Weird conversation today. I'm not really sure how to take the comment, so I thought I'd share and see what you all thought.
Ran into a friend I see about every two months or so. She's seen me recently and went on (and on!) about my weight loss. Here was the conversation today:
Her: Hey! You are getting so thin! You better watch out!
Me: Oh, thanks. I really haven't lost much lately - just maintaining and focusing on being a stronger, faster runner.
Her: Well, you lose much more weight and you won't be pretty anymore.
Me: (blank stare) Ok...well, it was great to see you!
What happened to, "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all?" Or was that nice? I walked away baffled...and I still am.
Thoughts?
I'm not sure how to take that comment. Usually I can get a grip on what they mean - but I really have not a clue.
ReplyDeleteIt is kind strange, but if I were you, I would "choose" to consider it a compliment and I would consider it true concern.
ReplyDeleteIt is true that people can be too thin, becoming anorexic looking, but that is a problem MOST, especially in MS, never have to worry about. We love our food too much. I think many do not "get" running, exercising, a healthy life style, and out of ignorance say dumb things. I would choose to believe she was truly concerned about my well being a let it go.
That was a bizarre thing to say. I think many quasi-negative weight loss comments come from the person's own insecurities about their weight or health habits. Even if you aren't losing weight, if you are working on your fitness, you could be losing fat and gaining muscle which will make you slimmer--but that's a good thing!
ReplyDeleteI had things I was going to say, but Ginny took the words right out of my mouth...ditto!
ReplyDeletei probably would have responded the same way, except with a forced laugh. ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comments! I'm CHOOSING to take it as a compliment and vowing to be super careful about commenting on other people's weight loss! :-)
ReplyDelete