How I Learned to Love My Body and Attracted True Love

Just two years ago, I wouldn’t have dared to go to a swimming pool. Not in a swimsuit, not without one. I stood in front of the mirror, criticizing every fold, every curve, every “TOO MUCH” I believed my body didn’t deserve to be shown — and certainly didn’t deserve love.

Everything changed slowly, day by day. First, I stopped following social media accounts that made me feel guilty. Then I started listening to podcasts about body acceptance. And one evening, a bit out of spite, I created an account on lovebbw.com.

That’s where I met Ryan.

He was different. He didn’t ask about measurements. He asked about dreams. Instead of blind compliments, he wrote: “I like the way you write about coffee. It makes me feel like life with you must smell like cinnamon.”

Our conversations lasted for weeks. Instead of talks about appearance — we talked about childhood, favorite books, and what truly brings us joy. Until one day, when he suggested meeting, he said something that completely surprised me:

-“Maybe… we could go to the pool?”

I froze. I had a million reasons to say “no.” But… I didn’t.

When we arrived, I had a towel wrapped tightly around me like armor. I felt people’s gazes, though no one was really looking. Ryan looked at me with a smile.

-“Ready?” - he asked.

-“I’m a little scared,” - I admitted honestly.

-“You know… I don’t like pools either,” - he said calmly. - “But if I’m going to be afraid of something, I’d rather be with you.”

It was like awakening. We stepped into the water together. And you know what? Water doesn’t judge. Doesn’t comment. It just surrounds you.

I submerged up to my shoulders. I felt my body become light, as if for a moment, there were no burdens — neither physical nor the emotional ones I’d carried for years. Ryan jumped in with a smile, then swam closer.

-“You look beautiful, Amelia,” - he said quietly. - “And it’s not about the swimsuit or any of that. It’s about you being here. Whole.”

I felt tears welling up in my eyes. Not from sadness, but relief.

Later, we played water volleyball with kids from a nearby class. We laughed like we’d known each other for years. Then, when we sat by the edge, wet, cold, but happy, he said:

-“You know, you didn’t attract me ‘despite your body.’ You attracted me because you are yourself. Genuine.”

I smiled. And for the first time in my life, that smile was for me too.

Love didn’t come when I had the “perfect body.” It came when I stopped waiting for permission to be happy.

And the pool? That was just the first step. To life, to myself… and to him.