Action offends the inactive

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Replies

  • whitebalance
    whitebalance Posts: 1,654 Member
    Huh. I hadn't seen this at all. All I've noticed are friends and family members cheering me on, and a lot of them doing the same thing in their own lives. And now I find out they were all trying to keep me buried in a bucket of crabs. I can't believe I was so blind. Thanks, OP.

    I agree with the poster who suggested getting better friends.
  • yogagirl100
    yogagirl100 Posts: 18 Member
    I don't know where people get the idea that they can comment on other people's bodies.
  • sassyjae21
    sassyjae21 Posts: 1,217 Member
    I've only had one person make a backhanded comment towards me. I called them out on it and moved on. It didn't happen again. I kinda keep my goals and personal journey to myself. I suspect some folks who get sabotaged and have crappy comments directed towards them and the like, are unintentionally annoying people with their weight loss goals and what not.

    I just don't talk about it. That solves a lot of probems right there. Of course you have the right to talk about it if you want to. But sometimes people are annoyed by it. So don't be surprised when someone tells you to hush it up. Then again, I know there are folks out there who are downright jealous and want you to fail. If that's the case, you need to try to find new friends.

    Find people who have the same fitness goals in common. That can help if you need to talk about it.
  • HerbertNenenger
    HerbertNenenger Posts: 453 Member
    I keep reading this trying to decide if the author is serious. I really don't see people in my life offering me food, or expressing concern, or asking me to skip a workout as them being out to get me. Nor do I think that anyone else really cares enough about my eating and fitness plan that it would make them feel bad about themselves or that they do feel bad about themselves and their choices. Maybe I just lucked out in the friends and family department.

    Same here. I don't feel like I have anyone sabotaging me - my loss has always been met with enthusiastic responses. If I were bragging about it and talking about it all the time I'm sure it would go differently.
  • moya_rargh
    moya_rargh Posts: 1,473 Member
    DEM KRABZ
  • awtume9
    awtume9 Posts: 423 Member
    I don't know.... I guess I am pretty lucky in the friend department. Granted, I can count all of them on one hand. But I still manage to keep a social life with them, and most enjoy outdoor activities just like me, so we can do them together. However, I still go to the bars and such. Maybe I haven't progressed as much as I would have if I didn't, but I'm enjoying life and still seeing results.
  • ArchangelMJ
    ArchangelMJ Posts: 308 Member
    I wouldn't typically consider someone offering you food or a treat sabotage. Perhaps in some cases it is if you have the misfortune of being friends with someone truly manipulative and deceitful, but generally, people like giving food to others because it's a nice thing to do. Especially when you've taken the time to cook and prepare something yourself, it feels good to share it with others. People can also feel guilty about not offering you some of their delicious whatever.

    Food is an easy and cheap way to give someone a gift as well. Most people are comforted in some way by food and I think it's prudent for dieters to remember that a lot of people aren't going to be so anal about everything they eat. I think that is what can be frustrating for other people, not so much that they are threatened by your new lifestyle.
  • WhiteRabbit1313
    WhiteRabbit1313 Posts: 1,091 Member


    And, that's the best way to be, but, if you can't be that way, then do it to spite "them." Lol!

    Boooo don't spite your coworkers or family or friends.

    Keep in mind that people who have never actively tried to lose weight (and many that have actually), don't always have the knowledge that "we" have.

    Yeah my Mom offers me sweet snacks when I visit her. She isn't a saboteur, she is a Mom born in the 40s who doesn't really have a grasp of basic nutrition. Lot's of people just don't get it.

    I don't think people should be so quick to assume sabotage, when ignorance is probably a far more likely reason.

    Oh, god. You.Just.Don't.Get.It, do you?

    It's a mindset to fuel your motivation. Nothing more. And, basic nutrition? I ate everything I wanted to eat and still lost weight. It has nothing to do with nutrition. It has everything to do with the people who do not understand your goals, do not understand what it takes to get there, but who will try to make you feel bad when you won't partake in something. Literally, as I was writing this, my co-worker brought an iced oatmeal cookie in for me to try a bite...but we have birthday cake for her today, which is what I want, and she still pouted (yes. literally pouted) when I said, "no, thank you" to her.

