel safe and supported. Establishing clear boundaries and understanding everyone’s role in their body positivity journey can create a healthy space where everyone’s needs are respected and valued. Body positivity is essential for the mental health of every individual, especially in relationships.

What is body positivity?

We may hear it a lot, but what is body positivity, really? According to Very Well Mind, being body-positive largely involves appreciating and loving your body despite your perceived flaws. Even if an individual believes that their appearance is less than perfect, learning to feel confident and accept their shape and size is essential for a healthy and happy relationship with one’s own body.

The body positivity movement, as Forbes Magazine writes, aims to spread inclusion for all body types while encouraging “taking care of your body [by] exercising and eating well.” Some believe that the movement can cause pressure to always be the picture-perfect version of healthy, while it should really mean “doing what feels best physically and mentally.” Others misconstrue the movement as a way to promote obesity. In actuality, the movement works to create inclusion for people who are overweight while promoting healthy habits and a positive relationship with one’s own body. A balance between health and joy (not that the two are completely separate entities) is essential to maintain a truly healthy lifestyle and, henceforth, a positive relationship with one’s own body.

Causes of body image issues

Body image issues can develop at any point in life. Even small children who may be exposed to negative self-talk or pressures around unrealistic body standards may experience body image issues. Young adults, especially young women, are prone to feel pressured for their bodies to fit into certain standards presented in media, film, and other environments. Constant comparison of looks and body type, fueled by social media, continues to reinforce these feelings. Aging adults who are experiencing changes such as weight gain or loss, changes in skin and hair type, as well as losing physical strength may also be especially susceptible to experiencing body image issues. These new changes may feel foreign and uncomfortable, but with the right mindset, everyone holds the ability to develop a positive relationship with their body.

Body positivity in romantic relationships

Every person has a different relationship with their own body. Having a strong sense of body positivity, as well as being able to encourage the same for one’s romantic partner, is important for a healthy relationship. Communication, boundaries, and thoughtful support are keys to success.

Challenges

In romantic relationships, poor body image can create challenges that might interfere with the intimacy and health of the connection. As Compassionify states, “physical discomfort and self-consciousness can significantly hinder intimacy” while also creating strains through emotional distance. Additionally, constant self-comparison to unrealistic beauty standards can create insecurities and feelings of inadequacy, leading to tensions and conflict. Without open and honest communication, individuals might feel ashamed or unworthy of their partner’s affection, which could create emotional distance that causes misunderstandings and resentment. Essentially, feeling self-conscious about one’s own body can create feelings of tension and insecurity that strain the relationship and, without proper communication, could cause long-term problems.

Helping a partner struggling with body positivity

To support a partner with body image issues, it’s important to maintain an open and accepting mindset while practicing compassionate communication. It’s especially important to be thoughtful about word choice, even when intentions are good; instead of offering a compliment about something physical or sharing generic statements, partners should emphasize “personal qualities or achievements, [which] supports the journey toward self-validation” (Compassionify). Additionally, staying involved with consistent support and openly discussing triggers and other struggles is important to best understand a partner’s needs, wants, and goals. Supporting your partner through their relationship with body image can make them feel loved, cared for, and accepted, and will likely strengthen your relationship overall.

Body positivity with family and friends

Supporting loved ones in their relationships with their own bodies can be challenging, but it can also be an incredibly rewarding effort. Helping others work through this journey is something that will strengthen your relationship and build a connection full of trust and love. As the University of Colorado, Boulder and the University of San Diego write, there are a wide variety of ways to support friends and family members who are working towards body positivity:

Build up your friends and family by reminding them that they are amazing just as they are. Often, it can be helpful to keep compliments directed at something other than their body’s shape or size.
Encourage your loved ones to care for their bodies. A huge part of body positivity is appreciating everything it does for us and doing something kind for it. Whether that’s enjoying a comfort meal or attending a yoga class to feel good, it is a great way to say thank you.
Set an example, especially for younger friends and family members. By avoiding negative self-talk, commenting about other people’s bodies, or criticizing yourself or others based on appearance, you are already setting a good example for your loved ones, who may look up to your actions or follow your lead. Using positive language and practicing self-love are great ways to demonstrate body positivity.
Surround yourself with positive people. Make sure that you and your loved ones spend time with people who value their relationships with others based on who they are on the inside. Making sure that your friends and family spend time with people who will also be a good influence and supportive peers is key.
Be honest about your concerns. If you notice a habit or behavior that worries you about your friend or family member, let them know. Speaking privately with specific examples and in a gentle manner can help them feel seen and cared for while still respecting their boundaries.

Encouraging body positivity in relationships with friends, family, and other loved ones is a simple yet impactful choice. Setting a good example and being a supportive friend can go a long way, and as always, communication is key.

