I vividly recall the moment I first realized that knees could be a source of insecurity. I was chatting with a friend in our 30s when she expressed her discontent, saying, “I really dislike my knees.” It struck me—could knees actually be flawed? That thought lingered in my mind.
Years ago, I was relieved to discover a variety of shorts that extended beyond the knee. I had become increasingly self-conscious about my body as I gained what I dubbed “mom weight.” While I practiced yoga and walked frequently, I couldn’t help but compare my late-30s legs to the flawless ones of teenagers strolling by. So, I opted for Mom Shorts, those that hit just past the knee, believing this style was my fate, and I accepted it.
Now, however, I notice countless women in their mid-40s confidently sporting actual shorts. I see short shorts in stores that seem too revealing for anyone, yet I watch women wear them and pull it off effortlessly. We all have our inner dialogues about strangers, sometimes kind, often critical, but I have never once thought, “She really should hide those knees.”
This summer, my family and I are heading to Spain. My siblings, their kids, my dad—we’ll all be there together. One thing I know about Europeans is they don’t share our obsessive need to cover up. I can already picture myself in long mom shorts and oversized T-shirts, a walking embodiment of American anxiety. And honestly, that’s not the vibe I want to present.
Why am I still fretting over my knees? This isn’t about having a flat stomach or flawless skin. They’re just knees! Am I going to start wearing long sleeves all the time because I’m self-conscious about my elbows too?
So, I decided to take the plunge. I went online and ordered several pairs of shorts that actually qualify as shorts—ones that hit above the knee. Today, I slipped into a pair for the first time.
“Is the world going to end if my knees are showing?” I asked my partner, Mike.
“Well, if it does, so be it,” he replied.
“That’s not quite the reassurance I was looking for.”
“Oh, right. No, I think it’ll be just fine.”
The truth is, he didn’t even notice a difference. He views me through the lens of love, and the shorts I wear don’t affect that perspective.
How do I perceive myself? That’s what I’m about to discover as I step out into a warm summer morning in my new shorts. I’m not diving in completely just yet; today, I’ll wear my new shorts, and tomorrow I might retreat to the comfort of my old ones.
But come Spain? Bring it on!
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In summary, I’m embracing the freedom to wear shorts that feel right for me, regardless of societal expectations. It’s time to let go of the insecurities and enjoy the summer, knees and all!