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Embracing the Beauty of the Mom Bod
by Jamie Thompson
Updated: Jan. 8, 2016
Originally Published: July 24, 2014
Recently, I shared a selfie on my Facebook blog page as I prepared to take my children to the pool. The caption read, “On our way to the pool! Let’s hope this dad bod trend is still in because I’m going topless.”
For those who may not be familiar, the term “Dad Bod” gained popularity after a Clemson University student, Kelly Davis, wrote an article entitled “Why Women Love the Dad Bod.” She suggested that many women find men whose bodies reflect a balance between a slight beer belly and fitness more appealing than those with chiseled abs. This sparked a movement that allowed men to feel comfortable with their bodies, all while leaving women questioning why there isn’t a similar celebration of the “Mom Bod.”
Shortly after I posted my selfie, a follower remarked, “I wish Mom Bod was a thing.” Ironically, I was at a Target parking lot with our three kids, waiting for my wife, Sarah, to choose a new swimsuit because her old one no longer fit like it used to. We had a lengthy discussion before leaving home, during which I told her she looked beautiful in her swimsuit. She countered with comments about how motherhood had changed her figure.
Eventually, Sarah returned to the van with two swimsuits, unable to decide which one suited her best. “You’ll look stunning in both,” I assured her.
When she emerged from the changing room in a sleek black one-piece, she appeared both serene and gorgeous, her hair neatly braided, with our toddler, Lily, cradled on her hip. She was the woman I had committed my life to, the mother of my children, who had supported me through thick and thin, yet she approached me with an air of uncertainty. I assumed it was related to her new bathing suit.
“You look incredible,” I said. She offered a half-smile, which often left me wondering whether she believed my words or simply didn’t feel confident in her appearance.
In that moment, I decided to take off my shirt. It was the first time in years I felt assured enough to do so at a pool, partly influenced by the Dad Bod phenomenon but mostly from having lost 25 pounds through calorie counting. Although I was technically still considered overweight, I felt liberated enough to swim without a shirt.
However, about an hour later, Sarah snapped a picture of me playing with Lily. Upon reviewing the image, I thought I looked out of shape and immediately deleted it. When Sarah asked why I had removed it, I replied, “I didn’t like how I looked.”
She shrugged and said, “You looked handsome.” In an unexpected twist, she was now the one encouraging my self-esteem while I had previously tried to uplift her.
What exactly is the Dad Bod? It seems to be a media construct, a trend born from someone’s opinion. The reality is that both Sarah and I struggle to accept each other’s compliments, as we remain uncertain about our looks. Society has continually defined attractiveness in narrow terms, and these standards fluctuate over time. Whether it’s the Dad Bod, Mom Bod, or another term, I often feel like I fall short, and I suspect Sarah shares this sentiment.
The truth is, I find Sarah extraordinary in countless ways. Her dedication to our children and family, her commitment to her studies, and the sacrifices she makes for us are what truly captivate me. If we could encapsulate the essence of her love and devotion into a single image, she would grace the covers of every magazine, for that is what genuine beauty looks like.
Conventionally attractive features like a flat stomach may resonate superficially, but the depth of what makes someone appealing transcends mere appearances. For me, after a decade of marriage, my admiration for Sarah goes far beyond her physicality; it’s rooted in her unwavering commitment to our family and her relentless pursuit of excellence.
As we left the pool, I embraced her by the van and said, “You were, without a doubt, the most beautiful woman at the pool today.”
She smiled and replied, “To you.”
“That’s all that matters,” I said, as she gave me a sweet kiss.
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Summary:
This article explores the concept of the “Mom Bod,” highlighting the societal pressures and evolving standards of beauty that impact both men and women. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing the deeper qualities that make a partner truly attractive, such as dedication, love, and support, rather than solely focusing on physical appearance.