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Does The Perfect Image Trap Affect Us?

Updated: Feb 10

by Marie, Your Advocate


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I love reading in bed. It’s my little escape, but last night, forget it. I couldn’t focus on my book because my brain decided it was time for one of those internal monologues. You know, the ones where you replay everything in your head?


The Myth of a Perfect Life

It probably started because I encountered an old acquaintance a few days ago. I haven’t seen her for a while. She’s in her mid-fifties, around the same age as me. She was describing her life, her perfect career, her perfect family, and her perfect social circle, and honestly, it sounded like something out of a magazine. It made me wonder, am I supposed to have it all together like that, too? A thriving career, an amazing family, an exciting social life, all while looking effortlessly happy and youthful? And there I was, lying in bed, spiraling. My brain started going, ‘What about your life? Are you doing enough? Is it good enough?


And, of course, in this world of social media, where everyone’s life looks perfect or almost perfect, it’s like there’s no room to admit otherwise.


Where does that leave us? Can we just be real? Aging, for example, has become something we don’t often discuss. How could we admit we’re tired, struggling with low energy, or dealing with changes in appearance and self-confidence? It’s like saying those things make us “less than.” But less than who? Less than the woman who’s living the perfectly curated life on Instagram?


There’s no such thing as a perfect husband, a perfect family, or a perfect career. A perfect life? Come on. How can anyone have it all like that? Is she just faking it? A caricature of what society tells us we’re supposed to be.

Maybe she’s so caught up in the image trap that she doesn’t even realize how obvious it is. And honestly, in a way, it’s sad. This whole “perfect” act, the one society encourages, is exactly what stops women from opening up about what’s really going on. It’s good that we don’t all fall for it, right?


The Advantage of Sisterhood

I feel lucky to have a few close friends whom I consider like my sisters. None of our lives are perfect, not even close. We’re real with each other. When one of us fights with her partner, we all know about it, and we're there for her. One friend is dealing with a nightmare boss. Another is in the thick of raising teenagers, which, let’s be honest, is its full-time job. And she’s not doing it in a picture-perfect nuclear family setup, adding more layers to her challenges.


What matters is that we’re honest about it. We don’t pretend things are perfect because they’re not, and that’s okay.


What We Don’t Talk About Even Amongst Us

But then again, the image trap also somewhat grips us. It’s hard not to feel its influence, the pressure to look like we’ve got it all together, even in the safest spaces. And then there’s the fear of being judged.


Even among close friends in our sisterhood circle, there are some things some of us won’t talk about. Let’s be honest: getting older as a woman brings additional challenges. Certain topics stay swept under the rug, like low libido, bladder problems, vaginal dryness, or painful sex. And let’s not forget the general sense of unhappiness that sneaks in for no specific reason, leaving you feeling off but unsure why. Do we discuss when we feel envious, insecure, or guilty? When we question if we’ve done enough?


It’s not that we don’t trust each other; it’s the weight of these taboos. They make you wonder if saying something aloud makes you “less than.” Less attractive, less confident, less capable. But does keeping quiet help? Or does it just add to the isolation?


Why Admitting Our Vulnerability is the First Step

So, what’s holding us back? Is it the fear of being judged? Or the hope that by ignoring these issues, they’ll somehow disappear? The truth is, staying silent doesn’t solve anything. Acknowledging these struggles and opening up is the first step to finding real solutions.


Can we be honest with ourselves? Can we admit that, at times, we’ve also fallen into the perfect image trap? Maybe we’ve been chasing an ideal that doesn’t truly exist.


I admit I did. And yes, I still occasionally fall into the trap. It’s not about blame. It’s about reflection. Because the moment we let go of perfection, we create space for connection, support, and finding the answers we truly need.


With love and support,

Marie



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Who is Marie?

Marie, in her mid-50s, is a mother and the wife of Dr. Faruqi. She was a manager at a major financial institution before being diagnosed with breast cancer at 50. This life-changing experience motivated her and her husband to research extensively, ultimately transforming her health and life. Now feeling blessed and healthier than ever, Marie is on a mission to empower women, encourage important questions, and serve as the advocate they deserve.





Sources for Studies:


 

Timeless Youth Empowerment™, led by Dr. Faruqi and Marie Labelle, supports women over 40 and 50 to take control of their health, vitality, and aging journey. We provide education in hormonal balance, anti-aging strategies, and symptom relief for menopause and midlife changes. We address symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and sleep issues, helping women regain energy, confidence, and a youthful glow by guiding women through midlife transitions with natural and medical solutions backed by science.




Disclaimer: The content in this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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