I recently shared a selfie on my blog’s Facebook page as I was heading to the pool with my children. The caption read, “Off to the pool! Hoping this Dad Bod trend is still a thing because I’m going shirtless!” If you haven’t heard of this trend, the “Dad Bod” concept took off thanks to a Clemson University student, Mackenzie Taylor, who wrote an article titled “Why Girls Love the Dad Bod.” She pointed out that many women are attracted to men who sport a physique that falls somewhere between a slight beer belly and an active lifestyle rather than those with chiseled abs. This revelation made many dads breathe a sigh of relief, while leaving moms wondering why there isn’t a similar celebration of the Mom Bod.
Take this for instance: shortly after I posted my selfie, a follower commented, “I wish Mom Bod was a thing.” Ironically, I was parked in a Target lot with all three kids in the backseat, waiting for my wife, Sarah, to find a new swimsuit because her old one just didn’t fit like it used to. We had a long debate about it before leaving home. I told her she looked stunning in her bathing suit, but she kept insisting that motherhood had wrecked her waistline and that her bottom didn’t fit right in her suit.
Finally, Sarah returned with two swimsuits instead of one because she couldn’t decide which one looked better. “You’ll look fantastic in both,” I reassured her. With a hopeful smile, she replied, “I hope so.”
As she emerged from the changing room in a sleek black one-piece, looking both graceful and strong, I was reminded of the incredible woman I married a decade ago. Here was the mother of my children, the one who supported me through my college years, and now a devoted mom who cares for our little ones with such poise. Yet, as she walked toward me, I sensed a hint of uncertainty in her demeanor.
“You look amazing,” I said, trying to bolster her confidence. She offered a half-smile that left me unsure if she didn’t believe me or simply didn’t feel that way herself.
At that moment, I decided to take my shirt off for the first time in years. Admittedly, the Dad Bod movement gave me some courage, but more importantly, I had recently lost 25 pounds by keeping track of my calories. According to the BMI charts, I was still about 10 pounds overweight, but as a dad of three, I finally felt ready to hit the pool without a shirt.
However, about an hour into our fun, Sarah snapped a picture of me playing with our youngest, Ella. When I saw the photo, I thought I looked out of shape and promptly deleted it. “Why did you delete that?” she asked. “I looked fat,” I shrugged.
With a roll of her eyes, Sarah said, “You looked sexy.” The tables had turned – she was now the one trying to lift my spirits about my Dad Bod, while I had just been trying to reassure her.
What Even is the Dad Bod?
It’s a concept created by the media, a fad that emerged from a college girl’s blog post. The bizarre truth is that neither Sarah nor I fully accept each other’s compliments because we don’t feel completely confident in our appearances. The media constantly presents a narrow definition of attractiveness, which is ever-changing. Whether it’s the Dad Bod, the elusive Mom Bod, or whatever else is trending, it often feels unattainable.
Here’s the real scoop: I find my wife absolutely incredible. She takes my breath away. If only there were a way to capture her love for our children, her dedication to our family, her role as a full-time mom, and her ambition as a part-time student in a single image. If that were possible, she’d grace the cover of every magazine—because that’s what true beauty is all about.
A flat belly and perfect curves may look appealing on paper, but what truly captivates me about Sarah goes beyond her looks. After ten years of marriage, my admiration for her stems from her dedication to our family, her support for me, and her relentless drive to excel in everything she does.
As we packed up to leave the pool, I pulled Sarah close, wrapping my arms around her and said, “You were the most stunning woman at the pool today.”
She smiled and replied, “Only to you.”
“That’s all that matters,” I said, and she kissed me, sealing the moment.
In a world obsessed with appearances, it’s vital to remember that what truly matters is the love and dedication we show to one another.
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Summary: The article reflects on the concept of the “Mom Bod” and “Dad Bod,” emphasizing the importance of appreciating and celebrating the real beauty found in the dedication and love of partners. It highlights the struggle of accepting compliments and societal standards of attractiveness while reinforcing that true beauty lies in the commitment and support shared in a family.