you're so lucky to be skinny.
one of the top 5 phrases i hate hearing. i get this on a weekly basis – from co-workers, friends, random strangers that are obviously harboring jealous feelings but are trying to “compliment” me. but guess what? it’s not a compliment. in fact, it’s the exact opposite. it’s a statement that implies that i don’t work to look this way. it implies that i don’t struggle every hour that i am awake not to eat the junk food that i constantly crave. it implies that i don’t work out 4-6 times every week in the hopes that if i keep doing so, the cellulite on my thighs will disappear. it implies that every time i see someone skinnier or leaner than me, i don’t cringe in envy. it implies that it’s easy for me to deny the donuts that are calling my name from the breakroom. it implies that underneath my clothes is a perfect body (trust me… there isn’t!) i was talking to my bestest girlfriend recently (ironically, while we were exercising), and we both agreed that the older we get, the more insecure we get. isn’t it supposed to be the opposite? but we constantly have to look at airbrushed butts and i-can-afford-a-personal-trainer-and-my-own-chef celebs that keep the standards at an unattainable level. and as much as i know i will never look that good, i still try. i am never satisfied.an interesting point was raised… those of us who spend countless hours in the gym are probably lacking something in their life. and you know what? i agree 100%! this doesn’t mean we’re lacking substance or meaning in our life, but perhaps just trying to make up for something we feel is missing.
for instance, my husband started working out like crazy the moment he noticed his hairline was receding. he simply says that if he ends up bald, he’d like to at least have a good body.
me? well i just don’t feel like i stand out. i suppose my way of trying to stand out is by trying to look good. not that i think i really stand out in the beauty area either, but i certainly work hard at it.
it’s our way of hoping people focus on our positives rather than our negatives.
so back to those idiots that think they’re being nice and giving me this huge compliment. look at me - i’m insecure, i have imperfections on my body, and I’ll never be satisfied.
but i suppose i am lucky to have something these people don’t have… will power. so shut up and eat your big mac.
20 comments | posted on Wednesday, August 04, 2004