How comfortable do you feel with your body? Do you appreciate
your fine points but still accept your flaws? Are you realistic about what
you look like? Find out how your body self-esteem measures up by answering
the questions in this quiz.
1.
When you're changing for gym class, you:
stretch out your shirt and contort your body-anything to be sure no
one gets to see you in your underwear.
feel comfortable getting down to your underwear, but you don't want
anyone to see you naked.
figure, "Hey, what's the big deal about being seen without any clothes
on? We're all girls in here."
2.
When you check yourself out in the mirror; you say to yourself:
"I like the way I look."
"If I would only lose twenty pounds or so, I'd be almost passable."
"I didn't have that pimple yesterday, maybe I should use something
to cover it up."
3.
Your class is going on an end-of-year beach trip. You:
figure that if you can keep your shorts on, you'll be fine.
make sure to bring your swimsuit since it's a really hot day, and you
know you're going to want to swim in the lake.
ask your mom to write a note excusing you. No way you're going to be
seen by the guys in your class wearing a swimsuit or even shorts.
4.
When the cute boy you have a crush on tells you that you look really
good today, you:
know he must want to borrow your math homework. Why else would he give
you such a ridiculous compliment?
say, "Thank you," and feel really good that he noticed you.
are surprised that he would say that to you.
5.
If you could magically change how you look you:
would start from scratch----there's not much about your body you want
to keep.
can think of a couple of things you would change, but basically you're
pretty happy with your appearance.
would want to change four or five things and then you'd feel good about
how you look.
6.
You exercise because you:
know it's healthy, and besides, it makes you feel good and it's fun.
are afraid that if you don't, your body will look even worse than it
does now.
would like to have a more buff look.
7.
If you had to name your favorite part of your body, you:
wouldn't be able to answer, you really can't think of any that you
like.
would admit your favorite as long as you didn't have to say it publicly.
would have a tough time choosing between a couple of top choices.
Your Score
Interpret Your Score
0-5
"Poor Image" Prize Winner. You have your work cut out for you.
You are far too critical about your body. That doesn't mean you have to
love everything about the way you look. But your negative self-view is
preventing you from having fun. Learn to give yourself some positive messages.
Instead of saying, "My stomach's not flat enough," you might try saying,
"I like the way dance has strengthened my leg muscles." Get it? Be a little
more forgiving about your flaws and emphasize your strengths. And if you're
not already exercising regularly, start a program now----with clearance
from your doctor first. Working out helps you feel more comfortable with
your body while it builds your self-confidence.
6-12
Body Realist. You recognize that you don't need to have the
body of a model to like how you look. But if you are not totally thrilled
with a particular feature, maybe you'd like our arms to have more definition,
learn some exercises that target that area. And keep to a regular program
of exercise.
13-21
Body Proud. You are very comfortable with your body, and your
self-confidence shows. You take your imperfections in stride---you
know that everyone has some. And because your body self-esteem is
so high, others see you as attractive, too.