About that bikini photo on Instagram

The vibe was good, the photo was fun, the sun was shining and suddenly we thought: fuck it, let’s do it. And so I suddenly posted a bikini photo on Instagram. For others, it might be totally no issue, but for me it is. Feels naked, like everyone is looking at you. They are too. And automatically you start – welcome to the wonderful world of women – comparing your body to others and you’re afraid that others will have something to say about your body. It’s difficult, and so we women prefer not to do it.

A quick Google search teaches me that nine out of ten women think three times before posting a bikini photo on Insta. Out of insecurity about their own body, to maintain their own privacy, or to not give creeps a chance. I can somewhat relate to that. I’m generally quite a prude when it comes to nudity. That first sauna day still has to happen, for example. But well, live and let live, I think. Everyone has their thing.

Moreover, we are bombarded daily on Insta with such insane pictures of perfectly toned Kylie-Jenner butts and slender bodies that you start to wonder if you fit in with your size 38. Do I not have saggy breasts? Does my belly button look weird? Are belly buttons even weird things? Should I not make that summery, cozy love handle a little less noticeable? Should I not have done a little less indulgent this summer? I was happy though. And that’s exactly what I see when I look at this photo.

Actually, that whole bikini body thing is quite ridiculous. Despite it being a phrase that is often said: every body is a bikini body. But of course, you do want to show yourself from your best side. So for everyone who has seen this photo and thought: meine gute, Perfect Insta Life, know that Lil and I also checked three times which angle was the most flattering for both bodies. We took about twenty shots and I can send you one where we both look ten kilos heavier due to an unfortunate angle.

But why should you be ashamed of yourself when you’re on vacation? Don’t do it, okay? You shouldn’t do things to please others online, but certainly don’t hold back because you think you’re not pleasing others. You are beautiful, just as you are. And god, yes, whether that’s with melons, little pineapples, a jiggly butt, or a peach bottom.