The article explores postpartum depression through the metaphor of the Selkie fairy tale, illustrating the emotional and physical transformations women experience after childbirth, and the ongoing struggle to reconcile self-identity with maternal responsibilities, highlighting the deep sense of loss and longing for self that can accompany motherhood.
Billie Eilish revealed in an interview that her blond hair era was not as enjoyable as she had anticipated, admitting that she "had no idea who I was" during that time. The singer, known for her ever-changing hair colors, experimented with platinum blond in 2021 but felt that it didn't go as planned. Eilish expressed that she got caught up in the aesthetic and lost touch with her true self. She has since returned to her signature black hair with colorful roots and recently sported a swirly rainbow-colored circle on her head, which fans have compared to a weather map.
In a recent interview, singer Billie Eilish discussed her experience of being sexualized from a young age and her struggle with body image. Eilish revealed that she has never felt like a woman and has never felt desirable or feminine. However, she is starting to make peace with her body being seen in a sexual context and even found humor in a recent mention of her body in a Drake song. Eilish has received six Grammy nominations for her song "What Was I Made For?"
Excessive parental control and intrusion in a child's life may contribute to the development of body image concerns in adulthood, according to a recent study. The research found a strong association between parental overcontrol and dysmorphic concern, a condition characterized by an intense focus on perceived flaws in appearance. The study suggests that parental attitudes of replacing the child in managing their own life may create a sense of self characterized by defectiveness and inadequacy, leading to feelings of shame, anxiety, and the expectation of social rejection. The findings highlight the importance of evaluating parenting behavior and parent-child relationships in individuals with high levels of dysmorphic concern.
A woman reflects on the sacrifices she made in her marriage, giving up aspects of her identity and happiness to keep her word. Over time, these compromises took a toll on her mental and physical health, leading to panic attacks, chronic pain, and emotional isolation. It took a national tragedy for her to realize that she could no longer pretend everything was fine. She ultimately decided to divorce her husband and reclaim her sense of self, understanding that her happiness and personal fulfillment were just as important as keeping her word.
A mother who has dedicated her life to helping others is shocked when her child accuses her of being selfish. While her actions may bring her happiness, her child argues that her need to rescue others may prevent her from fully connecting with those who don't have major problems. The mother is encouraged to listen to her child's perspective and consider how her actions impact those around her. In a separate letter, a reader expresses appreciation for the advice given in the column, as it helps them relate to others facing similar challenges.
Danielle Jonas, wife of Kevin Jonas and sister-in-law to Sophie Turner and Priyanka Chopra, opened up about feeling "less than" her famous sisters-in-law on the LadyGang podcast. She expressed her desire to have her own identity outside of being Kevin's wife and mother of their two daughters. Kevin empathized with her, as he has also dealt with comparisons to his more famous brothers. Danielle is in great company with successful women in her life and just needs to find her own path to showcase her talents.
Simone Stolzoff's new book, "The Good Enough Job," reveals that the happiest workers all had a strong sense of self-identity outside of work. By diversifying their identities, they were less likely to lose themselves to their jobs and more resilient in the face of adversity. This approach can also make you more productive and less stressed. Stolzoff suggests approaching your self-worth like your stock portfolio and investing in multiple sources of meaning in life.
Former head of The Sims, Rod Humble, revealed during a GDC interview that men often lie about how they play the game out of embarrassment, with some claiming to have murdered people or had sex with everyone in town when they actually just redecorated a bathroom. Humble compared this to a self-identity phenomenon that occurs among life sim players. His upcoming game, Life by You, will offer even more customization options for players, including non-binary and trans identities. Early access for the game is set to release on September 12.