1. Internal monlogue

While it's true that some people don't have a running internal monologue, many of us do. For those of us who do, oftentimes we tend to hear the voices that stick out to us the most. If we continuously hear messages of "Wow, you look good!" then our brains begin to form those positive opinions of ourselves—the same goes for constantly hearing negative messages, too.

2. How we shop

Yes, it's true, our mothers even influence how we shop/what our fashion tastes are. I know that for the longest time, I did not go clothes shopping unless I was with my mother, and this probably says a lot about the ways in which I'm able to dress for the body type I have.

3. What we eat (or don't)

It's true, our mother's opinions even influence the things that we do or do not eat. Sometimes when I reach for that candy bar in the back pantry cabinet, I can hear my mother say "Do you really need that?"

4. Negative body talk (of herself)

Have you ever heard your mom talk about her body in an unkind way? If so, chances are that's something you might have internalized and you might have even begun to talk about your body in unkind ways, too.

5. Comments on appearance vs. comments on personality traits

If you've grown up hearing, "You look so great!" or, "You look really nice today" instead of things like, "You're so kind," or "You're super helpful when you do this," you might have gotten the idea in your head that your appearance is tied to your value as a person. Let me tell you, your appearance has NO ties to your value as a person whatsoever. You are worthy of love, acceptance, and happiness regardless of what you might look like.

6. Comments on other people's appearances

So, we all gossip about other people. That's a natural human thing. But, what I believe isn't natural is the need that some feel to make negative comments about total strangers. If you had a mom who did these things, that's a personality trait and a way of looking at not only the world but also yourself that you're going to have to change.

7. Comparisons to family members, friends, etc.

If you grew up with a mother who has influenced your body image in a not-so-ideal way, you've often been compared to other female members of your family, and honestly, that tends to stick with you for a while.

8. Feelings of inadequacy

Sometimes, given all of this negativity that some mothers bring along with them, oftentimes, daughters stuck in this situation feel like they just don't measure up. That's bull and that totally needs to change.

9. Swimsuit season anxiety

Needless to say, all of these opinions on your body can influence the bathing suit you do (or don't) pick out when swimsuit season comes along.

10. On the upside, if your mom pours an attitude of body positivity into you, she can become your best friend