But is there any harm in this trend that revels in objectification? Yes and no, says Kimberly Vered Shashoua, of Vered Counseling, a therapist for teens and young adults often navigating their first relationships. "In my opinion, the 'husband glow-up' trend is less about body image, and more about the joy of bragging about your conventionally attractive partner, with a nostalgic twist."
McDade says. The pair have dated for 10 years and met while lifeguarding at the beach when they were 17. She had no nefarious intent stitching the video together, nor does she think anyone else has either: "It's just maturing and how your body changes over time. I don't think it's that deep."
As Vered Shashoua points out, "TikTok trends are not a place for nuance and complexity. People will use trending audio and formats because it’s easier to get views, even if the content doesn’t quite match."
To Vered Shashoua, this trend reflects the current atmosphere of uncertainty. "When things feel unpredictable, people increasingly turn to nostalgic and tradition," she says. "What could be more nostalgic than 'a feminine touch fixes everything?'"
It's not all innocent, though. "All appearance-focused trends have a dark side," Vered Shashoua says. "When men watch these videos, they might ask themselves 'Do I look like a before picture? Would my partner feel embarrassed to post me?'"
If you're in such a situation, heed this advice: Your appearance is only one facet of your identity. "Find people who make you feel like yourself, activities that energize you, and topics that spark your curiosity," Vered Shashoua adds. "Life is a 3D experience that no image can fully capture."
For the record, though, McDade was happy with her boyfriend the shot putter as much as she is now with the surfer: "I liked him then, and I like him now."