    Saboteurs exist. Some knowingly. Some not. Some are just being nice. The point is to learn how to say "no" when you know you need to and continue on the path towards your goals. There is strength in knowing how to establish and enforce boundaries. That's the point.
  • WhiteRabbit1313
    WhiteRabbit1313 Posts: 1,091 Member
    It doesn't happen in my real life very often. I tend to ignore people I know who are toxic.

    I'm not saying it never happens. I have had a friend mock me for getting in shape, saying that I was afraid of getting old and trying too hard, etc. I've caught flack for posting pics on Facebook while doing something active or discussing in passing that I went to the gym or running or something of that nature.

    It's all nonsense, and a saboteur is only as successful as we allow him to be.

    ^^THIS 100%
  • tedrickp
    tedrickp Posts: 1,229 Member


    Oh, god. You.Just.Don't.Get.It, do you?


    Please stop trying to sabotage me by being mean.
  • WhiteRabbit1313
    WhiteRabbit1313 Posts: 1,091 Member


    Oh, god. You.Just.Don't.Get.It, do you?


    Please stop trying to sabotage me by being mean.

    Ok. Lol!
  • I wouldn't typically consider someone offering you food or a treat sabotage. Perhaps in some cases it is if you have the misfortune of being friends with someone truly manipulative and deceitful, but generally, people like giving food to others because it's a nice thing to do. Especially when you've taken the time to cook and prepare something yourself, it feels good to share it with others.

    ^This. Exactly.

    Also something to consider - for those who have friends & family "sabotaging" your efforts - how long have you had those relationships? And how long have you been overweight and/or unfit? Think about it - that co-worker at work who likes to bring you baked goods. How many times have you said they were fantastic? Suddenly you don't want them anymore. That give & take was part of your relationship with the coworker. They like you and showed their affection through treats, and you reciprocated with gratitude. Win-win. Or take the best friend - maybe for the last ten years you & your best friend have been hanging out on Friday nights with pizza, wings & beer. You both had fun TOGETHER. That time spent was part of your relationship. Or - mom makes you double fudge chocolate cake for birthdays and holidays - and has done so ALL your life. It's her way of saying she loves you. She spent hours making it from scratch with fancy swirls and chocolate curls.

    Suddenly you don't want that anymore? You can't just unilaterally change the nature of a relationship and expect everyone to 'get it' and be on board. You're taking something away from THEM too! Relationships aren't all about you. Maybe instead of getting so angry at people for being non-supportive, stop and think about why they feel the way they do. Maybe they just miss the friend they used to have.

    Sorry - but like a couple of others have said - the OP's comments kind of bother me. I am ALL for getting healthy and inspiring others to do so. But that doesn't mean others want to hear it, nor is it your right to expect them to listen. The "in-your-face" approach rarely works with anyone, and frankly I feel more sympathy for the bewildered, angry friends that got left behind in the wake of healthy makeovers.
  • MireyGal76
    MireyGal76 Posts: 7,334 Member


    And, that's the best way to be, but, if you can't be that way, then do it to spite "them." Lol!

    Boooo don't spite your coworkers or family or friends.

    Keep in mind that people who have never actively tried to lose weight (and many that have actually), don't always have the knowledge that "we" have.

    Yeah my Mom offers me sweet snacks when I visit her. She isn't a saboteur, she is a Mom born in the 40s who doesn't really have a grasp of basic nutrition. Lot's of people just don't get it.

    I don't think people should be so quick to assume sabotage, when ignorance is probably a far more likely reason.

    Oh, god. You.Just.Don't.Get.It, do you?

    It's a mindset to fuel your motivation. Nothing more. And, basic nutrition? I ate everything I wanted to eat and still lost weight. It has nothing to do with nutrition. It has everything to do with the people who do not understand your goals, do not understand what it takes to get there, but who will try to make you feel bad when you won't partake in something. Literally, as I was writing this, my co-worker brought an iced oatmeal cookie in for me to try a bite...but we have birthday cake for her today, which is what I want, and she still pouted (yes. literally pouted) when I said, "no, thank you" to her.

    Saboteurs exist. Some knowingly. Some not. Some are just being nice. The point is to learn how to say "no" when you know you need to and continue on the path towards your goals. There is strength in knowing how to establish and enforce boundaries. That's the point.

    Why would you want the mindset of... people hate me, they want to see me fail, they're trying to ACTIVELY make me fail, they're just jealous, as a mindset to fuel your motivation?

