I am looking for ways to fully accept my body. I have been in a long distance relationship for two years with an amazing man who loves me as I am. I just can’t fathom why he does. I have a huge abdomen, round rear-end, and a round face. Tips on accepting these parts of my body would be extremely heigl, especially when I am intimate with my boyfriend.

A: Self-acceptance is the key to well-being and emotional growth and much of this work involves compassion for yourself and others. I highly recommend the work of Karen Armstrong on compassion http://www.amazon.com/Twelve-Steps-Compassionate-Karen-Armstrong/dp/0307742881 along with an active program of mindfulness meditation. These are the building blocks of making the changes you want in your life.

I would also highly recommend this wonderful article on body image by Margarita Tartakovsky here at PsychCentral.

Wishing you patience and peace,
Dr. Dan
Proof Positive Blog @ PsychCentral

You may also like:

How Can I Quit Being Anxious and Have Normal Relationships?Always Jealous of Other GirlsWeight Loss May Help Eliminate Hot FlashesPsych Central NewsBest of Our Blogs: September 4, 2012World of PsychologyPeer Pressure Dictates Teen Body ImagePsych Central NewsIncreasing Confidence After Bad TherapistAbstract Thinking Leads to More Moderate Political ViewsPsych Central NewsPTSD Can Affect New MothersPsych Central NewsIs something wrong?

• Read more questions answered by this therapist

• Self-Sabotage
• Borderline? Sociopathic?
• Do I Have Pica?
• No Job and Depressed
• Worried about My Jealousy
• Boyfriend Cheated and Blames Me
• All I Want To Do Is Eat
• Can’t Get Attached
• Anger management or combination of therapy
• My dad won’t stop lying to me

Last reviewed: By John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on 27 Jan 2013