"Je suis avec un homme qui est assez évolué pour regarder mon corps et le voir comme plus beau à cause du chemin qu'il a parcouru."

The core idea here is about recognizing and appreciating the beauty that comes from life’s experiences and changes, rather than adhering strictly to conventional or superficial standards. It’s about seeing deeper, valuing the marks and the transformations that life’s journey brings to a person’s body, and finding beauty in that.

This idea is particularly relevant in the context of relationships and self-image. Historically, society has often imposed rigid and unrealistic standards of beauty, especially on women. These standards can be harmful and unrealistic, leading many to feel inadequate or ashamed of their natural bodies. The quote challenges these conventions, suggesting a more evolved perspective where the history and experiences that shape a person’s body are not just accepted but embraced and celebrated.

Think about a woman who has had children. Her body has changed — stretch marks, perhaps some extra weight, maybe scars from surgeries. Instead of seeing these changes as flaws, an evolved partner would see them as testaments to her strength and the miraculous journey of motherhood. It’s about shifting the focus from flaws to the stories those so-called ‘flaws’ tell.

Take Jess, for example. She’s in her late thirties, a mother of two, and she has always been self-conscious about her post-pregnancy body. She has stretch marks and a bit of loose skin, and she sometimes feels less attractive. But her partner, Mark, sees her differently. He looks at her body and sees the incredible journey she has been through — the strength it took to carry and give birth to their children. He finds her more beautiful because of these changes, not in spite of them. His perspective helps Jess to start seeing herself in a different light too.

So, how can we apply this wisdom in our own lives? First, it’s about shifting our mindset. Start by acknowledging and appreciating the journeys your own body has been through. Maybe it’s the result of significant weight loss, bearing children, overcoming an illness, or simply aging. Each of these experiences has shaped you and made you stronger.

Secondly, communicate this appreciation to those around you. If you have a partner, express your admiration for the experiences their body has been through. It’s about real conversations and genuine appreciation. It’s not just about saying, “You’re beautiful the way you are,” but rather, “You’re beautiful because of the journey you’ve been on.”

Imagine this scenario: Maria, who’s always been self-conscious about her scars from a major surgery, is getting ready for a night out. She’s feeling a bit down, staring at herself in the mirror. Her partner, Alex, walks in and sees her. Instead of glossing over her insecurities, he comes up behind her, wraps his arms around her, and says, “You know, these scars are proof of your strength and resilience. They make you even more beautiful to me.” Maria feels a rush of warmth and confidence, and for the first time, she looks at her scars with a sense of pride.

So, next time you look in the mirror or at a loved one, try to see beyond the surface. Appreciate the journey, the strength, and the beauty that comes from experience. It’s a perspective that not only fosters self-love but also deepens our connections with others.