"Defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) falls under the category of an obsessive-compulsive disorder, specifically a preoccupation with one or more perceived defects or flaws in physical appearance that are not observable or appear slight to others. It's estimated that in the United States, 5 million to 10 million people suffer from this disorder."
"In fact, as I got ready to go out, I found myself unexpectedly excited as I dug out my high-waisted black pants, new silver silk top and dangling sequin earrings. Putting on my makeup, I carefully played up my eyes with a dusty mauve shadow and highlighter above my cheekbones, attempting to draw attention away from the lower areas of my face."
"It was a cool March evening when I pulled up to the Bonfyre Grill. I saw Jordan as soon as I walked in - he was standing at the bar, gazing intently at the doorway. Our eyes met and he smiled. He was shorter than his pictures revealed, but other than that, he looked much as I'd expected. After a nervous greeting (on my part, because he appeared calm and confident), we ordered drinks and settled into our conversation."
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is an obsessive-compulsive condition defined by a preoccupation with perceived physical defects that are not observable or appear slight to others. An estimated 5 to 10 million people in the United States experience BDD. My BDD centers on my face—specifically my nose, jaw and teeth—and causes intense anxiety around dating. In the months before one date the preoccupation eased, allowing me to prepare with careful clothing choices and makeup intended to divert attention upward. I posted a selfie, then arrived at the Bonfyre Grill, felt nervous when I saw Jordan, and began conversation over drinks.
Read at BuzzFeed
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