18 Comments
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fawn girl ☆'s avatar

this is so beautifully written i love it! ⭐️

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Shaniya Odulawa's avatar

Thank you so much omg!

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ebun's avatar

I loveeeed this, I resonate heavy with the boob stuff omgggg. I can’t TAKE being called sexy as a flirty compliment it actually makes my skin crawl, I’m so horrified by all the men and cat callers that sexualised me with terms like that when I was a literal child, but I’m working on it looool ❤️ great piece xx

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Shaniya Odulawa's avatar

Bro it gets to me soooo bad like why tf are you perceiving me😭

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Megan Bell's avatar

Your writing is incredible, I always look forward to your pieces on Insta, and now on Substack whaaaaaat I'm being spoiled

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Shaniya Odulawa's avatar

Stop it Meg🤭

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Courtney's avatar

Last paragraph in particular had me GAGGED! Hiding behind body neutrality because I don't like to be perceived has actually left me in a regressed place where I feel so avoidant when people express their attraction to me- something I defo need to work on!

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Victoria Brooklyn's avatar

I loved this, I am happy that you never felt ugly despite the ways the outside world tends to make darker skinned women feel. I am also very happy you had women around you instill BEAUTY IN YOU! Especially a mom. May all sweeter berries be loved PAST their skin tone. 💕

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d'mia's avatar

really enjoyed this. your mom seems like a wonderful and beautiful woman <3

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Rahma's avatar

I read this in a British accent in my head just to find out you’re British! Lovely essay btw babe 🥰

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thandiwe adofo's avatar

absolutely love and resonate with this!

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adjinay's avatar

Goodness I related to this so bad such a beautiful read <3

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Goddess Amy's avatar

This is so beautiful Shaniya

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shutupserena's avatar

what an amazing read. it was such a refreshing take on body neutrality that I wished I had when I was younger and could not get out of my head about my body and whether people liked me.

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Adrienne's avatar

I loved this, your mum sounds wonderful.

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Shaniya Odulawa's avatar

Thank you! She truly is :)

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arwa al-sahli's avatar

This was lovely! I'm in awe of your reflective writing.

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Shaniya Odulawa's avatar

Thanks so much this was tough to write so I’m glad!

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