If your nose is not within the parameters of the average, you may consider it as an obstacle to social success and happiness. It is natural to focus on yourself, but these thoughts do not reflect the opinion that people have about you, your most important characteristics and your worth. Also, know that you can feel attractive and be happy even with an uncommon nose. Read on to learn how to accept your nose and appreciate its beauty.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Identifying Feelings Against Your Nose
Step 1. Find the reasons for your concern about this part of the body
People have a tendency to be influenced by the environment and the opinions of others. Perhaps in the past someone has made an unpleasant comment about your nose or you have suddenly noticed a blemish that is bothering you. Maybe you are focusing on the noses of others, such as that of friends or a famous model.
Write down your thoughts. Ask yourself what you don't like about this body part. Is it too long, too big, too small, too angular or too round? Such a list can help you identify the judgments you are making about yourself
Step 2. Try to understand who or what influences your opinions
Unfortunately, people (even the closest people like friends or family) can say quite nasty things. The first step in combating a negative perception of your body image is to recognize those who allow themselves to make rude comments towards you. Since these are people you trust, you probably take their words seriously.
Consider how influenced you are by society's expectations and the concept of the "perfect nose". Maybe you are too "careful" about the noses you see in magazines, online and on television
Step 3. Think about some social situations in which you feel comfortable with your nose
For example, when you are in the company of your parents or close friends; or when you practice the activity or sport you love so much and don't think about it at all.
You may feel comfortable around certain people because you know they love you and accept you as you are, including your nose. These are individuals who see the beauty of your every feature; keep this in mind when facing the outside world. There are people who accept you for who you are and for your appearance
Step 4. Identify times when you have exaggerated thoughts about your physical appearance
Worries are often a figment of the imagination processing the worst or extreme situation. Focusing only on the nose and making it the focus of your life is definitely overkill. There are many other aspects of your body and identity that help make you who you are.
For example, an extreme thought might be to feel the need to apply many layers of makeup on the nose before going out, to minimize its appearance. In fact, people won't notice your nose at all
Part 2 of 4: Gaining Self Confidence
Step 1. Know that the nose changes over the course of life
The shape of this part of the body changes over time because the internal supports weaken with age and the nose tends to give way. It may appear slightly longer or wider as you get older.
No matter what you think about the current appearance of the nose, know that it will continue to change, just like the rest of the body
Step 2. Try some cognitive behavioral therapy exercises
These help individuals remember what they consciously consider important in a person. People usually tend to focus on personality rather than physical characteristics when asked what they value most about themselves. This reaction underlines the importance of personality and abilities with respect to physicality and shows that the human being is able to define his own self-esteem according to his own principles and not on the basis of those imposed by culture and society.
- List the three physical characteristics you like the most about your body. You can get used to thinking positively about your body in general. This behavior allows you to accept the nose and recognize its beauty. Compile a list of your three favorite physical characteristics of yourself; for example, you might mention eyes, long lashes, and nice toes.
- Now repeat the exercise listing the sides of your personality that you value the most. You may be a hard worker, a good friend, and have a great sense of humor.
- Merge the two lists and arrange their contents in order of importance. Then write a sentence for each feature on each list.
- Most people who perform this exercise tend to place their psychological and personal traits on a higher level than their physical ones.
Step 3. Increase your self-esteem about beauty
Rewrite a list of your favorite physical characteristics again. If you have trouble finding them, think about the ones that bother you least.
- Write a positive sentence for each characteristic. For example, you can say that you like your blue eyes because they shine in the light.
- Use this information you extracted from within to make small changes to your behavior. If you think eyes are a good physical feature of you, then try to wear clothes that emphasize them and highlight their color. Choose a make-up that enhances them.
Step 4. Silence your "critical self"
Once you have identified the sources of your negative thinking, you can begin to consciously work to change this thinking and the perception of your body. You may find that the person making the critical judgments is you. When this happens, take note of the comments and ask yourself these questions:
- Is that a nice comment?
- Would you tell a friend?
- Does it make you feel better?
Step 5. Replace negative thinking with positive thinking
Once you become aware of the moments when you criticize yourself, stop doing it. Replace negative judgments with something positive.
For example, you might think your nose is big enough to take up all the space on your face. Immediately stop elaborating on these ideas and replace them with a positive comment - your nose is unique; if it were different, it would have a weird look on your face and you are a beautiful person
Step 6. Remember that beauty is a cultural concept
Different cultures appreciate and define different aesthetic parameters. One may like small, upturned noses, while another may prefer large, wide noses. Beauty is a concept built by individual human cultures.
For example, some peoples have always appreciated nose rings and other similar decorations, which highlight this part of the body
Part 3 of 4: Interacting with Others
Step 1. Ignore people who make fun of you
Many individuals only become shy about their noses when others make fun of them. The best strategy, in this case, is to ignore their words, as the purpose of these people is only to make you react. Follow these tips to learn how to ignore bullies:
- Stay calm, don't show any reaction. Maintain a neutral expression and make sure that your body does not convey an aggressive attitude.
- Do not talk, do not respond to provocations and above all do not say anything aggressive.
- Get out. Stay away from bullies; you can do this either physically by leaving the room, or mentally by distracting yourself from these people and focusing on another activity.
Step 2. Turn attention to other people
Worrying about the appearance of your nose consumes valuable brain resources. If you pay attention to people, they will love you no matter what your nose looks like.
- One technique to make sure the interlocutor does not focus on this physical part of you is to focus the conversation on the interlocutor himself. Everyone has something to be proud of, such as work, family, church, and faith. If you are concerned that this person may notice your nose, listen carefully to their words and try to find out what they are proud of. Once you've identified his pride, compliment him and, if possible, make a friendly joke about this topic.
- It is not easy to focus on others, but this way you can divert your attention from the nose when you are in social situations and at the same time feel more positive and appreciated by others.
Part 4 of 4: Finding Support
Step 1. Find models that have a particular nose
This part of the body is not responsible for your success or failure in life; however, it may help to find people who "made it" and who have a unique nose. These can become your role models as you gain self-esteem. Here are some characters with big noses or with a particular shape: Barbra Streisand, Bette Midler, Andy Samberg, Sofia Coppola, Oprah Winfrey.
Step 2. Express your discomfort with a trusted friend
Talk to your best friend about the thoughts and opinions you have about your physical appearance. Often, when you express your anxieties aloud to someone, you realize that you are the only one who cares about them and that no one else has noticed the same flaws you see.
Step 3. Talk to a relative
It is quite possible that someone else in the family has a nose similar to yours. Discuss your problems with this relative, ask him if he has suffered from a decline in self-esteem because of his nose. Get told how he handled the situation.
Step 4. Join a Body Image Perception Support Group
Check if there is a support group in your area of residence for people who feel discomfort with their physical appearance.
Step 5. Talk to a psychologist or other mental health professional
If you are still having trouble accepting your image, then you should talk to a therapist. This professional will help you analyze your emotions regarding the nose. It will also allow you to implement strategies to learn to accept the aesthetic aspect of this part of your body.
