The mirror syndrome

The impact of what our reflection offers us on our physique, when we look in the mirror, can affect the way we relate to others and also to ourselves. The call “mirror syndrome” It is more common than we think.

Within the habit of looking at ourselves and analyzing ourselves in front of the mirror, the need may arise to learn to live with the body we have and to analyze our complexes and defects, before looking for them in others.

Mirror syndrome has to do with the behaviors that people have in relation to our own image, distorting it until we see defects or magnify those that we believe we have. It could be said that this object that we can have in the room, the bathroom or anywhere in our house, is the mediator in a relationship.

In most cases, the couple made up of a “person and their image” is quite disparate, it can become an unhealthy relationship full of problems, suffering, difficulties, worries, fights, etc.

Just as it happens when living with someone, We have to learn to live daily with our body and above all, with what we see through the mirror, which is nothing more than a projection we make of ourselves.

Mirror, mirror… who is the prettiest?” said the evil witch from the story of Snow White. She did everything possible to always look young and beautiful.

In reality we do not have potions or spells to make this happen, the fountain of youth does not exist, but the ability to love ourselves as we are and above all, accept ourselves, regardless of age, kilos, wrinkles or centimeters.

Mirror syndrome becomes a pathology to be treated when it leads to cases of bulimia and anorexia, two very common disorders in adolescence and especially in women. No matter how much they lose weight, girls (and some boys too) will always look fat and ugly, the product of a distortion at a cognitive level.

How to cope with mirror syndrome?

First of all, we must put aside prejudices and comparisons. We are not better or worse than others, just different.

Fatter, thinner, taller, smaller, less pretty, uglier… these are just arbitrary assessments. Fashion is changing and so are beauty standards. And if not, take a look at the paintings from three centuries ago.

Each one of us is beautiful because of our particular characteristics, We are unique and unrepeatable, the most beautiful beings in all creation. This does not mean becoming a daffodil and admiring our image all the time, above all things and people, exhibiting how good and handsome we are, but rather learning to love and accept ourselves as we really are.

On the other hand, It is vital to start laughing at yourself, at your mistakes and at what you don’t like.. A touch of humor will greatly alleviate our existence. and it will improve the relationship we have with our body and also with others.

It is also essential become our best friends and accomplices. What does this mean? Do not prejudge our image by what the mirror returns to us. If we are in good spirits, happy and satisfied, does the size of our hips, belly or nose really matter?

And as a fundamental measure, we must love ourselves so that then we can love others, and they love us. If we don’t respect each other, no one will.

The only person you are allowed to compare yourself to is yourself, no one else. You just have to fight and improve yourself every day, be a better person and develop new skills. You can analyze how you were yesterday and how you are today, but not to criticize yourself, but to know how to act to transcend.

The perception of our physique is only a reflection of our internal state. Beyond what has to do with health, we should not worry about how our body looks. Surely, you will have a different perception of the mirror image if you look at yourself on a day when you are sad and compare it to another day when you feel happy.

The moment we accept ourselves as we are, we have the ability to laugh at our mistakes and mistakes, without caring what the mirror reflects; It is when we are truly balanced and happy people.

When we can laugh at ourselves, we then have the ability to do so with others.