Size-ism - The Boogey Man of Civility

I came across this wonderful article earlier this week, and felt that I wanted to write my own take on it (This is usually how I work. I read, I get an idea, I write). Also, anyone who's seen the later seasons of Supernatural should get a kick out of someone being called a Dick.

First off, judging anyone by the size of their body is not only extremely shallow, it's also hurtful, limiting, and straight up stupid.

Secondly, I know that many skinny people struggle with gaining weight, and many women, regardless of size, have people in their immediate surroundings who like to come with what they call "friendly advice". Sadly, I cannot relate to your struggles, so you will have to excuse me if I don't include you right now.

This post is about some Do's and Don't's I have experienced in my soon 28 years of living. Please remember that these are my experiences and thoughts, and it will in no way be true for everyone.

Here we go:

Do Not:

- Think you have a say in my life, in what I eat or don't eat, or my exercise schedule.

 - Believe I need health advice. I am perfectly healthy, physically, so no need for hurtful remarks about diabetes, ulcers, cholesterol etc.

 - Comment on my weight. I don't need you "expert critique".

 - Call yourself fat unless you are. For a skinny person to call themselves fat, especially around fat people, is extremely rude and hurtful. It makes us fatties feel anxious and ugly and disgusting. I don't care if you feel sweaty and bloated. Unless you have a BMI over 27, you're not fat. At least not to me.

- Equal fat with disgusting. Really, who are you to judge another being? Go and play with a man 'o war.

- Give me "advice" on what to eat and not to eat. Food should be enjoyable, and if that means cake 5 days per week, that is what it means.

- Tell me I need to go on a diet. My body is none of your business.

- (and this one pisses me off the most) Question me when I say I am happy the way I am. How DARE you belittle me? How DARE you think you have the right to police my body?

Do:

- Help me find clothes for my size. And no, I will not wear a mumu, unless it comes with a really cute belt and nice shoes.

- Comment on my hair/nails/new clothes, if you notice any changes.

- Give me recipes of yummy food, no matter if the food's "healthy" or "unhealthy". I love cooking and baking and I love trying new things.

- Stop me if I ever make hurtful comments about my own and/or anyone else's body. It's so very easy to fall into a destructive pattern if others are making comments, and while I try to avoid it, I fail a lot.

Every body is beautiful. All sizes are beautiful. Do not let anyone make you feel less than you are. Life is a miracle and the human body is a beautifully complicated machine. Wrinkles, rolls, curls and wiggles are all part of the wonderful diversity of life. Celebrate what makes you unique. Your body is wonderful and beautiful. Never let anyone feel less that brilliant.