How stupid is it to let arbitrary numbers mess with my head?

I am very annoyed that I am allowing an arbitrary number, a clothing size, mess with my head and bring me down!  

Several friends at work are losing ro have lost weight, and are handing down their clothes to me - which is great!  In fact, I'll joke when I see one of them in something I like, "Hmmm.  That's looking a little baggy on you!"  

Two friends gave me items yesterday, all the same size -- 16W - the smallest pants size I've worn for 30 years!  Pretty much, any 16W from Talbots fits (and yes, I know their sizes run a little big, but stil!),  and those fit.  The 16W from another brand (which are a dark purple and have little purple crystals on the back pocket, and have been known as the "sparkly butt pants") were also 16W, a different brand, but fit, albeit a little snug.

Then we get to the Lands End 16W jeans (3 pairs) which I could not even button!  Suddenly I was bummed!  Even though I have 18W Lands End pants that are too big, and I know it depends on the cut and style and all that - -but really, to not even button!

So, I'm just annoyed that I let that episode bring me down!  How dumb is that?

That is dumb and I'm not saying that and a critical way. I feel the same thing when it happens to me. So I'm preaching to me here. I know you know this but I have a size 16 regular lands End khakis that I couldn't get into When I was wearing a size 12 in other brands. Let's not let the label dictate our feelings and Let not the feelings dictate our behaviors. Go get em Mutt!

Stupid, inconsistent clothing sizes.  It's so frustrating bc it can ruin your day, even though you know it's just sizing inconsistency.  You're doing great, and I bet those Lands End jeans will fit in a week or two.  I have Old Navy jeans that fit in an 8, and then another pair of Old Navy jeans that I need a 12 in. 

Throw the damn things away or give them away.  Don't let them f&%^ with your head - especially since you have done amazing! 

Right now, I have a pair of 10s that are very loose jeans. Another pair that are fairly tight. You really can't win.

I had some 18s that fit perfectly when I was perfectly into size 12 (What???).

Cut the tag out if you need to. LOL. I get it... just don't let it get you down. It's just a size and women's sizes vary because of body shapes. Some of us have more hips, or larger thighs or broader shoulders. Our bodies are beautiful and awesome because of that. Celebrate that.

You answered your own question, friend.  :)  Ignore the tagged sizes and celebrate your continuing successes.

I am slowly trying to get over the number/size too.  I was obsessed with being what I call the "perfect size 6".  Sizes do run different from different brands, especially if they are designer.  Celebrate your success, just like the above poster said.  We've all come a long way.  You are doing great & looking great I bet!!!

I try to avoid looking at the sizes because it just drives you crazy!! It makes it hard to shop because you can't just pick out a piece of clothing and assume that it will fit. That is why fitting rooms were invented.

It's the lack of consistency in clothing sizes!! I wish they would establish rules for it.  Don't let it mess with your head. It's not worth it! You're doing awesome and a number can't define you!

Elisa :)

I totally hear you!  So frustrating, but it's the evil clothing industry's fault, not yours!  Enjoy wearing the sparkly butt jeans...they sound cuter anyway lol!