What Are “Legging Legs”?
#LeggingLegs gained popularity on TikTok in January 2024. In general, this term implies that legs with a thigh gap look the best in leggings, perpetuating the beauty standard of being slim and thin.
(Reference: USAToday)
What’s “Aging-Ages”?
“Aging-Ages” is a term I coined to describe the age at which one perceives themselves as old. While some argue that aging begins biologically before birth, in a broader context of appearance and performance, aging is often perceived to start around the age of 20.
(Reference: Max Planck Institute)
In essence, one can feel old at any stage of life. As an example, many Asian girls I’ve known humorously refer to themselves as “Elder Auntie” regularly, illustrating the subjective nature of aging perceptions.
Why Am I Comparing Ages and Legs?
The comparison between the standards of aging ages and legging legs arises because both are imaginative; they are myths and ideologies.
In essence, these labels don’t truly exist unless you choose to believe in them, much like the Santa Claus.
The power to shape your perspective lies entirely in your hands.
Age Gaps
During my school days, my peers were all within the same age group, as is common for most people.
However, post-graduation, my professional journey led me to work with individuals 20 years my senior, and presently, with those who are 20 years younger than me.
I learned just as much from my younger colleagues as I did from the older ones, forming lasting friendships across various age groups.
In my personal experience, age gaps are nonexistent; I am drawn to people based on their personalities.
Friendships form when our paths cross at certain stages of life, and we find something valuable to offer each other.
While our preferences in music, movies, and books may differ, maintaining curiosity and exploring different trends for various times is an enjoyable endeavor.
After all, a true masterpiece is timeless, always.
Thigh Gaps
Thigh gaps have never been a part of my reality.
I may lack thigh gaps, but I possess a collection of leggings.
My commitment to a journey of fat loss is for my health and well-being, not to conform to the societal standard of thigh gaps.
Wanting to look good is natural, but adhering to someone else’s criteria of beauty is out of the question.
Choosing leggings is akin to choosing a path in life.
They should complement your legs, and align with your preferred pattern and color, or why invest in them? It’s your money, your life, and the leggings I purchased offered a range of sizes.
Even Lululemon caters to diverse sizes, from XXXS to XXL, acknowledging the inherent diversity in human body types.
Myths I Fell Into in My Teens
Reflecting on my teenage years, I recognize my version of “legging legs” during my age of innocence. It became evident that measuring a body’s worth based on leggings or any external standard is inherently flawed.
Picture this: 14-year-old me, armed with wisdom from a Japanese magazine, fervently sticking plasters on my fingers, believing it to be the secret sauce for conquering the appetite and skyrocketing metabolism.
Little did I know, this bold move would earn me a lifelong membership in the “Allergic to Sticking Plasters” club.
Then fast forward to my 17, the age of enlightenment, or so I thought.
Enter the strawberry-and-egg-only diet – a culinary masterpiece that consisted of a grand total of 5 strawberries and 2 eggs a day.
Marvel at the grand results:
Weight loss was achieved, along with a temporary blackout and a mysteriously absent period. It was the crash diet of champions, or so the misguided logic went.
But alas, reality hit harder than the hunger pangs. The lost weight found its way back, and like an uninvited guest, it brought a few extra pounds along for the ride.
Lesson learned: crash diets are like that flashy magic trick you see at a carnival – dazzling in the moment, but ultimately leaving you scratching your head.
In the grand scheme of things, these escapades were my quirky detours on the winding road to self-love and acceptance.
Conclusion
- Don’t label yourself by other’s measurement
In a world fixated on labels and unrealistic standards, it’s high time we break free from others’ measurements. Don’t let societal expectations dictate your worth – you are uniquely you, and that’s your power. Embracing self-love emerges as the ultimate weapon against the myths perpetuated by beauty or age standards. It’s not about fitting into predefined molds but rather celebrating your individuality. - Love Yourself
It’s your rebellion against a world that insists on conformity. The journey to self-discovery involves rejecting the notion that beauty can be measured by thigh gaps or conforming to age stereotypes. Instead, find beauty in your uniqueness, the quirks that make you stand out from the crowd. - Listen to your body’s whispers
Not the loud opinions of societal norms or even the patterns on your leggings. Your body communicates its needs, desires, and strengths – tune in and honor them.
Life is too short to live by someone else’s rules. So, let go of labels, cultivate self-love, and dance to the rhythm of your heartbeat.
You’re not just breaking myths; you’re rewriting your story with authenticity, confidence, and a touch of rebellion.
Cheers to embracing the beautiful, unapologetic you!
Glad to know that new word. To me is that training legs is for healthy. Especially when I see some people who are suffering from their legs problems, I feel like protecting the legs are important for happiness.
Thank You Benson!
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