It’s is nice writing this post knowing that most of our readers have no idea what I look like. Please set aside your assumptions about my size, it is irrelevant. Instead, take a look at yourself. Are you satisfied? Most studies say that a majority of women are not happy with the way they look- and that the repercussions from this lack of self-acceptance are serious.
But I’m not here to preach. I was a pudgy little kid, my preferred description is “pleasantly plump,” and while puberty slimmed me out I still remember the trauma of a family friend coming up to me at my high school graduation party (which was 80’s themed and had me decked out in spandex) to tell me that he was so proud of how slim I’d gotten. He was likely trying to give me a compliment but my fragile ego interpreted it as an insult. Similarly, I remember my college graduation when a family member pulled me aside to tell me I looked too slim and that they were concerned. I took it as a compliment. Crazy right?
My point here is that we all have our self-image issues. Luckily, mine faded with time. I don’t own a scale and I know I eat a healthy diet so I figure there isn’t all that much to worry about. In celebration of Fat Talk Free Week perhaps we should all consider holding our tongue when giving a compliment, complaining about our weight or simply comparing ourselves to others. Instead of talking diets with your girlfriends consider talking about exercise, or the upcoming election or the amazing book you just finished reading.
Take a moment to check out the “Fat Talk Free Week” website sponsored by Delta Delta Delta, Seventeen Magazine, NOW, NEDA, and AED and be sure to watch their video which drives the point home.
Hope I wasn’t the relative.