I'm Worried if Partner Doesn't Find Me Attractive

Ever since the pandemic started, I'll admit - I got really lazy with my self-care routine. Working from home, rarely going out, it just seemed pointless to put in much effort. I stopped doing my full skincare regimen, makeup, all of it.

At first it was liberating, but now over 2 years later, I look in the mirror and...yikes. My skin is dull, I have acne creeping up, undereye circles from lack of sleep, etc. I look rundown and unkempt compared to how I used to present myself.

The thing is, my partner has always known me as the ""high-effort"" grooming type. We started dating when I was really diligent about my appearance. I'm worried if they see me looking schlubby and unmotivated, they'll find me unattractive or lose respect for me.

I feel embarrassed and scared to have a conversation about letting myself go physically. I don't want them to think I've given up or that I don't care about my looks anymore. But I also can't keep hiding away and avoiding intimacy because of my insecurities.

Have you been in a similar situation? How did you rebuild your self-care habits and restart your grooming routine? Or did you just have an honest talk with your partner? I need to do something before this becomes an even bigger issue in my mind. #relationships #selfcare #groomingroutine #AskLemon8

2024/5/6 Edited to

... Read moreI totally get what you're going through. That feeling of looking in the mirror and not recognizing yourself, especially when you're worried about how your partner sees you, is incredibly tough. I've been there myself, where life just takes over, and suddenly your self-care routine goes out the window. It's like you're stuck on the couch, wondering 'What to Do?' next. First off, please know that you're not alone. So many of us, especially after the past few years, have found our routines completely dismantled. It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking our partners will only find us attractive if we're 'perfectly put together' all the time. But true attraction goes so much deeper than just physical appearance. It's about connection, shared experiences, and feeling loved and valued for who you are, not just what you look like. When I felt like I'd 'let myself go,' I realized a big part of it was internal. My confidence had taken a hit, and that made me project insecurities onto my partner. What helped me was to start small. Instead of trying to jump back into a full 'high-effort' routine, I picked one tiny thing I could do consistently. Maybe it was just washing my face every night, or putting on some moisturizer, or even just making sure I changed out of my PJs and into some comfortable clothes, even if I was just staying home. Sometimes, just changing into some clean white shoes and stepping outside for a short walk made a huge difference to my mood and self-perception. Another thing that really helped me was reframing my self-care. It wasn't about looking good for someone else, but feeling good *for myself*. When I started treating myself with kindness – whether it was taking a long bath with a fluffy white blanket nearby, reading a book, or even just making myself a nice cup of tea – my whole outlook began to shift. These small acts of self-love started to build my confidence back up, and with that, the motivation to do more for my physical appearance naturally followed. Regarding talking to your partner, I found honesty to be the best policy, but with a focus on my feelings rather than their potential judgment. Instead of saying, 'I'm worried you don't find me attractive,' try something like, 'I haven't been feeling great about myself lately, and I wanted to share that with you.' Explain that you've been in a self-care slump and it's affecting your confidence. A loving partner will understand and likely offer reassurance. They might even help you brainstorm ways to get back on track or simply remind you of all the reasons they love you, beyond your physical appearance. Remember, they fell in love with *you*, and that includes your imperfections and struggles. Opening up can actually deepen your connection. You've got this!

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Brandi🍒's images
Brandi🍒

I know it’s hard but have an open conversation about your fears, and how you plan to move forward. Communication is key. Also side note - men physically bond better with intimacy, not that you HAVE to, but avoiding it probably doesn’t help either of you. I’m not too familiar with the science of it 😭

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