Growing up, I was always called "skinny" or "bony" and I absolutely hated it. The kids at school didn't know what they were saying was mean, but there was nothing I could do about my weight. I could take multiple trips at the buffet and never be full, all because of my high metabolism.
Most people think telling someone that they're so skinny is a compliment, but it's not. If you've just recently shed a bunch of weight and are proud of your new figure, then yes, please embrace skinny if you'd like. For me being naturally thin, I'd like for it to completely go away.
What about being called the "S-word" makes me cringe, you may ask? Well, typically everyone connects being skinny with eating disorders and that leads to more disrespectful questioning about my eating habits. I eat three meals a day with casual snacking in between, just like everyone else. In no way is it okay to call a girl fat, so why is it okay to call girls skinny? People think they're giving a compliment, but by the tone of their voice, they're wondering if I need to consult a doctor or if they need to buy my lunch.
It's hard to jump on the "girl power" wagon when your body type, that is supposed to be under the veil of protection, is somehow being cast out. It is just as offensive for "real women" campaigns to remove small girls as it is for lingerie campaigns to only feature toned girls. Somehow, this body positive movement has cut out an entire demographic and now small girls are feeling the pressure.
Every body and every woman is beautiful, no matter what the ads want to show us. Don't let an ad define what you think is a "real woman" or what you think is beautiful. As long as you love yourself, no one can make you think otherwise.
Now, if we're talking burgers, I'll take two, please.
