I prefer not get weight loss comments

1235

Replies

  • MelodyandBarbells
    MelodyandBarbells Posts: 7,724 Member
    Last night a girlfriend's FIANCE said to me, "You look like you've slimmed down." I was so insulted. It came out of nowhere and I was not asking for his approval or his gaze. No thank you! I do not care about your objectifying thoughts on my body changes!

    My punchline is - when my good girlfriends tell me I look good and healthy and glowing or strong/fit, I appreciate that. But when a MAN I don't know very well tells me I've "slimmed down", I get pissed. My body does not exist for his appraisal or approval! And I did not invite such a comment so I really was annoyed. I didn't want to say anything to anyone because I didn't want to start a drama, but you know how it is. Unfortunately the male gaze exists and we just have to deal with it, through all our weight fluctuations.

    Wow. You're not joking. What if the chicks complimenting you were lesbians, would that still be okay?
  • xenu01
    xenu01 Posts: 117 Member
    Oh wait.....never mind........I just read the feminist line. Guess my opinion matters not because I'm a guy.

    "I'm wearing a power suit to this meeting but don't look at my suit, how dare you look at my suit"

    LOL! I might as well just say I'm a misandrist because that seems to be what feminist equates to in these parts.

    And oh yeah, it would actually be expected for you to make a negative comment about my pictures because we're on MFP. I mean, I wouldn't like it, but it would be in the realm of possibilities because I'm here and we're here to talk about bodies.
  • dakotababy
    dakotababy Posts: 2,407 Member
    Oh, for pete's sake! This reminds me of my favorite quote: "We live in the land of the perpetually offended".

    Take the compliment in the spirit it was intended and move on with your life. There are way bigger things out there to worry about than someone who thinks you look great because you put in the hard work to make yourself healthy.

    Lol yes! This whole discussion reminds me of the topic about men looking at females and it being sexual harassment. The whole world will end up being "dont look at, dont speak to, dont make eye contact with ANYONE" in fear of being sued by what seems to be a world full of angry granny types.
  • xenu01
    xenu01 Posts: 117 Member
    Oh, for pete's sake! This reminds me of my favorite quote: "We live in the land of the perpetually offended".

    Take the compliment in the spirit it was intended and move on with your life. There are way bigger things out there to worry about than someone who thinks you look great because you put in the hard work to make yourself healthy.

    Lol yes! This whole discussion reminds me of the topic about men looking at females and it being sexual harassment. The whole world will end up being "dont look at, dont speak to, dont make eye contact with ANYONE" in fear of being sued by what seems to be a world full of angry granny types.

    Can I be an angry granny type? I would like this very much. Especially if I get a cane.
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  • xenu01
    xenu01 Posts: 117 Member
    Oh wait.....never mind........I just read the feminist line. Guess my opinion matters not because I'm a guy.

    "I'm wearing a power suit to this meeting but don't look at my suit, how dare you look at my suit"

    LOL! I might as well just say I'm a misandrist because that seems to be what feminist equates to in these parts.

    And oh yeah, it would actually be expected for you to make a negative comment about my pictures because we're on MFP. I mean, I wouldn't like it, but it would be in the realm of possibilities because I'm here and we're here to talk about bodies.
    No one has to say it for you, you're doing a good job at showing it. You capitalize the word MAN in your previous posts and it's okay for a woman to give you a compliment but the same compliment can't come from a man. It's pointless arguing with you as you've already solidified your preconceived views of men and I'm sure you've had more than enough practice battling every man on site so we really won't get anywhere.

    Maybe as you complete your journey your views on the opposite sex might loosen up a little. Unless it's to late.

    Are you confusing me with another person? That MAN comment was someone else. Also, I'm married.
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  • JG762
    JG762 Posts: 571 Member
    I think I understand what the OP is saying, I find it harder (more uncomfortable) to deal with family than with friends etc. I try to accept it with the intent it’s given.
    I think what the OP might be saying (not that I can speak for her) is that sometimes you just want to be who you are. For instance I described it like this a few days ago, sometimes I just what to be known as John, not John who’s lost 100lbs, I tried to explain it this way, if you’re friend Jim had an accident and lost his leg would he want or be known as Jim who lost his leg or just Jim?
    I realize that analogy might be odd but it stems from wanting to just be “normal”, not to be the fat guy/girl, just wanting to be known for who you are and not what you’ve lost.
    YMMV
  • chadya07
    chadya07 Posts: 627 Member
    i didnt look that good at the weight i was. i look much better now in my opinion. i guess since that is my opinion getting a compliment about the hard work i did doesnt bug me one bit.

    i suppose if i thought i was better looking at 278 pounds i would be offended but since i dont i am flattered that people take the time to notice my progress.