    I mean, if that works for you, then hey - all the power to you.

    I prefer to be motivated by things like... I'm stronger than I was yesterday. I can run faster, box harder, do more stairs, plank longer. I'm growing and learning and becoming a better me. And even if my family or friends don't always get that, it doesn't bother me... because I am not doing it for them, or in spite of them.

    I am doing this for ME.
  • WhiteRabbit1313
    WhiteRabbit1313 Posts: 1,091 Member


    And, that's the best way to be, but, if you can't be that way, then do it to spite "them." Lol!

    Boooo don't spite your coworkers or family or friends.

    Keep in mind that people who have never actively tried to lose weight (and many that have actually), don't always have the knowledge that "we" have.

    Yeah my Mom offers me sweet snacks when I visit her. She isn't a saboteur, she is a Mom born in the 40s who doesn't really have a grasp of basic nutrition. Lot's of people just don't get it.

    I don't think people should be so quick to assume sabotage, when ignorance is probably a far more likely reason.

    Oh, god. You.Just.Don't.Get.It, do you?

    It's a mindset to fuel your motivation. Nothing more. And, basic nutrition? I ate everything I wanted to eat and still lost weight. It has nothing to do with nutrition. It has everything to do with the people who do not understand your goals, do not understand what it takes to get there, but who will try to make you feel bad when you won't partake in something. Literally, as I was writing this, my co-worker brought an iced oatmeal cookie in for me to try a bite...but we have birthday cake for her today, which is what I want, and she still pouted (yes. literally pouted) when I said, "no, thank you" to her.

    Saboteurs exist. Some knowingly. Some not. Some are just being nice. The point is to learn how to say "no" when you know you need to and continue on the path towards your goals. There is strength in knowing how to establish and enforce boundaries. That's the point.

    Why would you want the mindset of... people hate me, they want to see me fail, they're trying to ACTIVELY make me fail, they're just jealous, as a mindset to fuel your motivation?

    I mean, if that works for you, then hey - all the power to you.

    I prefer to be motivated by things like... I'm stronger than I was yesterday. I can run faster, box harder, do more stairs, plank longer. I'm growing and learning and becoming a better me. And even if my family or friends don't always get that, it doesn't bother me... because I am not doing it for them, or in spite of them.

    I am doing this for ME.

    :huh:

    WHY does this HAVE to be a black and white issue? Do all people who try to feed me want to see me fail. NO. I never said that.

    Just because I've used spite as ONE form of fuel to motivate myself, it doesn't mean that I haven't used positive forms, as well, SIMULTANEOUSLY.

    But, if you need me to be less dynamic in my thought processes, I'll try to choose one side and stick with it. (Psssh!)

    Seriously, a month ago, I was arguing the opposite on this same topic. I understand the gray area. The purpose of THIS topic was to help with motivation, not whine about "haters."
  • This describes perfectly what I went through when I decided I was no longer going to eat meat. At first I didn't tell anyone. After a few months people started asking questions because they noticed they hadn't seen me order or eat anything with meat in it in some time. At that point, I said "Yeah, no, I became a vegetarian a few months back" and wanted to leave it at that, but it was like I was calling them out for something. At first it would be "Oh, well, I don't eat that much meat..." like I was judging them for continuing to eat something I've chosen not to. Personally, I couldn't care less if someone else eats meat. I'd prefer they didn't because I think it's unnecessary and I don't like the slaughter process, but it is what it is and people are going to do what they're going to. It has nothing to do with me, and it's none of my business what other people eat. I'm not their mum.

  • Oh, god. You.Just.Don't.Get.It, do you?

    It's a mindset to fuel your motivation. Nothing more. And, basic nutrition? I ate everything I wanted to eat and still lost weight. It has nothing to do with nutrition. It has everything to do with the people who do not understand your goals, do not understand what it takes to get there, but who will try to make you feel bad when you won't partake in something. Literally, as I was writing this, my co-worker brought an iced oatmeal cookie in for me to try a bite...but we have birthday cake for her today, which is what I want, and she still pouted (yes. literally pouted) when I said, "no, thank you" to her.

    Seriously? "A bite?" It's her birthday, she's happy, celebrating - she wanted to share. What's so wrong with taking a bite of a cookie? You couldn't take a bite of a cookie because YOU wanted cake instead? It's HER birthday!

