While I am nowhere near my smallest at the moment, I can safely say that I have had big boobs since I hit puberty. As with many women, I feel like I just woke up one day and they were there. Since the magical day of sudden breasts, I have been living with all the issues that accompany a sizeable bosom.
You probably already know all the stereotypical struggles as they have been included in several Buzzfeed listicles, as well as humorous animations, but there is more to it than not being able to wear button-down shirts due to extreme gapeage.
Beyond the back pain and women asking if they're real in pub toilets - often accompanied by an unapologetic grope (seriously, us big boobed women do not appreciate this) - there are numerous over issues that come with my H cups. So here are some of my daily struggles:
Why do bra companies assume that if your boobs are bigger than a D cup that you don't want pretty bras? I'm all for comfort and extra support, but can't that come in all the gorgeous colours and designs that those with smaller busts get to enjoy?
If I do actually manage to find a bra in my size on the high street - most shops seem to stop at G cups - the chances are it is hideous. Some days I do want to wear that plain black boob minimiser bra, but I also want the option of rocking a bright pink, cleavage enhancing padded beast that make my boobs look more like a handy shelf than they already do.
I have found a few brands that provide pretty bras in my size - a lot of the time - such as Curvy Kate, but I hate the fact that I am forced to spend £30+ just to keep my breasts under control. Don't big-breasted women deserve pretty bras at reasonable prices?
So yes, I do want to make a feature of my boobs on occasion - after all, if you've got them it is indeed fun to flaunt them sometimes - but I would very much like that to be an option too. I don't want to have to resort to turtlenecks or tops that look like potato sacks just to stop my boobs being on show.
Seriously, When I've had to shop for serious events like job interviews or funerals, I have had huge issues finding tops or dresses that don't instantly become all about the boob the minute I put them on. Even minimiser bras can only do so much and it seems that I am forever having to tug tops upwards in an effort to hide what god gave me.
I also don't appreciate being told to 'put them away' when I'm wearing a perfectly lovely dress. You try hiding what are essentially two footballs stuck to your chest and see if you're happy to put up with comments like that.
I love a good selfie as much as the next makeup addict and I like to post my #motd on Instagram. However, big boobs can turn even the most innocent selfie into something that looks like it's from a lads' mag.
You might think 'what's the problem with that if you feel good about yourself?' Sadly, people on the internet are gross and there are only so many creepy comments you can deal with on your pictures and dick pics in your inbox before you lose it.
The epic selfie cleavage makes me so happy for handy cropping apps so my pictures can focus on what I want them to. That's not to say that I don't show my boobs off a bit in the odd photo, it would just be great to have a choice and not have to faff with image sizing.
This is probably the worst thing about having big boobs. There seems to be a direct correlation between bra size and the number of comments you get from random strangers.
While it's nice to compliment people you don't know, implying that someone is 'well up for it' because they have large breasts doesn't count. Wolf whistling is not flattering, nor is openly staring at my boobs while talking to me.
I know for a fact that these instances aren't only reserved for those with big boobs, but I do find that most comments of this nature do reference my breasts. I just wish people weren't so gross.
So these are my big boob problems today, although I'll probably moan about some more down the line!