Something hits me square in the chest each time: seeing someone I care about at war with their own reflection. Whether they’re switching off lights to hide in shadows, apologising for their body before I’ve even touched them, or getting so tangled up in imagined imperfections that they forget to feel anything good at all.
I’ve learnt that supporting someone with body image concerns isn’t about convincing them they’re wrong or trying to fix their insecurities with compliments. It’s about creating a space where they can slowly, safely start to see themselves through kinder eyes.
Body image concerns often run deep, rooted in years of criticism, comparison, or experiences that taught someone their body wasn’t acceptable as it is. I’ve worked with people who were told they were “too much” or “not enough” from a young age, others who’ve had medical procedures that changed their relationship with their body, and some who’ve been hypersexualised or objectified in ways that made them want to hide.
When someone apologises for their stretch marks or tries to position themselves to hide what they see as flaws, they’re not being dramatic. They’re protecting themselves based on past experiences. My job isn’t to dismiss these feelings but to gently, consistently show them a different way of being seen and appreciated.
Healing body image issues isn’t about grand gestures or perfect words. It’s about consistent, genuine appreciation over time. When someone points out what they see as a flaw, I don’t rush to contradict them or shower them with compliments that might feel hollow. Instead, I might acknowledge their feeling while offering a different perspective.
One of the most powerful ways to support someone is to consistently prioritise connection and presence over physical perfection. Instead of commenting primarily on how someone looks, I pay attention to who they are entirely, the energy they bring, how they feel under my hands, the sounds they make when they’re enjoying themselves and the way their body responds to different sensations. This helps them start to relate to their body as something that experiences pleasure and connection rather than just something to be judged.
I might say things like “I love how responsive you are” or “The way you move is incredible” or “I can feel how present you are right now.” These comments focus on the experience we’re sharing rather than static physical attributes.
Supporting someone with body image concerns often means creating space for them to be vulnerable about their insecurities without trying to immediately fix or dismiss those feelings. If someone says “I hate how my stomach looks,” I’ve learnt that it’s more helpful to say something like “That sounds really hard to carry. What would help you feel more comfortable right now?” This approach validates their experience while opening the door for practical support.
When I do offer compliments or appreciation, I’ve learnt to be specific and genuine rather than generic. Instead of just saying “you’re beautiful,” I might notice something particular: “The way your eyes smile when you laugh is stunning” or “Your skin feels incredible.” Specific appreciation feels more genuine and helps someone start to see themselves through more nuanced, appreciative eyes.
It’s worth acknowledging that body image concerns aren’t just something women experience. I’ve worked with men who struggle with their height, weight, muscle mass, hair loss, penis size or scars. When supporting men with body image concerns, I create space for them to express these vulnerabilities without judgement and focus on strength, capability and presence rather than just aesthetic qualities.
Supporting someone with body image concerns requires patience. These insecurities didn’t develop overnight, and they won’t disappear after one positive experience. Some days someone might feel confident and comfortable, other days they might struggle with the same insecurities. I focus on being a consistent source of appreciation and acceptance while they do the deeper work of changing their relationship with their body. Another part is being thoughtful about the environment we create together. This might mean adjusting lighting to what makes them feel most comfortable, having soft fabrics available, or being mindful of mirrors and how they’re positioned. I also try to create an atmosphere where the focus is on pleasure, connection and presence rather than performance or appearance.
One of the most powerful tools I have for supporting body image healing is presence that’s appreciative, present and non-judgemental. When I touch someone with genuine reverence and appreciation, it can help them start to experience their body as something worthy of care and pleasure. I try to touch the parts of their body they might be insecure about with the same appreciation I show the parts they feel confident about. As someone heals their relationship with their body, I try to support their growing ability to advocate for their needs and preferences. I might ask questions like “What would make you feel most comfortable right now?” When they do express needs or boundaries, I respond with enthusiasm and appreciation.
While supporting someone with body image concerns, I’ve learnt to appreciate and reflect back the non-physical qualities that make them attractive and desirable. Their sense of humour, their intelligence, their kindness, their passion. This helps them develop a more holistic sense of their worth that isn’t entirely dependent on physical appearance.
What I find most rewarding is watching the ripple effect as they start to see themselves more kindly. Often, they begin treating their body with more care, speaking to themselves more gently and showing up more confidently in other areas of their life.
At the end of the day, supporting someone with body image concerns comes down to consistently seeing and reflecting back their inherent worth and beauty. It’s not about convincing them to think differently about their body. It’s about being such a consistent source of genuine appreciation that they start to internalise a kinder perspective.
Your body, exactly as it is right now, deserves to be appreciated, touched with reverence and celebrated for its unique beauty. You don’t need to change anything about yourself to be worthy of desire and love. You’re already enough, already beautiful, already deserving of all the pleasure and connection.
The journey toward body acceptance takes time, patience, and the right kind of support. If you’d like to explore this topic further or need support in your own journey, I’d love to hear from you.
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Axel Meridius · Melbourne Male Escort