How to practice body positivity in relationships

Interacting with strangers

When interacting with strangers, never comment on somebody’s body shape or size: even if it may come off as a compliment, it’s important to remember that everyone is on their own journey, and comments on an individual’s body could be triggering or could be used as encouragement for an unhealthy practice. According to Well Being Trust, body weight and size do not equate to health. We should instead focus on all the amazing things our bodies can do!

Supporting your own body positivity

Taking care of your own relationship with your body image is important, too! Not only is this great for your own health, but it will also improve body positivity in any relationships you may be in. Make sure to practice positive self-talk, and catch any negative thoughts and counter them with a positive one. As the Center for Discovery writes, “If you wouldn’t say it to your friends, don’t say it to yourself” – you are just as deserving of your own love as everyone else is! Surround yourself with supportive people and messages, and unfollow or avoid media that will work against the body positivity you are striving for.

Relationships with food and movement

The American Council on Exercise states that a balance between eating healthy, exercising well, and practicing body positivity is key. First, it’s important to ditch extremes. No individual should solely focus on body weight, size, or shape, nor should healthy eating or intense exercise be the only focus in life. Finding a “holistic approach to health that encompasses physical, mental and emotional well-being” can begin with a shift in mindset. Remember that your body is strong and resilient and that it deserves to be nourished with wholesome foods and to stay active in ways that are enjoyable. When we view food and exercise as a way to take care of our bodies, rather than a means to change how we look, we work towards a harmonious balance that celebrates all that our bodies can do, rather than attempts to make our bodies look a certain way.

Body positivity affirmations

Affirmations are phrases that can be said to yourself to challenge negative thoughts. According to Wellspring Prevention, affirmations have been scientifically linked to the brain’s reward centers, which leads to “increased feelings of self-worth and motivation.” This means that the individual focuses on positivity and is able to improve their own resilience. Plus, affirmations can decrease stress levels and activate positive emotions. Body positivity affirmations can be a great way to practice positive self-talk and are a great reminder of the amazing power of our bodies. Body positivity affirmations can be practiced on your own and can also be shared with friends and loved ones who might benefit. Repeating affirmations daily will ensure that they have the best effect, and even creating your own affirmations can make them specific and personalized. Here are some great examples of body positivity affirmations to start:

I am more than my appearance, shape, or weight.
I respect and appreciate my body.
I deserve to enjoy delicious food and wear clothes I like.
I am grateful for what my body can do.
My body deserves to be taken care of.
I am more concerned with progress rather than perfection.
I do not view my body with judgment.
I am complete as I am.
My body is my home.
I appreciate my body for taking care of me.

Therapy for Body Positivity

If you or a loved one are struggling with body image issues or wish to talk through your own experiences with body positivity in relationships, therapy can provide a safe space to do so. Here at Trust Mental Health, our diverse, California-based team of passionate therapists is ready to help. Speaking a collective 19 languages and coming from a diverse range of backgrounds, our therapists are prepared to relate to and understand patients with any range of experiences, cultures, ages, and feelings. We encourage our readers to take the first step in learning more about our services to find a great therapist today.

Key Points

Body positivity is practiced by accepting and appreciating one’s own body while taking care of it both physically and emotionally.
Communication, open-mindedness, patience, and acceptance are key in supporting body positivity in any relationship.
Practices like body positivity affirmations are a great way to implement body positivity into your life.

FAQs

How does poor body image affect relationships with others?

A bad relationship with one’s own body often has a strong negative impact on self-confidence and self-esteem while creating feelings of insecurity and self-doubt. These experiences have a high chance of leading to struggles in forming and maintaining relationships that are strong and healthy, especially if one struggles to share about their struggles. Communication is key: telling others about a poor relationship with body positivity can be a great way to not only be better understood but to also find a place for support.

How does body positivity impact my emotions and mental health?

Practicing body positivity can bring joy and confidence into one’s life. Poor body image can bring feelings of shame, inadequacy, and guilt, not to mention constant comparison with others. This could cause mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, as well as low self-esteem. Practicing body positivity can do the opposite: a healthy relationship with one’s own appearance will lead to self-acceptance and confidence, as well as a more joyful outlook on life.

What is social media’s impact on body positivity?

As the University of Colorado, Boulder states, “social media can impact our self-esteem, even if it’s not obvious.” Comparing ourselves to influencers and even our peers that we follow online can be extremely detrimental to our body image, and can take a toll on our self-esteem. Unfollowing accounts that don’t promote body positivity and self-love on your feed can be a small but important step in working towards body positivity.

THE TRUST MENTAL HEALTH CARE TEAMMarch 3, 2025