#bodyimage

A comic from my latest book MY PERFECTLY IMPERFECT BODY ❤️.

itslaurensmithy

simon riley x chubby!female reader

just something quick i wrote after i saw this ghost headcanon on tt :,)

“Nothin’, just don’t like how my stomach sticks out.”

Simon pauses, his expression neutral. He glances towards you, drinking in the sight of your features drawing into a small frown as you studied your reflection, hands supporting the small pudge around your belly. He notes how bloody beautiful you look in red, but looks back to his own shoes, urging back a grunt of frustration.

You never complained about your belly.

He’s been around you long enough to be aware of your insecurities, watching you pad towards the bathroom mirror and prod at your pimples, grumbling at the bump on your nose bridge, sometimes sat beside him in bed with a sparkly face mask on - it was second nature to know you, and although it pissed him off to no end, he also understood insecurities were normal.

But this - this was different. You embraced your body, curves, blemishes and all, the crooks and crevices denting your flesh - you didn’t care for the sly looks or judgemental comments, you wore whatever the hell you wanted. And if anyone had a problem, Simon would have fixed it in a heartbeat. This wasn’t your insecurity, this wasn’t a flaw, it was a part of you you loved.

Simon couldn’t handle your expression.

A sigh, a clacking of heels - you had torn your gaze away from the mirror, face scrunched up into one of those mopey frowns Simon adored, and grabbed the leather coat from the rack. It’s almost suffocating, the silence, and he does realise he needs to say something, but talking wasn’t always his strong suit. So his jaw clicks into place, shoulders broad and unmoving, gloved hands resting on his thighs.

Suddenly Simon is sixteen again and sat in front of his headteacher.

He runs his tongue along the inside of his cheek, whiskey irises boring into the back of your head before you turn with a half assed smile. Ha. He’s glad he can understand your little moods now, or else this night would’ve turned for the worse.

“Come.” The baritone of his voice draws you out of your darting thoughts. You sigh, stepping forward.

You’re not prepared for when his large hands latch onto your hips gently, pushing you forward so his head could rest on your stomach.

“Si-”

And again. You’re doing things you’ve never done before - you always let him rest on your stomach, it was never something you panicked about. A beat passes and your boyfriend lifts his head, penetrating eyes contrasting starkly against the red of your dress.

“What’s up with you?”

You purse your lips, mulling over his tone. “Nothing, just - this dress wasn’t always so… fitting.”

Simon hums roughly, and you inhale sharply at his hands stroking against your hip tenderly.

“Look’s fine to me.”

Neither of you say anything. Not a lot of words needed to be said around him, but then again, not a lot of men were like Simon. Your eyes soften, and you let your palm rest on the back of his neck, your touch making him hum again, the vibrations against your belly causing you to shudder.

“Ev’ry big boy needs his big girl.”

You laugh sweetly, and finally, he exhales quietly, welcoming the feel of your nails against his neck. He supposed it didn’t matter what the hell you thought about yourself.

Hi everyone 👋 welcome back to my blog!

In this week's reflection, I will be discussing digital citizenship and software literacy through the use of Instagram filters. Instagram filters have become a common feature of social media, allowing users to enhance photos and videos with just a few taps. While filters can be creative and entertaining, they also raise important questions about digital citizenship and how people understand the technology they use.

Software literacy refers to the ability to understand, evaluate, and use digital tools effectively. In today's digital world, it is not enough to simply know how to use an app. Users should also understand how software influences the content they see and create online (Pangrazio & Selwyn, 2021). Instagram filters are a good example because they use augmented reality (AR) technology to modify a person's appearance in real time.

Many Instagram filters can smooth skin, brighten eyes, reshape facial features, and create idealised versions of beauty. While these effects may seem harmless, they can influence how users view themselves and others. Research has shown that appearance-altering filters can contribute to body dissatisfaction and unrealistic beauty expectations, particularly among young people (Vendemia et al., 2021).

From a digital citizenship perspective, users should be aware that filtered images do not always reflect reality. Being a responsible digital citizen means thinking critically about the content we post and consume online. It also involves understanding how social media platforms encourage certain beauty standards through popular filters and trends (Choi, 2020).

At the same time, Instagram filters can be used positively. Many creators use filters for artistic expression, storytelling, education, and entertainment. Software literacy helps users recognise both the benefits and limitations of these tools. By understanding how filters work, users can make more informed decisions about their online behaviour and digital identity.

Overall, Instagram filters demonstrate the connection between software literacy and digital citizenship. As social media technology continues to evolve, users need the skills to critically evaluate digital tools and understand their impact on self-image, communication, and online culture.

Reference

Choi, M. (2020). Digital citizenship for democratic citizenship: A challenge for transformative learning. Adult Learning, 31(4), 141–148. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/306930360_A_Concept_Analysis_of_Digital_Citizenship_for_Democratic_Citizenship_Education_in_the_Internet_Age

Pangrazio, L., & Selwyn, N. (2021). Towards a school-based ‘critical data education’. Pedagogy, Culture & Society, 29(3), 431–448. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/340313639_Towards_a_school-based_'critical_data_education'

Streamer’s Confession: I burned my freckles for a crush.

We've all done crazy things for a crush.

My secret? I used a freckle burner. And my dad did too.

This isn't about regret; it's about the lengths we go to for acceptance