As my friend and I entered the locker room at the gym, she remarked, “You look so thin!” This comment is familiar to me, often following periods of illness or injury when my weight appears to drop. While intended as praise, it leaves me unsettled.
Naturally, my body tends to resemble a slender figure with a rounded midsection, complemented by a generous bust. When I engage in regular exercise, there’s a slight transformation: my limbs gain some muscle definition, yet losing even a small amount of muscle during recovery seems to be interpreted as being “thin.” Society generally views thinness as a positive attribute, right?
However, my motivation to work out isn’t driven by aesthetics. I respect those who do, but my journey involves battling depression for nearly two decades. The endorphins from exercise are essential for complementing my antidepressant regimen, significantly stabilizing my mood.
Yet, being referred to as “thin” doesn’t truly feel like a compliment. While it may be intended as such, it merely reflects society’s relentless scrutiny of our bodies. Imagine if someone said, “You seem to have gained weight,” or “When will you return to your pre-baby figure?” Such remarks would be deemed inappropriate, so why is it acceptable to comment on someone’s thinness?
Compliments regarding appearance can perpetuate a harmful and sexist standard that prioritizes body image over well-being. This is why we strive to avoid overemphasizing girls’ physical attractiveness at the expense of recognizing their intelligence and creativity. Although we may feel more enlightened than previous generations, many women still grapple with body acceptance. Those of us raised in households where dieting and body image issues were common often carry these struggles into adulthood.
The deluge of fitness and diet trends on social media empowers some, yet many women face barriers such as health challenges, single parenthood, or simply a desire not to fixate on their bodies. The media continues to sensationalize celebrity bodies post-pregnancy, framing them in a way that undermines their true value and individuality.
Recently, I overheard a conversation in my daughter’s after-school art club where one girl boasted about her “small tummy.” Watching my daughter absorb this exchange prompted me to intervene. I jokingly stuck out my own stomach and said, “What matters is that our bodies function well. Imagine if they didn’t—everything we ate would just sit there!” The girls erupted in laughter, momentarily shifting their focus from body size to the humorous realities of digestion.
There is no incorrect way to possess a body. Even well-meaning comments about body shape can reinforce judgment. Therefore, I kindly ask you to refrain from calling me “thin.” My goal is to prioritize health, happiness, and ultimately to disregard societal pressures regarding appearance.
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In summary, while seemingly harmless, comments about body size can have a profound impact, promoting unrealistic standards. It’s essential to foster a culture that values health and functional bodies over superficial judgments.
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