Feature Article
Introduction
to 'Breast Confidence'
There's a huge conflict for
women, particularly those of us who are D+. On one hand the fashion
business and the media constantly push slim, small breasted women as
the 'ideal', but on the other hand there is a great deal of pressure
to have a cleavage, and breast implants, despite the risks, are still
popular. So is there an 'ideal' and does it matter?
In my opinion, there is no
one shape or size that should be considered 'ideal'. But I think it
matters a great deal that this conflict exists - because of it, many
women are very under confident and self-concious about their breasts,
regardless of size. This can affect how you dress, how you act,
where you go and what you do.
Acceptance of your body and
proper self-confidence can be life changing, but it must come from within
and usually takes a long time to develop.
Below is a very personal
and positive view of this process sent to us by the editor of 'The Breast
Chronicles'. I hope it can help and inspire you to greater Breast Confidence.
Thanks Charlotte.
Linda Parrish-Smith
Breast Confidence
Running a site like 'The Breast
Chronicles', I get a lot of feedback asking how I am so confident about
my body - and my breasts in particular, obviously. I want to point out
that it is very much a developed confidence, not something that comes
naturally.
I started developing early, around
age 9, and as a result have always been very shy and self-conscious
about my breasts. I always regretted their size - I grew out of a B-cup
when I was about 14 years old, and found that even C-cup breasts weren't
simple to clothe. This reinforced the idea that they were entirely too
big - and I never liked their shape much, either (the surgically enhanced
world of Hollywood told me that breasts should soar skywards, rather
than rest against my chest). Gradually though, helped a lot by my boyfriend
Ash (and latterly by my breast-inspired weblog, 'The Breast Chronicles'),
I've become infinitely more at peace with my body. And thank goodness,
because they've now grown to a double-D!
Ash made a difference in my life
in that he would always compliment me, and say that other men were impressed
by my bust. He makes me feel that he's proud to be seen with me, and
encourages me to display cleavage or wear tight clothes when we go out.
He is one of the primary factors in my acceptance of my body.
For my part, I've made myself believe
that my breasts really are desirable. After all, thousands of women
every year endure risky surgery, with an often painful aftermath, to
achieve what I have been given by nature. And, with the increased availability
of 'plus-size' ranges from lingerie manufacturers, I am no longer faced
with a horribly daunting experience when I'm shopping for bras. I can
easily find attractive bras in my size, and with online boutiques like
Double-D.com I don't have to prepare myself for the disappointment of
finding a pretty bra only to discover that it isn't available in my
size.
I also convinced myself that I had
nothing to be shy about. Even if my breasts are bigger than a lot of
other people's, so what? In the greater scheme of things, what difference
does it make? I'm now quite happy to be seen semi-naked by close friends
(mostly male), it doesn't matter to me - I know, after all, that they're
not going to think any less of me because of my boobs! In fact, my confidence
probably *improved* their impression of me, if anything. Now, I'm not
saying you have to 'get yer tits out for the lads' whenever you have
the opportunity, but know not to feel embarrassed to be in possession
of breasts.
Latterly, the Breast Chronicles
has helped me gain confidence about my body and about myself. Writing
about my breasts has helped me develop a more intimate relationship
with them, thinking about them more and enjoying them. What's more,
it's a fantastic feeling when I recieve e-mails from women telling me
they love the site!
For men (or lesbians!) who are worried
about their partner's attitude towards their breasts, the only advice
I can offer is to reassure. Ash helped me by making me feel desirable.
If she's concerned about their size, make her see the benefits: tell
her that her large breasts are sexy and coveted, or her small breasts
are fashionable - she can get away with those sexy backless styles without
care!
For women who want to improve their
relationship with their breasts, I'd suggest buying some pretty bras
and talking about them. *Share* your breasts - they're an important
part of your life, from every aspect. Delight in the girlishness of
talking about cup-sizes and cleavage. I love talking about breasts;
it's a very liberating feeling, and running 'The Breast Chronicles'
has been a personally enlightening experience. Trust me.
Charlotte Dymock
The Breast Chronicles