    Sorry, but I don't get it. I understand making goals for myself and doing my best to stick to those goals. But I can't imagine being so rigid in my beliefs that I couldn't take a bite of a cookie, especially if I knew it meant I would hurt someone's feelings over it. I understand fitness & health is a priority for you, but you're going to be pretty lonely on that island of yours. It's her birthday, for crying out loud. Couldn't you just be her friend for five minutes and celebrate with her? Choose some OTHER time to have a conversation about YOUR goals. Today, wish her a happy birthday, eat the freaking cookie, tell her it's good, then do a little extra exercise tonight if you are THAT bothered by the calories.

    Good grief. I hope for everyone ELSE'S sake that no-one tries to get you a cake on YOUR birthday!
  • AlongCame_Molly
    AlongCame_Molly Posts: 2,835 Member
    Love this post. Thanks for that!
  • MireyGal76
    MireyGal76 Posts: 7,334 Member


    And, that's the best way to be, but, if you can't be that way, then do it to spite "them." Lol!

    Boooo don't spite your coworkers or family or friends.

    Keep in mind that people who have never actively tried to lose weight (and many that have actually), don't always have the knowledge that "we" have.

    Yeah my Mom offers me sweet snacks when I visit her. She isn't a saboteur, she is a Mom born in the 40s who doesn't really have a grasp of basic nutrition. Lot's of people just don't get it.

    I don't think people should be so quick to assume sabotage, when ignorance is probably a far more likely reason.

    Oh, god. You.Just.Don't.Get.It, do you?

    It's a mindset to fuel your motivation. Nothing more. And, basic nutrition? I ate everything I wanted to eat and still lost weight. It has nothing to do with nutrition. It has everything to do with the people who do not understand your goals, do not understand what it takes to get there, but who will try to make you feel bad when you won't partake in something. Literally, as I was writing this, my co-worker brought an iced oatmeal cookie in for me to try a bite...but we have birthday cake for her today, which is what I want, and she still pouted (yes. literally pouted) when I said, "no, thank you" to her.

    Saboteurs exist. Some knowingly. Some not. Some are just being nice. The point is to learn how to say "no" when you know you need to and continue on the path towards your goals. There is strength in knowing how to establish and enforce boundaries. That's the point.

    Why would you want the mindset of... people hate me, they want to see me fail, they're trying to ACTIVELY make me fail, they're just jealous, as a mindset to fuel your motivation?

    I mean, if that works for you, then hey - all the power to you.

    I prefer to be motivated by things like... I'm stronger than I was yesterday. I can run faster, box harder, do more stairs, plank longer. I'm growing and learning and becoming a better me. And even if my family or friends don't always get that, it doesn't bother me... because I am not doing it for them, or in spite of them.

    I am doing this for ME.

    :huh:

    WHY does this HAVE to be a black and white issue? Do all people who try to feed me want to see me fail. NO. I never said that.

    Just because I've used spite as ONE form of fuel to motivate myself, it doesn't mean that I haven't used positive forms, as well, SIMULTANEOUSLY.

    But, if you need me to be less dynamic in my thought processes, I'll try to choose one side and stick with it. (Psssh!)

    Seriously, a month ago, I was arguing the opposite on this same topic. I understand the gray area. The purpose of THIS topic was to help with motivation, not whine about "haters."

    I wasn't saying it had to be black and white, and by all means, you do what you need to do to get through your workout. To get you to your goal.

    Sometimes I build myself up (yay you got this, you can do it), sometimes I smack talk myself (cmon you weakling, don't be a quitter).

    I just wanted to point out that it doesn't have to be about "them"

    I completely agree that very few things in life are black and white, and there are some people that DO want to see you fail. (My sister may fit into that category). But still, I prefer to try and focus on not tearing down others in my quest (I tear myself down more than enough).

    To each their own. :)
  • a_stronger_me13
    a_stronger_me13 Posts: 812 Member
    The amount of people that completely miss the take away from this article is mind blowing.
  • whitebalance
    whitebalance Posts: 1,654 Member
    I wasn't saying it had to be black and white, and by all means, you do what you need to do to get through your workout. To get you to your goal.

    Sometimes I build myself up (yay you got this, you can do it), sometimes I smack talk myself (cmon you weakling, don't be a quitter).

