I've gone through this so many times. "I don't have X, Y, or Z, so I must not have what men want."

It even affects my marriage, no matter if my husband says nice things or not. I'm not what his *friends* would view as desirable, so

I must be making him look bad.

I know men feel pressure to look good, but I don't think they feel as though they're worthless if they don't match an ideal.

Your husband loves you, even if he's not good at showing it. You are not a physically perfect trophy wife - you are a LIFETIME wife!

You are the partner to be there 'til the end - not some bimbo to impress his friends.

djinnigenie No, but I still feel the pressure to look a certain way. I know it's pressure I put on myself, but it's still there.

Wow, that article made me cry. Alas, I feel judged by men as well as women and that's why I don't want to leave the house.

Some (maybe unnecessary) advice. If he compliments you don't turn the compliment down - accept it. My DH used to give me compliments and I'd

push them away, like I didn't deserve them. He doesn't compliment me anymore

Luckily he's still just as affectionate in other ways

I've tried to be more accepting of compliments in recent years.