Social Media Lies and Why I Feel Like a Potato 😭🤍

Hey lovely's! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet. If you’re new here, I’m an introverted, homeschooled teen on the autism spectrum, just trying to figure life out one awkward moment at a time. Today, I wanna talk about something that I think everyone deals with—insecurities.

Okay, so here’s the thing. Since I’m homeschooled, I don’t actually see real-life people that often. Like, my entire perception of what people look like is based on social media. And let’s be honest, that’s probably not great for my self-esteem. My brain knows that most of it is filters and good lighting, but my insecurities are like, “Nope! That’s what people actually look like, and you are failing at being a human.”

People always assume that because I’m thin, I must be super confident about my body, but nope. My brain still finds ways to overthink it. And don’t even get me started on my height. I’m 5’7”, which isn’t that tall, but in my head, I’m basically a giraffe. Every time I stand next to my shorter friends (when I actually leave the house), I feel like I should be dunking basketballs or something.

Then there’s my smile. I’ve had a gap forever, and it honestly never bothered me that much until people started commenting on it. Like, why do random strangers feel the need to point it out?? I KNOW IT’S THERE, THANK YOU. Anyway, I got Invisalign recently, and while I’m excited to see the results, I’m also trying to remind myself that my teeth don’t define me. Easier said than done, though, because now I have these aligners in, and I talk like I have a mouth full of marbles. So that’s fun.

Being an introvert with insecurities is a wild ride. Social situations are already exhausting, and now I also have to worry about whether I look weird? Great. It’s like my brain cycles through every possible thing that could be wrong with me the second I step outside. Do I look awkward? Is my outfit okay? Am I walking weird? Do I even know how to walk like a normal person?? The overthinking never stops.

But honestly, I’m trying to be nicer to myself. I’ve realized that most people are too busy worrying about their owninsecurities to even notice mine. And let’s be real—when I meet people, I’m not analyzing their height, their teeth, or if they have perfect skin. So why do I assume everyone is analyzing me?

I’m also reminding myself that social media is the biggest scam ever. Like, I’ll see these influencers looking flawless, then I look in the mirror and feel like a potato. But the truth is, they probably don’t even look like that in real life. I mean, I have never seen someone walking around with that perfectly airbrushed skin and those impossible proportions. So maybe I should stop holding myself to a standard that isn’t even real.

Anyway, if you’re struggling with insecurities too, just know you’re not alone. We all have things we overthink, but at the end of the day, we’re our own worst critics. And honestly? Most people are too busy worrying about themselves to care.

So yeah, I might still feel like a slightly awkward, giraffe-like introvert with questionable social skills, but at least I’m learning to embrace it. And if all else fails, I can always just stay home and avoid people forever. Problem solved. 

Until next time, stay weird and be kind to yourself.

Remember your worth,

Summer-Rose H xxx