    I just wanted to point out that it doesn't have to be about "them"

    I completely agree that very few things in life are black and white, and there are some people that DO want to see you fail. (My sister may fit into that category). But still, I prefer to try and focus on not tearing down others in my quest (I tear myself down more than enough).

    To each their own. :)
    :drinker: :drinker: :drinker: to MireyGal76 - for this and the earlier fantastic post on this thread. It's amazing how many problems self-resolve, or never even materialize, when you just do your own thing and don't worry about it. And how the behavior of others so often reflects one's internal state.

    Oh, and just for sjohnny...
    crabs-o.gif
  • AlongCame_Molly
    AlongCame_Molly Posts: 2,835 Member

    Oh, god. You.Just.Don't.Get.It, do you?

    It's a mindset to fuel your motivation. Nothing more. And, basic nutrition? I ate everything I wanted to eat and still lost weight. It has nothing to do with nutrition. It has everything to do with the people who do not understand your goals, do not understand what it takes to get there, but who will try to make you feel bad when you won't partake in something. Literally, as I was writing this, my co-worker brought an iced oatmeal cookie in for me to try a bite...but we have birthday cake for her today, which is what I want, and she still pouted (yes. literally pouted) when I said, "no, thank you" to her.

    Seriously? "A bite?" It's her birthday, she's happy, celebrating - she wanted to share. What's so wrong with taking a bite of a cookie? You couldn't take a bite of a cookie because YOU wanted cake instead? It's HER birthday!

    Sorry, but I don't get it. I understand making goals for myself and doing my best to stick to those goals. But I can't imagine being so rigid in my beliefs that I couldn't take a bite of a cookie, especially if I knew it meant I would hurt someone's feelings over it. I understand fitness & health is a priority for you, but you're going to be pretty lonely on that island of yours. It's her birthday, for crying out loud. Couldn't you just be her friend for five minutes and celebrate with her? Choose some OTHER time to have a conversation about YOUR goals. Today, wish her a happy birthday, eat the freaking cookie, tell her it's good, then do a little extra exercise tonight if you are THAT bothered by the calories.

    Good grief. I hope for everyone ELSE'S sake that no-one tries to get you a cake on YOUR birthday!

    This makes absolutely no sense. Soooo, on your birthday, you get to dictate how everyone else eats? And of course, by refusing food from someone on their birthday, you are nonverbally wishing them a terrible birthday and saying you wish they'd never been born. :noway:

    Why do they have to eat what the birthday girl says? Like you said, it's HER birthday, not THEIRS. Is declining a bite of cookie going to ruin her birthday? I seriously doubt it. If everyone had cake and cookies on everyone ELSE's birthday, there would be no fit people anywhere.
  • LiftAllThePizzas
    LiftAllThePizzas Posts: 17,857 Member
    I keep reading this trying to decide if the author is serious. I really don't see people in my life offering me food, or expressing concern, or asking me to skip a workout as them being out to get me. Nor do I think that anyone else really cares enough about my eating and fitness plan that it would make them feel bad about themselves or that they do feel bad about themselves and their choices. Maybe I just lucked out in the friends and family department.

    This. My world seems to lack the totes jelly haterz that everyone else complains about.

    Lol! It's not THAT literal or that obvious. It's a mindset. In some cases, these people actually do exist, and most do it subconsciously. However, most people are pretty happy to just not care what you're doing/not doing, or you're just good enough at ignoring people that it isn't a problem.

    Well crap! Maybe I need to look harder for the jelly sabotagists since it's a KNOWN FACT that they are EVERYWHERE tryna subliminize me into staying in bed and eating sticks of butter wrapped in twinkies.





    ETA: LOL crabs.
    Argh, now I want sticks of butter wrapped in twinkies!
  • MireyGal76
    MireyGal76 Posts: 7,334 Member
    The amount of people that completely miss the take away from this article is mind blowing.

    Perhaps they didn't miss it at all. Perhaps they just had a different take away.
  • WhiteRabbit1313
    WhiteRabbit1313 Posts: 1,091 Member


    And, that's the best way to be, but, if you can't be that way, then do it to spite "them." Lol!

    Boooo don't spite your coworkers or family or friends.

    Keep in mind that people who have never actively tried to lose weight (and many that have actually), don't always have the knowledge that "we" have.

