Am I the only petite girl who can't stand the word skinny? I've always associated the word with "bony" or "unhealthy," and I am neither. I mean, come on, I'm not one of those skeletons in anatomy class! I'm a regular person, just in a miniature size. I've always been small, but I didn't always accept myself as I was. The truth is, thin girls have their own set of insecurities. We're not immune to struggles with body image, and we most certainly don't see ourselves the way that everyone else seems to see us. Quite honestly, we're sick of being body-shamed and questioned about our appearance so frequently. Oh, and for the record, we do eat. A lot. So the next time you're with one of your "skinny" friends, think before you make one of these comments that make us feel both super uncomfortable and offended.

1. Why do you work out? You're skinny.

Well, let's see. Working out does more than just burn calories - it gives you energy, stimulates your brain cells, improves your mood, keeps your heart healthy, makes you stronger, helps keep your skin clear, and like Elle Woods told us, exercise produces endorphins which keep you from doing crazy things! Why wouldn't I work out?

2. I can't believe you finished your whole meal! Where does it all go?

Crazy, right?! Now how about some waffles for dessert?

3. Why are you eating a salad? You don't need to lose weight!

My choice to eat a salad today has nothing to do with my size and I don't think my dietary habits concern you. However, I happen to like salad. And vegetables. They're really good for you, actually. So excuse me while I fill my body with good nutrients and minerals that will keep my skin clear, help my body fight diseases, and keep my bones strong.

4. No wonder you're cold, you don't have any meat on your bones!

What? I'm cold because it's 10 degrees outside... and trust me, the glare I'm giving you right now for saying that is much colder.

5. Stop complaining about your body. I would kill to be your size.

So just because you wish you were my size, I'm not permitted to express my discontent with my own body? That makes a lot of sense... no.

6. You're skinny. There's no way you have stretch marks!

Of course I have stretch marks! They're a very natural part of the changes our bodies go through as we develop and grow, especially during puberty. My small size doesn't mean I'm immune to those changes. I've learned to love my stretch marks, and you should too!

7. You're so skinny... do you eat meat?

Someone actually asked me this in freshman year of high school. I was mortified. Yes, I eat meat. Even if I didn't, it would have nothing to do with my size!

8. That's so cute, you can buy your clothes in the girl's department!

Actually, no... I can't. Just because I'm 5'2" and 105 lbs doesn't mean I can squeeze my backside and hips into clothes that were meant for a ten-year-old girl. Seriously, have some common sense!

9. You can't be healthy.

Trust me, I've always been this small. The "thin" gene runs in my family. Thanks for your concern, but I'm perfectly healthy. My small body type doesn't determine my health, just like another person's bigger size doesn't determine theirs.

10. Real women have curves.

This one is the absolute worst. Who are you to determine what makes a "real" woman? I'm pretty sure what makes me a woman is based on biology, not physical proportions. For the record, I happen to love my little curves and don't need to be any specific size to feel like more of a woman. I wouldn't change a thing about my size, even if I could.

11. Your wrists are so tiny!

No no. Don't even think about grabbing my wrists and demonstrating how you can wrap your fingers around them. That's just weird.