Woman swears off mirrors for 1 year

1. 89

   Stacie Lposted 12 years ago

   http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/beauty/c … r-2528935/
   Kjerstin Gruys isn't looking at her reflection for one whole year (including before her wedding!)all for the sake of having a better body image.
   
   Most brides obsess over every last detail of the big day and scour racks for the dream dress, but Ph.D. candidate Kjerstin Gruys has taken on a prenuptial challenge of more unique proportions. The teaching fellow at the UCLA Department of Sociology has sworn off looking in a mirror for an entire year six months of which will lead up to her wedding.
   Kjerstin is conducting an experiment of not looking at herself in a mirror for 1 full year. She is hoping that it will produce a greater body image and acceptance. This was touched off by her upcoming wedding and staring at her reflection for hours-fretting every detail.
   How could you deal with no looking at yourself for a year? I don't think i could go more than a few days!
   

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2. 93

   AliciaCposted 12 years ago

   I’m in my fifties and don’t think I could stand the shock of seeing how much older I’d look after a year of not viewing myself in a mirror!

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3. 84

   rebekahELLEposted 12 years ago

   Hmm, I know I couldn't do it.
   She is very pretty. I'm going to bookmark her blog, it sounds interesting. I've read the book she refers to, it was a decent read.  Thanks for posting the article.

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4. 61

   Chaotic Chicaposted 12 years ago

   As much as I admire her conviction, it is easier said than done in a society with lots of reflective windows and mirrors all polished and shined everywhere you look.  From bathrooms to ceilings and walls to tabletops, mirrors are everywhere.  It should be a difficult task to say the least.

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5. 62

   Lisa HWposted 12 years ago

   I'd think a Ph.D. candidate could figure out a way to work on her body-image issues in a way that didn't include either giving up make-up, putting it on without a mirror, or else knowing whether her eye shadow had smudged in a most unattractive way.    The way I see it, good luck on that upcoming marriages.  I have a feeling she's got more issues than body-image issues. 
   
   As for me, nope.  I want to make sure the part in my hair is straight; and that my slip isn't hanging - that type of thing.     Personally, I don't think it's mirrors (or Barbie dolls, by the way) that cause body-image issues for any of us who have one kind or another.

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6. 89

   Stacie Lposted 12 years ago

   I think the best solution is to have a good friend tend to your make up and grooming..or hire someone.
   I would shudder at the shocked stares of strangers otherwise!

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7. 81

   RooBeeposted 12 years ago

   I can appreciate what she's doing, but could never do this myself. I am often shocked to find lettuce in my teeth, smudged eyeliner, etc, etc after just a few hours of not looking in the mirror.

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8. 59

   Captainausumeposted 12 years ago

   Sooo...she is improving her self image by not looking at herself? Doesn't make sense to me.

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9. 62

   Lisa HWposted 12 years ago

   Apparently, the sight of her own reflection has had more impact on her (in one way or another) than most people's reflection has on them.    I still say THAT'S the issue she ought be addressing.  The other issue would probably take care of itself if she could have professional help developing (shall we say) a little better "reflective perspective".     (and maybe a little perspective when it comes to body image too)
   
   I'm just imagining the emotional impact it might have on her next year when she takes that first look in a mirror again and discovers she still has issues.   

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10. 0

    .josh.posted 12 years ago

    I think the fact that most are unwilling - or unable - to avoid looking into a mirror for a year is precisely why her attempt is admirable and newsworthy. I'm not really sure what part of this is so difficult to understand, or deserving of being criticized. The woman simply wants to stop caring so much about what she looks like, and as a means to getting there, she's not going to allow herself to incessantly look in the mirror. Sure, her hair may not be perfectly straight, or her make-up may be a bit off, but isn't that the whole point here?

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11. 53

    Nathen Astleposted 12 years ago

    this is good

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