    Yeah my Mom offers me sweet snacks when I visit her. She isn't a saboteur, she is a Mom born in the 40s who doesn't really have a grasp of basic nutrition. Lot's of people just don't get it.

    I don't think people should be so quick to assume sabotage, when ignorance is probably a far more likely reason.

    Oh, god. You.Just.Don't.Get.It, do you?

    It's a mindset to fuel your motivation. Nothing more. And, basic nutrition? I ate everything I wanted to eat and still lost weight. It has nothing to do with nutrition. It has everything to do with the people who do not understand your goals, do not understand what it takes to get there, but who will try to make you feel bad when you won't partake in something. Literally, as I was writing this, my co-worker brought an iced oatmeal cookie in for me to try a bite...but we have birthday cake for her today, which is what I want, and she still pouted (yes. literally pouted) when I said, "no, thank you" to her.

    Saboteurs exist. Some knowingly. Some not. Some are just being nice. The point is to learn how to say "no" when you know you need to and continue on the path towards your goals. There is strength in knowing how to establish and enforce boundaries. That's the point.

    Why would you want the mindset of... people hate me, they want to see me fail, they're trying to ACTIVELY make me fail, they're just jealous, as a mindset to fuel your motivation?

    I mean, if that works for you, then hey - all the power to you.

    I prefer to be motivated by things like... I'm stronger than I was yesterday. I can run faster, box harder, do more stairs, plank longer. I'm growing and learning and becoming a better me. And even if my family or friends don't always get that, it doesn't bother me... because I am not doing it for them, or in spite of them.

    I am doing this for ME.

    :huh:

    WHY does this HAVE to be a black and white issue? Do all people who try to feed me want to see me fail. NO. I never said that.

    Just because I've used spite as ONE form of fuel to motivate myself, it doesn't mean that I haven't used positive forms, as well, SIMULTANEOUSLY.

    But, if you need me to be less dynamic in my thought processes, I'll try to choose one side and stick with it. (Psssh!)

    Seriously, a month ago, I was arguing the opposite on this same topic. I understand the gray area. The purpose of THIS topic was to help with motivation, not whine about "haters."

    I wasn't saying it had to be black and white, and by all means, you do what you need to do to get through your workout. To get you to your goal.

    Sometimes I build myself up (yay you got this, you can do it), sometimes I smack talk myself (cmon you weakling, don't be a quitter).

    I just wanted to point out that it doesn't have to be about "them"

    I completely agree that very few things in life are black and white, and there are some people that DO want to see you fail. (My sister may fit into that category). But still, I prefer to try and focus on not tearing down others in my quest (I tear myself down more than enough).

    To each their own. :)

    Ok, yeah...I was a little frustrated there. Sorry about that.

    I totally get (now) what you're saying, and I DO agree. I have had people at the office really pressure me to "eat this cake" or "just this one donut," and be quite persistent about it. So, in THOSE cases, I see it as something that's wrong with them. Spite usually comes in handy when I've just had a really difficult relationship with someone, such as with my ex husband...because it WAS personal. I don't tell ANY of these people how I really feel. I just do what I came to do and move on. How ridiculous would that look to tell someone you "know" what they're "trying" to do?! Lol!
  • WhiteRabbit1313
    WhiteRabbit1313 Posts: 1,091 Member

    Oh, god. You.Just.Don't.Get.It, do you?

    It's a mindset to fuel your motivation. Nothing more. And, basic nutrition? I ate everything I wanted to eat and still lost weight. It has nothing to do with nutrition. It has everything to do with the people who do not understand your goals, do not understand what it takes to get there, but who will try to make you feel bad when you won't partake in something. Literally, as I was writing this, my co-worker brought an iced oatmeal cookie in for me to try a bite...but we have birthday cake for her today, which is what I want, and she still pouted (yes. literally pouted) when I said, "no, thank you" to her.

    Seriously? "A bite?" It's her birthday, she's happy, celebrating - she wanted to share. What's so wrong with taking a bite of a cookie? You couldn't take a bite of a cookie because YOU wanted cake instead? It's HER birthday!

