Why is it.......

That people treat you differently when you lose weight? People that never spoke to you, all of sudden notice you? or how about friends that treat you like you have the plague. Several of my friends are overweight. Two are obese, of these two friends, one always has a nice compliment about my weight loss, but always makes the comment, "I'm going to lose my weight the natural way" the other friend never has anything to say about my weight loss, if we are in the company of other people who makes a comment, she will say, " I remember when she was smaller than what she is now". She is becoming more distant. I won't even mention the stares and greeting from the guys. It's sad that some of these guys I have worked around for almost 10 years, now all of sudden you want to start speaking. It really makes me angry, and I honestly would not give these people the time of day, because I am still the same person, just smaller and healthier. Last but not least.....the stares that you get from the "office divas" are too funny. One lady even said, " You are going to be as fine as me, after while". . . . .I am proud of my weight loss, and it is a daily struggle to eat right, drink water, and protein. I truly feel like the true, honest encouragement, words of wisdom, compliments come from you guys. Thanks for being here. I think out of all the messageboards, the May board is the best!

Girl, I know what you are saying, especially the "office divas". The men are another story...its almost sickening. I just keep it moving. and yes the May board is the best!

I know where you're coming from. It can be disappointing, but I try not to take it personally... Too much, anyway... One of my best friends, Tamarra, said the other day "I need to go back to the gym! You're getting ready to be smaller than me!" I know she didn't mean anything by it and shrugged it off, but at the same time, I thought, "What, so is this a contest, or were you comfortable with me being the 'fat friend' or what?" People are human. Sometimes TOO human.

I definitely think that many people react to the someone's weight loss in many ways: 1. There is plain simple jealousy. 2. There is the fear of losing a friend due to their own low self-esteem - they assume that you are so busy and active now you won't have time for them anymore. 3. There are people that fear they are losing their "eating" buddy and that you don't have enough else in common to sustain the friendship. I also think that sometimes what we project turns people away. I know that while at my heaviest or just plain heavy...I didn't feel good about myself (not necessarily low self-esteem) and I certainly didn't physically good at all. When I feel like that, I honestly do the minimum to take care of myself. I keep myself clean and groomed but I tend to wear less nice clothing (not dirty or slovenly - just not as nice or dressy), no makeup, no jewelry, etc. I cannot honestly say if I smile that much either. Well, now that I physically and emotionally feel good... I dress better, I pay more attention to what I wear, there is more of a chance that I'll wear makeup or jewelry. I think in this state...I smile more therefore people react to me in turn and are more friendly. I honestly carry myself differently. There is a spring in my step and it really shows. And finally for those members of the opposite sex that notice you now and didn't before: 1. Two words: Bite Me.