“Wow, you’re so lucky to be so skinny!”
This is one of the countless statements that thin people are tired of hearing. Day in and day out, smaller people like myself receive comments regarding weight from people that are completely and totally unnecessary. Skinny shaming is a real thing and needs to stop. Here are seven skinny shaming statements that you should consider no longer saying.
1. “You must not be self conscious like, at all.”
Actually, yes. I’m still self-conscious of my body. There are things that I would love to change about it, just like any other human. My weight has nothing to do with my confidence. Being skinny does not get rid of self-consciousness.
2. “Dogs go for bones. Real men like curves.”
Ouch. This makes boney girls feel awful about themselves. It makes us feel like we’ll never get a a decent guy (or girl), and it makes us wish we were something that we are not.
3. “Put some meat on those bones.”
Actually, I have tried many times to gain more weight so I could be "curvy," because I’ve heard this statement so many times. It hurts because I have tried so hard to gain weight at times.
4. “Is that all you’re getting to eat?”
Yes. Yes, it is. I have a small appetite when I go to restaurants. Plus, I prefer many small meals/snacks over large, oversized American portions. There is nothing wrong with that.
5. “You would get a salad”
Uhm yes, I would, because salads are amazing. My taste buds get bored. A salad has a different flavor in every bite. Sometimes it's crunchy, sometimes bitter; other times, sweet and creamy. You can put almost anything in a salad. That’s what makes them delicious. And don’t get me started on the variety of salad dressings.
6. “Eat a burger!”
No. Don't tell me what to do! This one is a classic. People usually say this thinking that they’re funny, but they’re not. Plus, I never liked burgers. I haven't eaten red meat in about eight years.
7. “No offense, but you kind of look anorexic.”
Actually, I will take offense to this. This is not a compliment. It’s disrespectful to someone who exercises and eats healthy. It’s also extremely disrespectful to those who have an eating disorder. Don’t ever, ever say this to anyone. You have no idea what they might be going through.
Skinny shaming is a real issue. Think twice before you make a comment on someone's weight. No matter what it is, it should not be joked about.