    Sorry, but I don't get it. I understand making goals for myself and doing my best to stick to those goals. But I can't imagine being so rigid in my beliefs that I couldn't take a bite of a cookie, especially if I knew it meant I would hurt someone's feelings over it. I understand fitness & health is a priority for you, but you're going to be pretty lonely on that island of yours. It's her birthday, for crying out loud. Couldn't you just be her friend for five minutes and celebrate with her? Choose some OTHER time to have a conversation about YOUR goals. Today, wish her a happy birthday, eat the freaking cookie, tell her it's good, then do a little extra exercise tonight if you are THAT bothered by the calories.

    Good grief. I hope for everyone ELSE'S sake that no-one tries to get you a cake on YOUR birthday!

    This makes absolutely no sense. Soooo, on your birthday, you get to dictate how everyone else eats? And of course, by refusing food from someone on their birthday, you are nonverbally wishing them a terrible birthday and saying you wish they'd never been born. :noway:

    Why do they have to eat what the birthday girl says? Like you said, it's HER birthday, not THEIRS. Is declining a bite of cookie going to ruin her birthday? I seriously doubt it. If everyone had cake and cookies on everyone ELSE's birthday, there would be no fit people anywhere.

    No. She tried to get me to eat a cookie, but I was holding out for her cake. Lol!
  • sassyjae21
    sassyjae21 Posts: 1,217 Member

    Oh, god. You.Just.Don't.Get.It, do you?

    It's a mindset to fuel your motivation. Nothing more. And, basic nutrition? I ate everything I wanted to eat and still lost weight. It has nothing to do with nutrition. It has everything to do with the people who do not understand your goals, do not understand what it takes to get there, but who will try to make you feel bad when you won't partake in something. Literally, as I was writing this, my co-worker brought an iced oatmeal cookie in for me to try a bite...but we have birthday cake for her today, which is what I want, and she still pouted (yes. literally pouted) when I said, "no, thank you" to her.

    Seriously? "A bite?" It's her birthday, she's happy, celebrating - she wanted to share. What's so wrong with taking a bite of a cookie? You couldn't take a bite of a cookie because YOU wanted cake instead? It's HER birthday!

    Sorry, but I don't get it. I understand making goals for myself and doing my best to stick to those goals. But I can't imagine being so rigid in my beliefs that I couldn't take a bite of a cookie, especially if I knew it meant I would hurt someone's feelings over it. I understand fitness & health is a priority for you, but you're going to be pretty lonely on that island of yours. It's her birthday, for crying out loud. Couldn't you just be her friend for five minutes and celebrate with her? Choose some OTHER time to have a conversation about YOUR goals. Today, wish her a happy birthday, eat the freaking cookie, tell her it's good, then do a little extra exercise tonight if you are THAT bothered by the calories.

    Good grief. I hope for everyone ELSE'S sake that no-one tries to get you a cake on YOUR birthday!

    For some people, taking a bite of something could send them in a uncontrollable downward spiral. I know that if I took a bite of a cookie, it would no longer be a bite. It was be the consumption of a whole cookie. Plus cake. And then whatever else I binge on for the day.
  • WhiteRabbit1313
    WhiteRabbit1313 Posts: 1,091 Member

    Oh, god. You.Just.Don't.Get.It, do you?

    It's a mindset to fuel your motivation. Nothing more. And, basic nutrition? I ate everything I wanted to eat and still lost weight. It has nothing to do with nutrition. It has everything to do with the people who do not understand your goals, do not understand what it takes to get there, but who will try to make you feel bad when you won't partake in something. Literally, as I was writing this, my co-worker brought an iced oatmeal cookie in for me to try a bite...but we have birthday cake for her today, which is what I want, and she still pouted (yes. literally pouted) when I said, "no, thank you" to her.

    Seriously? "A bite?" It's her birthday, she's happy, celebrating - she wanted to share. What's so wrong with taking a bite of a cookie? You couldn't take a bite of a cookie because YOU wanted cake instead? It's HER birthday!

    Sorry, but I don't get it. I understand making goals for myself and doing my best to stick to those goals. But I can't imagine being so rigid in my beliefs that I couldn't take a bite of a cookie, especially if I knew it meant I would hurt someone's feelings over it. I understand fitness & health is a priority for you, but you're going to be pretty lonely on that island of yours. It's her birthday, for crying out loud. Couldn't you just be her friend for five minutes and celebrate with her? Choose some OTHER time to have a conversation about YOUR goals. Today, wish her a happy birthday, eat the freaking cookie, tell her it's good, then do a little extra exercise tonight if you are THAT bothered by the calories.

