by Francesca Morosi

Created on: May 16, 2008   Last Updated: November 06, 2008

Here you are again: a new summer at its start and you hate the sight of your own reflection.

It sadly happens to almost all of us and it's something we don't usually worry as much during the winter, when our clothes are a most effective shell to cover our weak points.
Now it's time to throw our shell away, revealing what's beneath and we should try to make this passage as painless as we can.

Let's stop panicking and try to memorize some few simple rules to improve your self-confidence this summer, so you will be able to flight through the hot months of the year with no more trepidation!

1) Stop looking at celebrities' magazines: you'd agree with me, there is nothing more discouraging than looking at magazines packed with super tanned/skinned celebrities; read a nice book or a refreshing magazine instead!

2) Practice affirmations: repeat to yourself a short phrase of self-acceptance every morning in front of the mirror ("I am unique and charming"). It might seem really stupid at the start, BUT believe it or not, day after day those words will ring more true to your head and subtle changes will start to happen.

3) Stop comparing yourself with other people: this is never a good habit to have, therefore the sooner you come out of it the better. Too tempting to look at those gorgeous legs sit at the table beside you? Believe me, when there is a will there is way: distract your attention by shifting to something you like, get in your head a nice thought or appreciation for what you have. If you really can't refrain from your comparison's pastime, try at least to compare yourself with somebody less good looking than you are!

4) Always regard beauty as a matter of subjective taste: remember that what you see and what others see are INVARIABLY two completely different things. We all have different rules to assess beauty and (surprise, surprise!) there will be always someone out there who will think you are adorable just as you are. Example: do you know anybody who is definitely unattractive under conventional terms, but you can't help being attracted to them? Yes! The world is crowded with bad looking people who are at the same time attractive and charming as a result of their own witty /enthusiastic/ loving attitude! It's all about yourself and your personality, your look is just half of the story.

5) Go on holiday where you feel more at ease: for instance, if you feel uneasy in your swimming gear, try to avoid going holiday in places packed with model-looking exhibitionists.

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