I've come up with a list of things that help me when I look in the mirror and don't like what I see. They might sound ridiculous but I'll do just about anything to avoid having a dysphoria panic attack.   Feel free to add your own. My face is the most dysphoric part about me so most of these are related to that, but it could be expanded upon

1) Try a different mirror. - Seriously, this works.  Some mirrors are slightly warped and can make your reflection inaccurate. Try different lighting as well. Knowing that I look good in at least one mirror is better than thinking I look bad in all of them.

2) Wash your face and try again -  This always helps to a certain degree. Sometimes the makeup just doesn't look right (or our skin is just dirty) and it's time to start over.

3) You're wearing the wrong color - This can make a big difference, and I don't quite understand why. If you're wearing black or white, try color and vice versa. Some colors  just make my skin and face look awful, so it's beneficial to try different shades. One of them will complement you very well.

4) Do something different with your hair! - Sometimes this works very well, other times it's an endless disappointment, in which case I just give up and wear a hat. Actually, wearing a hat is one of my best tricks. It can make everything just right.

5) Eat something - If I'm not liking the way I look and I have some food and beverage, it always makes a big difference, and the effects happen immediately after I've finished. (I'm very skinny with a fast metabolism, so maybe this one won't work for you)

6) SMILE - Smiling will make you look good no matter what. Happy people are always beautiful.

7) Exercise - Not only will this improve your appearance, but it will also give you a rush of endorphins and you'll forget all about your problems. 

8  Think about something else - Yes, this is almost impossible sometimes I know Once I stop thinking about myself though, everything seems to work out much better.

9) Take a nap - Sleep is good for the appearance. If I've been up for too long I can't look my best no matter what I do.

10) Dress androgynously - When all else fails and I have to go out in public, dressing androgynously is the cure.

- I hope this helps you   -

Cool, all good points.

I'd also suggest calling the mirror a big fat liar and just walk outdoors, confident in yourself anyway!

the mirror thing works...

I end up rating the mirrors I see in terms of how passable they make me look
in my bathroom its pretty average 7/10 , in my elevator it sucks 4/10 , in my friends house i look almost like a girl 9/10
im telling you , the trick is the right light

Quote from: FalseHybridPrincess on May 18, 2014, 04:46:56 AM
the mirror thing works...

I end up rating the mirrors I see in terms of how passable they make me look
in my bathroom its pretty average 7/10 , in my elevator it sucks 4/10 , in my friends house i look almost like a girl 9/10
im telling you , the trick is the right light

I thought I was the only one who did this. The mirror in the bathroom with the shower is the best one in our house, and I seem to look consistently good in it for some reason. The one in my room is okay, except when the lighting is too dim it doesn't look quite as good, and it's angle makes my shoulders look huge. But the one to really watch out for is the one in the other bathroom. It has some sort of crazy self-esteem destroying super powers. When the lights are turned on and you look into that mirror, it exaggerates every flaw you have to the point where I don't think anyone actually looks good in it. I stay away from that mirror at all costs.

By some freaky twist of irony, the mirror in the toilet at work is the one that makes me look most like a woman...when I have a tie on and I have to go into a classroom and teach.  As a man.

And the one by the front door that I look at before I leave the house is the confidence destroyer...when I have a skirt and I'm on my way out to meet friends.

Quote from: Ms Grace on May 18, 2014, 04:42:53 AM
Cool, all good points.

I'd also suggest calling the mirror a big fat liar and just walk outdoors, confident in yourself anyway!

You can certainly call that mirror a big fat liar judging by your new avatar, Grace. You look gorgeous.

Caroline
x

Shrug shoulders and go out anyway.

Quote from: Ms Grace on May 18, 2014, 04:42:53 AM
Cool, all good points.

I'd also suggest calling the mirror a big fat liar and just walk outdoors, confident in yourself anyway!

Mirrors are liars, what we see in a mirror is a horizontal flip of what w actually look like, you dont like the mirror? Take a selfy that doesnt lie, be warned you might thank the mirror for its lies. Try flipping your hair to the oposit side if you like the mirrors lies.

Quote from: Jill F on May 18, 2014, 11:41:00 AM
Shrug shoulders and go out anyway.

Loves this one, sometimes WE will never be happy with our relextion, so tell it to stick it and ask a person.

Odds are it's just in your head and you actually look no different to everyone else.

Cry?  Er, ten times?

Quote from: Jill F on May 18, 2014, 12:31:00 PM
Odds are it's just in your head and you actually look no different to everyone else.

98.9% of other people don't care anyway, they're either too worried they look ugly and/or they have their faces stuck in their iPhone...

Quote from: __________ on May 18, 2014, 01:14:44 PM
Cry?  Er, ten times?

Then start eating copious amounts of ice cream and start crying more because "it's gonna make me fat!" the weight which would lead to more crying in the mirror... A vicious cycle!