    Good grief. I hope for everyone ELSE'S sake that no-one tries to get you a cake on YOUR birthday!

    This makes absolutely no sense. Soooo, on your birthday, you get to dictate how everyone else eats? And of course, by refusing food from someone on their birthday, you are nonverbally wishing them a terrible birthday and saying you wish they'd never been born. :noway:

    Why do they have to eat what the birthday girl says? Like you said, it's HER birthday, not THEIRS. Is declining a bite of cookie going to ruin her birthday? I seriously doubt it. If everyone had cake and cookies on everyone ELSE's birthday, there would be no fit people anywhere.

    Oh, yeah...why DO I have to eat how everyone else wants ME to on their birthday?
  • LiftAllThePizzas
    LiftAllThePizzas Posts: 17,857 Member
    But, I suspect comments like your are a latent jab at "personal responsibility" more than having to do with the people you surround yourself with. I agree with personal responsibility. We should all take responsibility for ourselves and our own actions. Interestingly, the day that I decided to believe as the OP does, was the very same day that I took responsibility for myself and didn't let others stand in the way of my weight loss efforts.

    I just adore it when people pretend like they've always been perfect, which makes me wonder why they came HERE, in the first place? I mean, most of us come to MFP because we need help, or support, or both. Just sayin'...
    No I think it's more like a jab at the mentality that, "I am so important that everyone's behavior is all about me."
  • WhiteRabbit1313
    WhiteRabbit1313 Posts: 1,091 Member

    Oh, god. You.Just.Don't.Get.It, do you?

    It's a mindset to fuel your motivation. Nothing more. And, basic nutrition? I ate everything I wanted to eat and still lost weight. It has nothing to do with nutrition. It has everything to do with the people who do not understand your goals, do not understand what it takes to get there, but who will try to make you feel bad when you won't partake in something. Literally, as I was writing this, my co-worker brought an iced oatmeal cookie in for me to try a bite...but we have birthday cake for her today, which is what I want, and she still pouted (yes. literally pouted) when I said, "no, thank you" to her.

    Seriously? "A bite?" It's her birthday, she's happy, celebrating - she wanted to share. What's so wrong with taking a bite of a cookie? You couldn't take a bite of a cookie because YOU wanted cake instead? It's HER birthday!

    Sorry, but I don't get it. I understand making goals for myself and doing my best to stick to those goals. But I can't imagine being so rigid in my beliefs that I couldn't take a bite of a cookie, especially if I knew it meant I would hurt someone's feelings over it. I understand fitness & health is a priority for you, but you're going to be pretty lonely on that island of yours. It's her birthday, for crying out loud. Couldn't you just be her friend for five minutes and celebrate with her? Choose some OTHER time to have a conversation about YOUR goals. Today, wish her a happy birthday, eat the freaking cookie, tell her it's good, then do a little extra exercise tonight if you are THAT bothered by the calories.

    Good grief. I hope for everyone ELSE'S sake that no-one tries to get you a cake on YOUR birthday!

    For some people, taking a bite of something could send them in a uncontrollable downward spiral. I know that if I took a bite of a cookie, it would no longer be a bite. It was be the consumption of a whole cookie. Plus cake. And then whatever else I binge on for the day.

    ^^True.

    For me, I knew we'd bought her a chocolate cake, and while I love cookies, I like cake more. Not difficult. It's about choices. I could have said, "hells no! I'm on a diet. I can't eat ANY of your birthday cakes or cookies." Lol!
  • stealthq
    stealthq Posts: 4,298 Member


    This. My world seems to lack the totes jelly haterz that everyone else complains about.

    Agreed to this.

    I definitely see value in the advice of the OP, and agree with the sentiment...

    But, I have never had anyone like that in my life - at least not yet. Most of my circle has been supportive, those who aren't actively supportive have been quiet but never actively working against me.

    +1

    Besides, the crabs pulling the others down - pretty sure they're trying to get out, too.

    And frequently, the overweight person saying 'oh, just one <fill in high calorie food> won't hurt' is only speaking the thoughts that are keeping them from losing. Not necessarily trying to prevent you from achieving your goals.

    Not to say there aren't nasty people out there who will deliberately try to screw you up - but hopefully they're not your friends. And you probably already knew they were like that if you know them at all. I doubt it just emerged when you found a new goal.