Tag Archives: Media Myths

Earlier today, I had an interesting chat with an old acquaintance of mine. He and I have not seen each other in almost 20 years. Recently, we befriended one another on that popular social media site that everyone belongs to, and over the course of a few months briefly conversed in chats online that were, for the most part, very topical: “How have you been? What have you been up to?”

This afternoon, however, was refreshingly different. 

At the moment, my profile picture on this popular social media site is of a painting by German artist Caroline Westerhout, entitled ‘Jalousy’.

What is portrayed in this enchanting piece? A young woman peacefully asleep in an armchair? Or a scantily-clothed temptress? 

The dychotomy of the subject is captivating ~ innocence and sensuality all rolled into one.

Needless to say, I am in love with this painting, on many levels. It captured my affection the moment I saw it.

Apparently, I am not the only one. This afternoon, my male friend appeared  online to inquire if that was me in the painting. I replied, “I wish! I would LOVE for someone to paint me.” Which is true ~ I think it would be the ultimate compliment, the ultimate perpetuity of my existence. And if the painting was done in colorful Klimt-like style such as the above-mentioned ‘Jalousy’, I’d be eternally enamored. 

In response to this, my male friend, kind as he is, offered to paint me… with finger paints. All over. Which started a very different kind of conversation.

(I should insert here that as a woman who is very comfortable with her sexuality, I am not easily embarrassed or reserved when suggestive comments are made. Flirting and conversations regarding carnal possibilities are occasionally embraced with amicability, so long as the participating parties remain on a positive, healthy level and ideas are mutually shared.)

Finger paints across the flesh…? Well, why not…?

Cool and moist to begin with, dry and taut on the skin in the end…

But I digress.

In continuation, my male friend proceeded to inform me that, although he’d been attracted to me back in my more youthful, thinner days (and believe me, I was never thin), he was even more  attracted to me now ~ because of my extra curviness. Apparently, he appreciates “having something to hold onto” and has many close friends who agree that a full-figure form is preferable.

It was extremely pleasing to hear. And I hear it more often than one might think.

Although the theory is far from prevalent, and the media shuns it, I am consistently presented with uplifting stories and opinions which solidify my belief that a full-figured body is, indeed, desirable.   

Kudos to my online friend for reaffirming it.  

And kudos to Caroline Westerhout for creating such a beautiful work of art which inspired a delightful conversation.