Being A Plus-sized Girl In A Micro-sized World

Growing up, I was always the "plus-sized" girl and I still am. Now that I am an emerging adult, I am a size 14. Being a size 14 has a negative connotation to it though because although it is considered "average" in America, it is still placed in the "plus-sized" category. Being "plus-sized" can have its perks, but it mainly contains many negative connotations. For instance,

1. Clothing costs more. One thing that I have noticed when I am out shopping is that "plus-sized" clothing costs more than "skinny" clothing. This aggravates me because "plus-sized" people get paid the same as "skinny" people, so why should "plus-sized" people have to pay more just for clothes? It may not even be their fault that they are the way they are.

2. Genetics plays a factor in bone structure and how much people weigh. Now, I know that not everyone inherits this trait, but some "plus-sized" people do. Being one of these people, it pisses me off to no end when people just assume that I am "plus-sized" because of eating too many french fries or drinking too many coca-colas. I don't even drink soda and I tend to eat very healthy for "someone like me"!

3. "You know, if you just worked out, you would look so much skinnier!" Easier said than done my friend. Here's a newsflash, I do workout! Like I said, genetics tends to play a factor in why people can not lose weight or look "skinny" enough because people inherit their metabolisms. I have a slow metabolism. Meaning, that even if I eat healthy all of the time, drink only water, and workout, but I eat a cupcake at someone's birthday party, my body is going to be paying for that cupcake for like 10 years or so (okay, so it's not that long, but it seems like it)!

4. Being treated differently as a child. Being the "plus-sized" girl as a child, I was treated differently. When the other kids got to eat burgers, chips, and sweets, I was given the more "healthier" and alternative option. Nothing like wrecking an 8 year old's self-esteem, eh?

5. Having to wear the "bigger" uniform. Speaking of self-esteem, not only was my self-esteem and body image distorted when I was a child, but it was also diminished throughout my adolescent years while participating in sports. While everyone else on the cheerleading squad, or basketball team, or track team, or even scholastic bowl team were given their jerseys, shorts, and uniforms without question, I was handed mine with hesitance. The coach (now, I mind you that I had different coaches for all of these extracurricular activities) would always hand me my uniform and ask "Are you sure that it will fit you? Maybe you should get the bigger one." You would think that coaches would be aware of teens having distorted body images, but I guess not at my school.

6. Having to shop in the "plus-sized" section of the store. I love to go shopping! Although, when I am out shopping with my friends, they look for clothes in the "skinny" section, while I have to go all the way to the other side of the store and look for clothes in the "plus-sized" section. The stores don't label the "skinny" side of the store "skinny", but they do have a sign on the "plus-sized" end of the store stating "plus-sized". It's as if stores are intentionally trying to lower my self-esteem even more (for what I have left anyway). It's not bad enough that the clothes in my size are segregated from the clothes in my friends sizes, but the stores find it necessary to even label that section "plus-size".

7. Not being able to find clothes in my size. The other day, I went to Gordman's to buy jeans. I searched and searched and searched and I could not find a pair of jeans in my size. There were tons of size 6's and size 8's, but not a 14. Then, finally after 20 to 30 minutes of looking, I literally only found two pairs of skinny jeans in size 14. The size 14 that I found later on, were all boot cut. Who wears boot cut anymore??

8. Having only one or two stores that sells jeans that fit me correctly. Going into my Sophomore year of High School, I found out that Gordman's is one of my favorite places to shop. What I didn't realize though is that it is because it is one of the only places that I have found that sells jeans in my size that fit me correctly! It is so hard to find a pair of jeans for a "plus-sized" girl that aren't too long, too short, give me a huge gap in the back, or give me a major camel toe!

9. "Have you lost weight?" Over the years, this has been a common question that I have been asked when I see people whom I have not seen in a long time. Sure, I may have lost 5 or even 10 pounds since they saw me last, but people! Do not ask me this question in a snarky way! It may sound like a compliment to you, or it may just simply be out of curiosity, but when I hear this question in a snarky tone as often as I do, it begins to sound insulting and it is quiet annoying. If I have lost weight, do me a favor and don't say anything about my weight loss if you are going to say it in a petulant manner! Sure, it is encouraging that you notice my achievements, but I would rather you not say anything to me because after all, tone is key.

Now, there are many more negative connotations that come with being the "plus-sized" girl in a micro-sized world, but to me, these are the main points. I know that I am a "plus-sized" girl, but the world doesn't have to point that out to me everywhere I go. With that being said, I love my body! My body is the only body that I will ever have and I am proud to call it my home! Although I am trying to lose a few pounds for personal reasons, I am still glad that I have the body that I have! All other "plus-sized" girls should learn to embrace their bodies in a positive way as well! After all, why would you want to try and get a thigh gap, when you have a free cup holder?!?