There’s one facet about weight loss that catches a lot of people off guard.
As we drop the weight, we expect that if people say anything, it’ll be something like, “Congratulations!” or “Wow, you look great! What have you been doing?”
Often, that is what happens, and it feels great!
But sometimes, you’ll get people staying stuff like…
“You’re too thin.”
“You don’t need to lose anymore weight.”
“You look HORRIBLE.”
The reasons people make remarks like those are pretty varied. Often they think they’re “looking out for you” in some way.
Maybe the people saying these things have never seen you thin, or don’t remember what you look like thin, so seeing you thin is an adjustment for them.
Most people are uncomfortable with change, and the fact you’re changing–even in a positive way–is something they’re still adjusting to.
And then there’s the fact that success, of any kind, can also serve as a mirror for people who’re unhappy with themselves. It depends on the person.
But in some cases, seeing another person succeed reminds them of their own perceived shortcomings, and they can’t handle it. So they lash out, tearing you down in the hope you’ll sink back to their level and they won’t have to see their perceived failures reflected back at them.
If this kind of thing happens to you, what can you do?
Simple. Stand up for yourself!
The fact you’re thin (or thinner) instead of still fat does NOT suddenly make it okay for people to nitpick your body…ESPECIALLY not if it makes you feel like giving up and gaining your weight back.
Don’t let them get away with it! If you’re someone who’d rather be a little “nicer” about it, you can tell them, “I love the way I look and feel!”
If you’re like me, and you’ve got not problem being more direct, you can say stuff like…
“What makes you think you have the right to say that to me?” Then just stop talking and wait for their answer. You’ll be surprised what comes out of their mouth (if anything).
Another, more direct, thing you could say is simply, “My body is not your problem.” Don’t explain why it’s not their problem, and don’t try to valid their remarks so they “don’t feel hurt.” Just say it and change the subject.
Whatever you do, don’t feel like you need to apologize or explain yourself. That just makes you come across as insecure, and they’ll sense it and keep picking away at you.
If people are forcing unwelcome opinions about your new body on you, and you don’t care to hear their comments, shut it down. You do NOT have to put up with it!