Recently, I shared a selfie on my blog page while taking my kids to the pool, captioning it, “On our way to the pool! Fingers crossed this dad bod trend is still going strong because I’m going topless.” If you haven’t heard, the term “Dad Bod” gained popularity when a Clemson University sophomore, named Mackenzie, wrote an article in the Clemson Odyssey, arguing that women often find men with physiques that balance a beer belly with some workout effort more appealing than those with chiseled abs. This sparked a movement where men were relieved to ease up on the crunches, while women began to ponder the existence of a “Mom Bod.”
Just moments after my post, a friend commented, “I wish Mom Bod was a thing.” It was ironic because I was sitting in a Target parking lot, three kids ready to dive into the water in the backseat, waiting for my wife, Lisa, who was struggling to find a new swimsuit that fit her the way it used to. We’d had a bit of a spat before leaving home, where I complimented her, calling her sexy in her bathing suit, but she insisted that motherhood had altered her waistline and how her swimsuit bottoms fit.
Finally, Lisa returned with two suits instead of one, unsure which one suited her better and short on time. “You’ll look incredible in both,” I assured her.
When she emerged from the changing room in a sleek black one-piece, with her hair braided and our youngest, Mia, on her hip, she exuded grace and beauty—she was the loving mother I had committed my life to, supporting me through college and nurturing our kids with such elegance. Yet, as she approached me while I applied sunscreen to our older two, she seemed a bit apprehensive about her appearance. “You look amazing,” I said. She gave a half-smile, a familiar response that left me uncertain if she truly believed my words or was simply dismissing them.
It was then that I mustered the courage to take off my shirt for the first time in years. Admittedly, the “Dad Bod” trend gave me some confidence, but I had also just lost 25 pounds by counting calories. Although I still fell short of the BMI ideal, as a father of three, I felt a thrill at the thought of swimming shirtless. However, after an hour of fun, Lisa snapped a photo of me playing with Mia, and upon seeing it, I deleted it, convinced I looked out of shape.
“I thought you looked great,” Lisa said when I explained why I removed the picture. “You looked sexy.” As our roles flipped, she found it necessary to boost my confidence about my Dad Bod, while just moments earlier, I had been trying to lift her spirits.
But let’s get real—what exactly is the “Dad Bod”? It’s a concept spun by the media, birthed from the whims of social commentary. The truth is, neither Lisa nor I fully embrace each other’s compliments because we both grapple with self-image issues. The media has shaped our perceptions of attractiveness, often presenting an unattainable standard. Regardless of the trend—be it Dad Bod, Mom Bod, or something else entirely—we often feel we don’t measure up.
Here’s the honest truth: I see my wife as remarkable in countless ways. Her dedication to our family, her role as a full-time mom and part-time student, and the sacrifices she makes for us leave me in awe. If there were a way to showcase the depth of her love and commitment through a photo, she would be gracing the covers of every magazine. A flat stomach and perfect physique are mere illusions on paper.
While I can’t speak for every man, I know many who share my sentiment. We are astounded by the women we love, and very little of that admiration hinges solely on appearance. Instead, it’s the entire package—the unwavering dedication that makes a wife and mother truly special. After a decade of marriage, my passion for Lisa has grown beyond her physical form; it’s rooted deeply in her unwavering commitment to our family, to me, and her relentless pursuit of excellence.
As we left the pool, with the kids and our belongings loaded into the van, I wrapped my arms around Lisa and said, “You were the most stunning woman at the pool today.” “To you,” she replied with a smile. “That’s all that matters,” I said, and she kissed me.
In summary, the concept of the “Mom Bod” should be celebrated just as much as its male counterpart. Both reflect the beauty of parenthood, with love and dedication far outweighing physical appearance. For those interested in exploring more about family, pregnancy, and even home insemination, check out resources like this informative article. And for practical home insemination kits, you can explore this excellent guide.
Keyphrase: The Mom Bod
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