I still recall the moment I realized that knees could be a source of insecurity. I was chatting with a friend in our 30s when she lamented, “I really dislike my knees.” Dislike them? I didn’t even know that was a thing! But from that moment on, the idea took root.
About a decade ago, I was thrilled to discover shorts that extended past my knees. With the weight of motherhood, age, and, let’s be honest, a few too many snacks, I found myself feeling insecure about my body. Although I stay active with yoga and walking, I couldn’t help but compare my late-30s legs to those of teenagers with their flawless skin. So, I settled into wearing Mom Shorts—the ones that cover my knees—and thought that was just my fate.
But now, I’m noticing a shift. Women in their mid-40s are confidently rocking real shorts! I see all sorts of short styles in stores that I once deemed too risqué, yet I watch women wearing them with poise. Honestly, I’ve never glanced at another woman and thought, “Yikes, cover those knees!”
This summer, my family is off to Spain. With my siblings, their kids, and my dad in tow, I know one thing for sure: Europeans don’t share our obsession with hiding every little imperfection. I can already picture myself in my long Mom Shorts and oversized T-shirts, looking like a walking stereotype of American neuroses. And do I really want that?
Why am I still fretting over my knees? It’s not about having a six-pack or perfect skin; they’re just knees! Am I going to start wearing long sleeves year-round because I’m insecure about my elbows?
So, I took a leap of faith. I ordered a bunch of shorts that actually qualify as shorts—ones that sit above the knee. Today, I slipped on a pair for the first time.
“Is the world going to crumble because my knees are showing?” I asked my partner, Ryan.
“Well, if it does, that’s life,” he replied.
“Not the answer I hoped for!”
“Oh, right. No, I think it’ll be just fine,” he reassured me.
The truth? He didn’t even notice. He sees me through the eyes of love, and the kind of shorts I wear don’t change that.
So, how do I see myself? I’m about to find out as I step into a hot summer day in my newfound “normal” shorts. I’m not going all in just yet; today, I’ll test the waters, and maybe tomorrow I’ll retreat to the comfort of my old favorites. But come Spain? Bring it on!
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Summary:
The author reflects on her past insecurities about her knees and the comfort of wearing longer shorts. As she prepares for a family trip to Spain, she decides to embrace her body and wear shorter shorts. The narrative highlights the journey of self-acceptance and the realization that societal norms around body image can be challenged.