Gym Selfie Guy. 5 Reasons to Run.

Shelia Brenton, Ph.D
3 min readMar 28, 2023

--

He’s either too cocky and into himself, immature or insecure.

By Shelia Brenton, Ph.D

“Never post a gym selfie on social media. It’s a little douchey.” — Liz C.

“That’s a nay for me. Love a good body, but also love humility more.” Miranda G.

Don’t get me wrong, I love chiseled abs, broad shoulders, and muscular legs as much as the next girl. What I don’t love is a guy who needs to show me these attributes in gym selfies.

Make no mistake, I am not opposed to a man in action in his sport of choice posting a photo of himself running into the end zone, kicking the goal, knocking the ball into the stands, or slamming an ace or even driving a golf ball, but the gym selfie guy is different.

While it may seem harmless and even attractive for some, it is essential to carefully reconsider dating guys who post gym selfies and especially the ridiculous locker room selfie. The number of psychological issues with this type of guy are numerous.

It’s okay to take care of yourself and stay fit, but it’s another thing to constantly post about it. Below are 5 reasons why teenage girls should think twice before dating guys who post gym selfies.

Look at me. Validate me. Worship Me.
  1. Attention-seekers

Guys who post gym selfies tend to be attention-seekers. They are more concerned about likes and comments rather than focusing on their own health and well-being. A relationship with someone who constantly seeks validation via social media in this way can be detrimental to your own self-esteem and well-being. He’ll be more into himself than into you.

2. Narcissism

Gym selfies often exude narcissism. It is unhealthy to be in a relationship with someone who is overly self-involved. A guy who is constantly posting selfies may have a superiority complex or may even be insecure, which can lead to toxic behavior in your relationship.

3. Unrealistic Expectations

Gym selfies often portray an unrealistic expectation of what a guy should look like. It can create pressure for the person in the photo, as well as someone who might feel they need to be with someone who looks like that. It is essential to remember that everyone’s body is different and that one should never feel pressured to conform to unrealistic standards.

4. Shallow Interests

Posting gym selfies is often indicative of a shallow interest, which makes one-dimensional. It is unlikely that you will find common interests or topics to discuss with someone who solely focuses on their appearance.

5. Potential Red Flags

It’s crucial to keep in mind that guys who post gym selfies might be more interested in superficial relationships rather than genuine connections. It may be a red flag that they lack emotional depth and may not be able to connect on an intellectual level.

In conclusion, while it may seem harmless to date someone who posts gym selfies, it is essential to be cautious that his underlying emotional issues aren’t too concerning. A healthy relationship should be based on mutual interests, common goals, and respect for one another, rather than superficial appearances that Gym Selfie Guy obsesses over.

--

--

Shelia Brenton, Ph.D

I earned a Ph.D. in psychology from Stanford University. I coach older teen and college age females on how to have successful, healthy relationships.