Mirror Mirror on the Wall

Have you ever heard of the term body dismorphia?

Whoever put it on Wiki describes the condition thusly:

"Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD, also body dysmorphia, dysmorphic syndrome; originally dysmorphophobia) is a type of mental illness, a somatoform disorder, wherein the affected person is concerned with body image, manifested as excessive concern about and preoccupation with a perceived defect of their physical features."  

Basically, folks suffering from this condition spend an inordinate amount of time worried about the way they look which can cause a whole bunch of serious social problems and compulsions.  The condition stems from the person's DISLIKE about a certain part or parts of their body and how they feel the perceived imperfection makes them disproportionately unattractive to others.

After taking so many pictures of myself over the past few weeks, I think I have given myself a convoluted version of this disorder AS WELL as the reverse of this all at the same time!!  Now, I'm certainly not serious about having a disease but I do have to say that I see myself differently.  Does that happen to anyone else?  I look in the mirror, and while not 100% satisfied with the way I look (I could totally stand to lose a few pounds, and I have a serious case of hyperpigmentation on my face that needs some attention) I also don't think I look terrible.  Then I'll look at my photos and be shocked.  Not shocked in a good way either!  I've heard that the camera adds 10 pounds, but I don't really believe that.  I think the camera sees what I can not.  So, is this BDD in reverse?  I see things as BETTER than they actually are?  And what would that be called?  You Wish Syndrome?  Evil Queen Disorder?  You tell me.  Am I the only one? Until next time, I'll hide out in my cozy turtleneck...

Inspired by J Crew:

Love,

Alyssa