Charu and Advika are sitting together in the school canteen during a recess, but Charu seems a little upset. Can a chat with Advika change her mood? Read to find out in this edition of Canteen talk.

​​Advika: Hey, that picture you posted yesterday, you looked amazing! Loved the dress.

Charu: Thanks… but honestly, I might delete it when I go back home today.

Advika: Why? What happened?

Charu: When I look in the mirror, I just… I don’t like what I see. Like, everyone around me looks so perfect all the time. And it’s like no matter what I do, I never feel enough. Like, why can’t I just be okay with myself, the way I am?  I wear baggy clothes so no one notices me but even then I feel like I’m not good enough. Like, no matter what I do, it’s never it.

Advika: Why do you feel that way?

Charu: Recently, I posted a pic in this dress the other day, it was kinda bold for me, but I actually felt good for once. And then I saw the comments… people calling me ‘flat’ and saying I look like a boy. or ‘where are the curves?’ Honestly, why do people have to ruin everything?

Advika: I’m so sorry you had to read those things about yourself. That’s just awful.

Charu: It’s not just that one post though. It’s happened my whole life. People keep saying things like “You should eat more,” or “You’ll fly away in the wind,” as if it’s harmless fun. But their words deeply affect me and make me feel uncomfortable in my skin.

Advika: I wish people would understand the impact their words can have on others. A joke for them can become an insecurity for someone else.

Charu:  And what stings the most? It’s not just strangers. Sometimes it’s the people closest to me. Like the other day, my aunt just casually goes, ‘Real women have curves.’ Like… so what am I then? Fake? 

Advika: Oh Charu, I’m so sorry she said that. That must’ve really hurt. It’s so unfair how people say stuff like that without thinking. You shouldn’t have to laugh it off just to protect yourself.

Charu: I know. I guess I’ve just spent so many years hearing things like that, it’s hard to shake it off.

Advika: I get it. But listen, try looking at your so-called flaws not as things to hide or fix, but things that make you you.  Who even decides what ‘perfect’ looks like? To me, it’s when someone’s just being themselves. That’s way more powerful than any filter or body type. 

Charu:  Of course it’s tough. I’’ve been hearing this stuff for years. It’ll take time to unlearn it, but even just talking about it like this? That’s a brave first step I feel.

Advika: Totally. And for your next step, try and be your own cheerleader. If others are putting you down, you’ve got to lift yourself up. Maybe write down one thing you love about yourself every day-just one. Your confidence should come from within, not from what other people say.

Charu: Hmm, okay. I’ll try. It’s just so easy to believe the negative stuff.

Advika: It’s so messed up how we’re made to believe looks = worth. But girl, the stuff people actually remember? It’s how you made them laugh, how you listened when they needed someone, not whether you had perfect skin or a ‘model’ body.

Charu: You’re right. I’ve never really looked at it that way before. Maybe I am already enough… I just need to remind myself more often.

Advika: Exactly! And I’ll remind you too every single time you forget.

Charu: Thanks, Advika. Talking to you makes me feel a little lighter. Maybe I won’t delete that post after all. 

Advika: That’s the spirit. Keep showing up as you. The world needs more of that. 

Have you ever been in this situation? Share with us in the comments box below. Remember not to share any personal information in the comment boxes.