Why is it that as an overweight/obese person, the minute I walk into a new setting that involves people, I look around to see if there is anyone else fat like me?
Why is it that my husband mentioned to me last night at class that there are three other women here that are bigger than you? And why is it that I replied, "I know, I've already spotted them."
Why do we want the comfort in knowing we're not the only ones? I hate to say it, but having other women my size or bigger did make me feel comfortable.
Perhaps it was that I knew not everyone would be staring at me...
Perhaps it was because misery loves company.
Why should size and shape matter? I mean it's what's on the inside that counts.
Is weight so ingrained into our society that it's the first thing we think of during new experiences? I mean my husband mentioned it, and he's thin.
Weird. Sad.
I used to think, "Whew, I'm not the only one." Last night at class I thought, "I hope they start a journey to get healthy, too."
I think I do that too! I find it kind of reassuring to see other larger ladies like me, helps me feel more at home and not such a freak. I don't think it is the only thing I would look for, personality often draws me to certain folk, but that doesn't show straight away. Good food for thought (and calorie-free to boot!).
ReplyDeleteSoooo true.
ReplyDeleteYes, I understand.
ReplyDeleteNow when I see overweight folks at the grocery store I want to help them.
I still have the problem with crowds though. I've felt prejudged by my weight which made me defensive and a little beechy. Trying to overcome that. :)
I would (and still) always look to see if I was the biggest. Now just like you, I hope that they are on a weight loss journey. :)tj
ReplyDeleteGreat change of attitude!! I think I've became more positive too, I "love" exercising so much now that it's like I'm selling the benefits of strength trainig to people I know. Last time I sent my boyfriend's mom a long email on benefits of resistance training and I think I scared her (^O^;;)
ReplyDeleteI do the same thing. I just want to fade into the woodwork, and that's easier to do if there are other people around who are the same size or larger.
ReplyDeleteAt least you are not noticing and thinking they are disgusting. We just begin to notice that when we are bigger, because it DOES comfort us.
ReplyDeleteI think the same way - what could I do to help them? And hey, maybe they don't need/want help! I guess that is the problem right there - thinking they HAVE to change.
I also do that. I am always very aware when I am the heaviest girl in the room - and I am also aware (and a little relieved) when I'm not alone. Hm.
ReplyDeletemy thoughts seem to be now (as I see someone who is larger than me)please don't let me get that big again. don't let me forget. and when will they have their "aha moment" what will it be..Should I say something? how dare i presume such a thing
ReplyDeleteWhen a clerk waits on me and asks about my food choices, or if I purchasing health related now and asks me "are you gonna give this a try" my reply now is I'm continually searching for motivational tools, I've lost ** pounds and I need to lose ** more. When they don't believe me I pull out my phone where I have some of my pictures stored and show them. Then I think this is sad I have to prove I was fatter than I am now. Oy..
And now that I've been on facebook. I keep looking at classmate photos, and saying gee she didn't get larger..Am I the only one? Glad I didn't go to the reunion..I would have stood out. Hopefully in another 8 years I won't be able to say that for the 30th and actually go to my 1st...HA!HA!
I hear you. I always look out for other people my size or bigger. Definitely a comfort thing for me. Some times I feel bad about doing it... Especially in restaurants.
ReplyDeleteI do the same thing. It's like we have an unspoken bond, The secret big girl club...sheeesh. Glad It was not just me feeling that way.
ReplyDeleteGosh I always do this! Because I was an athlete I was always the fattest of my friends, and now that I'm hanging out with hubby and his pro athlete friends, still the biggest. It's nice to not be the only one!
ReplyDeleteOn another note, Check out my latest blog, I've tagged you!