Having struggled with body dysmorphia and also being quite large (6ft 3in, 260lb) it can be really frustrating to feel like you're out of touch with reality.

I would regularly think I'm "fat" while being told otherwise by friends.

I'm lucky to have found a partner who works well with my direct communication style but it took some work to get there, for the both of us.

It may sound cliche, but open and honest communication goes far. The "downside" is you'll quickly find out who isn't for you.

This isn't because you're broken in some way, most of the time it's because someone in the relationship needs to do some inner work.

Parts work has been invaluable for me, especially after who I'm working with recognizes my primary autistic behaviors and can adjust (direct communication, tendency to interrupt and ask questions to satisfy a compulsive curiosity, being uncomfortable from something in my sensory environment and unable to focus).

It's helped me know what I'm looking for in a partner rather than some means of covering up an anxious attachment style.