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- The Mom Bod is Truly Beautiful
by Jamie Thompson
Updated: Jan. 8, 2016
Originally Published: July 24, 2014
Recently, I shared a selfie on my blog’s Facebook page while heading to the pool with my kids. My caption read, “Off to the pool! Fingers crossed that the dad bod trend is still alive because I’m going shirtless.” For anyone who’s been out of the loop, the “Dad Bod” became an Internet sensation after a 19-year-old named Alex Harper wrote an article for a school publication called “Why Girls Love the Dad Bod.” In it, she argued that women prefer men whose bodies reflect a blend of relaxation and fitness rather than the typical chiseled abs. This sparked a movement, leaving many dads feeling liberated from the pressure of fitness and prompting women to wonder, “Where’s the Mom Bod?”
As I posted my selfie, a follower commented, “I wish Mom Bod was a thing.” Ironically, I was in the Target parking lot, with our three kids ready to swim in the backseat, waiting for my wife, Lisa, to find a new swimsuit because her old one just didn’t fit like it used to. We had a bit of a debate before leaving home, with me insisting she looked stunning in her swimsuit while she countered that having kids had changed her body.
Eventually, Lisa returned with two swimsuits, unable to choose between them, and we were pressed for time. “You’ll look fantastic in both,” I assured her.
When Lisa emerged from the changing room in a sleek black one-piece, she exuded grace and strength, our toddler, Mia, balanced on her hip. She was everything I admired: the mother of our children, my partner for a decade, the woman who supported me through school and managed our family with such poise. Yet, as she approached me while I applied sunscreen to our older kids, I noticed a hint of uncertainty on her face.
“You look amazing,” I said. She offered a timid smile, and I could never tell if it was because she doubted my words or simply didn’t feel that way.
At that moment, I decided to remove my shirt. It was the first time in ages I felt bold enough to do so at the pool. I had recently shed 25 pounds by calorie counting. While the BMI still labeled me as slightly overweight, I thought maybe I could swim without a shirt this time. However, an hour later, when Lisa snapped a picture of me playing with Mia, I glanced at it and immediately felt dissatisfied with how I looked. I deleted it in a heartbeat.
“I have a Dad Bod,” I admitted to Lisa. “I just looked out of shape.” She replied, “You looked attractive.” Suddenly, the roles reversed as she tried to lift my spirits about my Dad Bod, when I had been the one trying to boost her confidence a moment ago.
But what even is the Dad Bod? It’s a social construct that emerged from media hype, a notion created by someone online. The truth is, neither Lisa nor I fully embrace the compliments we give each other because we both struggle with our self-image. The media dictates what is deemed attractive, and those standards seem unattainable.
Nevertheless, I find Lisa incredible in so many ways. If there were a way to illustrate her love for our children, her dedication to family, and her ambition as a full-time mom and part-time student, she would grace the cover of every magazine out there. That’s the essence of true beauty.
To me, a flat stomach and perfect curves are just superficial. I’m not alone in my feelings; many men share my admiration for their wives, recognizing that it’s the total package that makes a partner worth a lifetime commitment. After ten years of marriage, my passion for Lisa isn’t rooted in her physical appearance alone, but in her unwavering dedication to our family and her relentless drive to excel at everything she does.
After our swim, we loaded the kids into the van. I wrapped my arms around Lisa as we stood by the passenger side and said, “You were the most stunning woman at the pool today.” She replied, “To you.” “That’s all that matters,” I smiled back, and we shared a kiss.
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Summary
The article explores the concept of the “Mom Bod” in contrast to the “Dad Bod,” emphasizing the deeper beauty and strength found in motherhood. It highlights the struggle for self-acceptance amidst societal pressures and the value of recognizing the qualities that make a partner truly admirable beyond physical appearances.