What to Do Instead of Using the Phrase ‘You Let Yourself Go’
I’ll admit, I’m a self-proclaimed TLC, reality TV fanatic. As in, I’ve been devoted ever since A Wedding Story premiered back in 1996 (I used to watch with my mom and Aunt, seriously)... and I’ve remained loyal through years of John + Kate Plus 8, Long Island Medium (it’s my crack, literally), Say Yes to the Dress. I even wrote one of my final research papers in college about the revolution of the ‘I Do’ industry, through the lens of popular culture and told by TLC. Yes, I’d say I’m obsessed.
In any case, the network synonymous with weddings and all things bridal is launching a new show in the New Year, Say Yes: Wedding SOS, and we’re told by The Hollywood Reporter that it’ll focus on “giving makeovers to engaged couples who have let themselves go.” That’s right, in each hour-long episode, brides and grooms will be brought under style expert, George Kotsiopoulos’s wing and coached on how to get ready for their big day. Those watching “will see couples go through custom suit fittings, liposuction, corrective eye surgery, microblading, laser hair removal and more,” according to a release.
A little extreme, if you ask us, but that won’t stop voyeuristic viewers from tuning in for the Saturday, January 20th premiere, right?! Apparently, this first installment will highlight a couple from Clifton Heights, Pennsylvania, who will be tying the knot after eight long years of dating and who are currently pregnant. Their style sensei arrives just in the nick of time to help them plan their impending nuptials, which happens to be just 10 days away.
Something just doesn’t sit well with us about the necessity for someone else, who isn’t familiar with the couple or their personal circumstances, to step in and start ‘fixing’ each party’s flaws and ways that they have each ‘let themselves go.’ It feels icky, simply because the ‘remedies’ that are being employed are all pretty cosmetic and superficial. Corrective eye surgery? How does one’s piss poor eyesight qualify them for the ‘let themselves go’ hall of fame? If it does, my husband really must be living with the anti-sight for sore eyes.
There’s definitely merit in making sure each of you commits to a healthy and happy (physically and mentally) lifestyle before saying ‘I Do.’ But there are ways to go about it, without resorting to throwing out that terrifying phrase. You know, one of those things that men or women should never say to their significant others.
We’ve put together some tips on how to keep each other on a tip-top-shape path before exchanging vows. Read on!
It’s as easy as trying things to do before bed to lose weight, brushing up on the things that keep you happy as a couple, and who knows, maybe even learning to dance together? You’ll perfect your first dance as a duo, enliven your passion for each other, and maybe melt away those extra few pounds. AKA. No liposuction, thank you.
Photographers: Erik Lucatero on Unsplash
get fit and feel good together
Whether you sign up for a couples spin class, register and train for a color run (will be doing this with my hubby next year, he hasn’t convinced me to do a Tough Mudder yet), or just pencil in a walk together every morning or night, keeping each other motivated is the first place to start. And doing it together makes it more fun.
Photographers: Curtis MacNewton on Unsplash
Go shopping in sync
So maybe you or your man aren’t particularly blessed in the fashion department. That’s okay. Your wedding should be a time when you dress your best to impress, so if you need to shop together to get a sense for what your partner likes on you or vice versa, then do it! Sure, you don’t have to pick THE dress will him there for the ride, but if you try some things on for each other, offer pointers, you’ll both feel good about it, and you’ll know for CERTAIN that he’ll be floored by the time of your first look. Works both ways, too! Photographers: Clem Onojeghuo on Unsplash
keep stress levels low
Wedding planning is hella hard. And who could blame someone for packing on a little ‘I needed those candy canes… and Reese’s Christmas Trees… and ALL the eggnog and cookies’ weight, especially with the holidays. If you’re worried about stress eating, try to mellow things out. Keep yourself distracted, go to the spa if you need to, stop bringing extra work home if you don’t have to. All of this will help, both physically and emotionally. Photographers: Lesly Juarez on Unsplash
share your struggs with your s.o.
Everyone has weaknesses, issues or even physical things that they don’t like about themselves. Whether it’s your sweating problem, perhaps you snore, maybe with other stresses, you’ve been remiss about little shaving or waxing. Umm we’re all human. So, if you’re feeling self-conscious about anything, talk to your boo about it before dwelling and isolating. You’re in this thing called life together, and you can face it all as a team.
Photographers: Vladislav Muslakov on Unsplash
commit to more regular date nights
Really, one of the reasons that couples can fall into a rut or routine of bad behaviors, stagnancy, etc. is because they’ve gotten too caught up in other things and lose sight of each other. Whether that’s because of work, a hobby, you name it. If you can dedicate yourselves to date nights that aren’t few and far between, you can keep your passion lit, and you’ll feel a natural draw to want to look and feel your best. The road to the altar is tough, so having fun along the way is key.
Photographers: Sweet Ice Cream Photography on Unsplash