Selfie.
It’s a blimmin’ stupid word, isn’t it? So 21st century and SELF-indulgent and me, me, me. It even sounds like selfish.
For those of you who don’t know, it’s what ‘the young ones’ do. They take endless photos of themselves on their phones – sucking in their cheekbones and posing and pouting and then splash it all over Facebook and Instagram. Boring.
I must be pretty 21st century and down with the kids myself, because I brought the word up in my The Gallery: Self portrait post a few months ago and most people hadn’t heard of it.
There’s a technique to it, apparently – you hold your phone up high to get your best side – and then you suck your cheeks in and you pose. Well, it’s never worked for me. But then I’m not a poser.
I’m not averse to having photos of myself. But my husband takes them. Of me and the kids together. They’re not selfies.
But anyway, I digress, I need to present you with a selfie. And I’m not keen to do that. I’m not one for posing and pouting. Not because I’m uncomfortable with my appearance, because, actually I’m very comfortable with my appearance. I don’t think I’m beautiful or amazing, because I’m not.
But I’m comfortable in my own skin. Nothing about my appearance (even the spots and grey hairs and wrinkles) makes my feel awkward or embarrassed or want to hide myself.
And so, without further ado. Ladies and gentleman, I give you my selfie…
September 11, 2013
That’s a true selfie! Looks like you’ve been out running and in your element. I’m not much of a selfie-er at all. I think I must be a bit old fashioned!
September 11, 2013
I don’t do selfies.
I like yours it’s honest and fresh
September 11, 2013
Great photo, definitely think selfies should be natural. My niece (who is 15) takes endless photos of herself that are very posed but I didn’t realise it was something they all did lol! x
September 11, 2013
I like yours, it’s natural xx
September 11, 2013
Great natural selfie. I hate selfies LOL
September 11, 2013
Lol the other one is so funny. That is a good shade of red!
September 11, 2013
I love that you’re so in tune with yourself. And this is really YOU.
September 11, 2013
I like it! Natural is good.
September 11, 2013
Hello! lovely to ‘see’ you, I had no idea you were so tiny!
September 11, 2013
Love this. It’s so natural, and just you. I chickened out and took one when I was just about to go out for dinner… At my ‘best’ rather than just me…
September 11, 2013
Brilliantly put!
September 11, 2013
Ha! I took my selfie exactly as you described, without the sucking in of cheeks and posing, no idea that was how they were meant to be done! Yours is a fab picture, incredibly natural and honest.
September 11, 2013
As a mom of teenagers, I’m subjected to an endless stream fish-face pictures. And blimmin’ stupid is my new favourite phrase… love me some Brit-speak 🙂
You look great, by the way!
September 11, 2013
I’m not sure I have a best side! And I just looked odd sucking my cheeks in. x
September 11, 2013
Wow, it’s amazing how many people dislike the selfie, I for one like them and yours are great 🙂
September 11, 2013
Thanks very much, everyone. This is most definitely natural and ‘me’. To be fair, I do usually look a little bit better than this.
Glad you checked out the red face, Dawn! It’s totally natural.
Glad you like the phrase, Jenn!
Helpful mum – your pic was fab! In fact lots of you looked very beautiful and glamorous, but that just isn’t me!
I am on the small side, Lou! Not short, just skinny!
September 11, 2013
Great natural ‘selfie’ and good on you for getting out there for some exercise too – I so need to get out for a run (when I can find someone to watch my 3 children for a moment x).
September 12, 2013
Such a serious face. Very contemplative x.
September 12, 2013
Isn’t that the problem, Pacific Plate! I don’t run as often as I would like for that very reason!
Thanks, Lesley – it’s a combination of tired from after a 12 mile run and concentration on trying to take the damn selfie! x