Here are some things that I often hear: Why are you so skinny? What size do you wear? How much do you weigh? Do you ever eat? And these aren't even half the questions that I get asked on a daily basis, being that I’m only 96 pounds. Yes, I said it correctly - 96 pounds. Getting asked these questions can be offensive at times, so why does everyone think they’re okay?
What if I was to reverse the questions and ask someone who’s big these same things: why are you so big? What size do you wear? How much do you weigh? Do you ever stop eating? I’m sure every one of these questions might lead to me getting slapped in the face. It’s extremely offensive on either end, but no one seems to care how these types of questions can affect skinny people too. So, before you bombard me with these questions, let me tell you how I feel about them.
Why are you so skinny? (The most popular one)
People ask this with the assumption that I exercise, I eat right, and I stay active. But, honestly, I think my metabolism is just high. I usually respond to this one by smiling and nodding because, deep down, I know that my snack drawer is right beside my bed and the most active thing I do is walk from my bed to the TV when I lose the remote.
Do you eat? (The silliest one)
No, I don’t eat. I am a robot and I charge myself at night for energy - no breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and especially not dessert. I just run on batteries. Of course, I'm only joking. My more serious answer is this: “I eat all the time; trust me. I have the appetite of a football player, but I don’t know where my food is going." Then, the worst times are when people say “If you come to my house, I'll put some weight on you" as if their food is so different than the food at my house. I just smile and laugh.
What size do you wear? (The most annoying question)
First of all, why does that matter? Are you planning on buying me a pair of jeans? But, instead of lashing out, I just answer the question by telling them, “I’m a size 0, maybe 00, but I can wear a 1; it really depends on the pants.” Then, they ask, “Are you serious, they make those? Where do you find them? You’re not like a -1?” In my head, I’m just thinking, "Really? A negative 1? Yes, 0 and 00 are real sizes. I find them in the same stores that you shop at." But, instead of responding to their ignorance, I just smile and laugh.
How much do you weigh? (The most embarrassing question)
I really thought it was an unspoken rule that you can't ask women how much they weigh, but I guess skinny girls are excluded. People are so amazed when I proudly say that I’m 96 pounds, as if it’s a problem that I’m this small. Then the statements begin: “You’re not even in the triple digits yet. I bet I can pick you up with one hand, my arms can fit in your pants, and both my hands can fit around waist." Again, I try not to respond to the ignorance. I just smile and laugh unless they actually try to do some of these things. Then, my response is, "Please don’t."
Before you walk up to me and tell me that I’m skinny, just know that I already know. Yes, I wear a size zero, and yes they make those sizes. No, I’m not over a hundred pounds, Yes, I eat, and no, I would not like to come over to your house to eat (Okay, maybe I would - high metabolism, remember?). But no, you cannot pick me up.
After this, I tell them, "Great conversation. Have a good day." Then, I proceed to walk away as I mentally plan my next meal.
