1. Do not say, “Do you really need that?”
Most likely, bigger people know they really don’t need it, but they don’t need their skinny, perfect friends or family to remind them. If they want that second plate of wonderfully delicious cheesy fries, they can have that plate of wonderfully delicious cheesy fries.
2. Don’t bring up the fact that their clothing is tight, small, or unappealing.
This is probably the most irritating. We know our clothing is small for our body, but we don’t need your Captain Obvious ability to point this out. For many larger people, it is difficult to find a place to shop that has their sizes, whereas you can walk into any store and purchase something right off the shelf. Do some research for us and when you find a store that is primarily, cheap, has good styles, and trendy, please let us know.
3. When going out, do not say, “Oh, you’re fine, no one will pick you up anyway.”
Most likely, we are not getting ready to get picked up by someone. I am getting ready to look good for myself and make sure I am up to par with how you look. We don’t need your rude attitude to remind us that we are less likely to be picked up by someone. But there is still some chance that this could happen, and we want to look good! Hopefully, your attitude changes because that is not your most attractive quality. Change the ‘tude and by the time you change it, you’ll be worth to go out with me.
4. Do not say, “OMG I look so fat” around your larger friends.
_________ please…You are not at all fat. If you want to know what fat is, please, step in my shoes. You wouldn’t even be able to fit because of my wide feet. Not only are you putting down yourself, but you’re also making your larger friend feel even worse. I absolutely hate this. You clearly see every single day what your larger friend goes through and you’re going to say this. People stare at them, they can’t fit in chairs, their clothes look bad on them, and so much more. They already get enough of this, but when you compare yourself to fat, what exactly are they?
5. Don’t invite your bigger friends to the gym and force them to go.
Yes, bigger people should go to the gym, but it’s better for them to go on their own terms than being coerced into it. It doesn’t help anyone if you force him or her. They start to resent you and you start resenting them. Invite them, but don’t force them. Additionally, they may be scared to go to the gym because it is a huge lifestyle change. Instead of sitting on the couch watching Scandal and drinking some delicious Moscato wine, they have to make time to go to the gym with you.
6. DON’T COMPARE YOUR BIGGER FRIEND TO A FICTIONAL CHARACTER.
Now, there will always be a character in a movie, cartoon, TV Show, or wherever that is a large, ugly character. I was called Jabba the Hutt from Star Wars by one of my close friends one day, and it's not like I didn’t have low enough self-esteem already, you just had to put me down even more. Just don’t do this. This is beyond disrespectful and rude. Also, don’t make such a big deal about this by showing a visual representation to people in the same room as you and your so called “Jabba the Hutt” friend.
7. If bigger friends make fun of themselves freely, just accept it.
Amy Schumer is just a perfect example for this. If I make fun of myself freely, just know that I am accepting who I am. I know what I can or cannot do. Don’t say, “You shouldn’t put yourself down!” I can put myself down because that’s how I am coping with the horrible life decisions that have made me this way. Like Amy, just laugh with me and accept what I say.
8. Don’t stop loving your bigger friends.
No matter how many emotional or mental breakdowns they have regarding their weight, stay by their side. It will take awhile for them to get moving on their life, but we are scared and we need that support. It means a lot to those bigger friends if you just say, “I love you,” “I appreciate you,” or “You can do it.” It makes use feel appreciated and not like garbage.
Thank you to all those friends who stay by our side and support us in the littlest ways. Yeah, we have our faults, but thanks for just being there.
