What is wrong with me!? do I have an image problem?

Question

I never thought I'd have to post something in this section, but, here it goes...Hi. I think I have this problem...well, I guess I should describe it.

I have this issue with image. I always obsess over what I look like. Always. Even the simplest thing like sitting on the patio, I have to make sure I look perfect. I noticed that this was out of hand when I kept asking people if 'my hair looks OK' or the cliche line, 'does this make me look fat?' and during the past week I've hardly eaten anything to loose weight, even though I know I look great...so I gave up on the not eating thing and binged on popcorn and stir fry...but now I think I'm fine. Some days I look in the mirror and see 'perfect', and other day's I look and see 'fat and perfect.' But a month ago I was reading up on ancient myths for class (I'm a Theology major. Don't ask, lol) and I came across the myth of Narcissus. And then I came across 'Narcissism', and it was defined as extreme love of self. Is this what I have? or is it something else!? or is it a combination of something?

Answer 1

maybe you do have a bit of that, or you could have body image issues.

Answer 2

you could be narcissistic, but i don't think that's the problem. i think you have a touch of OCD ( obsessive compulsive disorder) that sure sounds like your behaviour. this is a mental illness where the person gets fixated on one thing and just has to keep repeating the action- like your hair fixing stuff. and your obsessiveness about your looks and the perfection bit. either way, this is something that you will need professional help to overcome. i would try and take care of it now before it gets too much worse. some people are so obsessed about their looks that they spend 5 or 6 hours trying to look perfect, and then they end up missing whatever it was they were supposed to go to. take care of it now, before it ends up ruining your life, ok?

Answer 3

I very well know the term Narcsissist. I am not sure though if what you are describing is Narc tendencies. N-people usually tend to feed their need to be “happy” in life by abusing others. They do not care about other people feelings, only their own. For example, if you talk to them, they will not care what you have to say about anything, they’ll just interrupt you and go on about themselves. They may make hurtful remarks to put you down and when you confront tem about it – they will twist it in a way that you are crazy for imagining such a thing.

What you are describing, sounds more like you can’t stop controlling your every move and trying to be a perfectionist in your every action. Does anyone expects you to be perfect at absolutely everything – like your parents?

You should relax and know that nobody out there is perfect. People always tend to think that someone else has it better then them, but its not true. Everybody has problems and flaws. I wouldn’t recommend over loading your self with junk food. Try to find medium in things and relax with your image. Try to find yourself in your heart. Don’t worry about how other people see you. Healthy Narcissism is a requirement.

Answer 4

You need to achieve a certain level of satisfaction in order to move on.

Answer 5

You could be a little Narcissistic.  It's one thing to want to look good, but it's another thing when you become obsessed with it.  There is a possibillity that you have a problem loving yourself.  You shouldn't need anyones opinion on how you feel about yourself.  If your wearing old clothes, be comfortible with who you are because the clothes don't make you nor do they break you unless you don't know who you are.  Your friends will start turning their backs on you if you become to snobbish.  So relax and don't worry about your looks cause belive me, there is always someone that will look worse than you.