    what bugs me much more is when people see my progress and take the opportunity to put themselves down. i wish people would not say "i really should be doing that too, i look horrible"
  • xenu01
    xenu01 Posts: 117 Member
    I think I understand what the OP is saying, I find it harder (more uncomfortable) to deal with family than with friends etc. I try to accept it with the intent it’s given.
    I think what the OP might be saying (not that I can speak for her) is that sometimes you just want to be who you are. For instance I described it like this a few days ago, sometimes I just what to be known as John, not John who’s lost 100lbs, I tried to explain it this way, if you’re friend Jim had an accident and lost his leg would he want or be known as Jim who lost his leg or just Jim?
    I realize that analogy might be odd but it stems from wanting to just be “normal”, not to be the fat guy/girl, just wanting to be known for who you are and not what you’ve lost.
    YMMV

    This, so much.
  • MelodyandBarbells
    MelodyandBarbells Posts: 7,724 Member
    I think I understand what the OP is saying, I find it harder (more uncomfortable) to deal with family than with friends etc. I try to accept it with the intent it’s given.
    I think what the OP might be saying (not that I can speak for her) is that sometimes you just want to be who you are. For instance I described it like this a few days ago, sometimes I just what to be known as John, not John who’s lost 100lbs, I tried to explain it this way, if you’re friend Jim had an accident and lost his leg would he want or be known as Jim who lost his leg or just Jim?
    I realize that analogy might be odd but it stems from wanting to just be “normal”, not to be the fat guy/girl, just wanting to be known for who you are and not what you’ve lost.
    YMMV

    I like that you've acknowledged that your analogy is a bit much. But let's now take it waay in the other direction: Would you want to be known as Jim, or Jim who used to be in a wheel chair, worked with doctors and the latest tech and now runs marathons?
  • JG762
    JG762 Posts: 571 Member
    I think I understand what the OP is saying, I find it harder (more uncomfortable) to deal with family than with friends etc. I try to accept it with the intent it’s given.
    I think what the OP might be saying (not that I can speak for her) is that sometimes you just want to be who you are. For instance I described it like this a few days ago, sometimes I just what to be known as John, not John who’s lost 100lbs, I tried to explain it this way, if you’re friend Jim had an accident and lost his leg would he want or be known as Jim who lost his leg or just Jim?
    I realize that analogy might be odd but it stems from wanting to just be “normal”, not to be the fat guy/girl, just wanting to be known for who you are and not what you’ve lost.
    YMMV

    I like that you've acknowledged that your analogy is a bit much. But let's now take it waay in the other direction: Would you want to be known as Jim, or Jim who used to be in a wheel chair, worked with doctors and the latest tech and now runs marathons?

    Why?
    That's nothing at all in line with what the OP was talking about. Of course you can spin it any way that you like, I was just trying to offer another explanation for what the OP might have meant.
  • succeedin2
    succeedin2 Posts: 501 Member
    I always thought the question "How did you lose the weight" to be annoying! I know we say it but is that even correct English? Why not say "how did you lose weight" I understand you all don't want the comments because (1) they make some uncomfortable and (2) some people are very private.

    The hilarious part is people that ask that question have no real desire to put in the work to accomplish what you have! Therefore; to me the question is stupid! Congrats to all of you
  • MelodyandBarbells
    MelodyandBarbells Posts: 7,724 Member
    I think I understand what the OP is saying, I find it harder (more uncomfortable) to deal with family than with friends etc. I try to accept it with the intent it’s given.
    I think what the OP might be saying (not that I can speak for her) is that sometimes you just want to be who you are. For instance I described it like this a few days ago, sometimes I just what to be known as John, not John who’s lost 100lbs, I tried to explain it this way, if you’re friend Jim had an accident and lost his leg would he want or be known as Jim who lost his leg or just Jim?
    I realize that analogy might be odd but it stems from wanting to just be “normal”, not to be the fat guy/girl, just wanting to be known for who you are and not what you’ve lost.
    YMMV

    I like that you've acknowledged that your analogy is a bit much. But let's now take it waay in the other direction: Would you want to be known as Jim, or Jim who used to be in a wheel chair, worked with doctors and the latest tech and now runs marathons?

    Why?
    That's nothing at all in line with what the OP was talking about. Of course you can spin it any way that you like, I was just trying to offer another explanation for what the OP might have meant.

    My point is when we adjust your analogy, is it still wrong and uncomfortable to be known as someone who's accomplished a phenomenal task? Losing your leg = not so great and not the victory a ton of us feel after having worked extremely hard and lost weight. Walking again, well, maybe too fabtastic, but I'd say now we're getting close!
  • cincysweetheart
    cincysweetheart Posts: 892 Member
    I'm my own worst critic. I am VERY well aware of how big I was. I am very well aware that I did not look great beforehand. Why would someone's observation that I look great or that they can tell I've lost weight bother me? Like I didn't already believe I was huge or ugly? The only thing that slightly bothers me is that I get a little self-conscious if people really make a big deal of it.

    Granted, there will always be the *kitten* who have to make mean or snarky or back-handed comments…. Ignore them. But a majority of the time… just graciously accept the compliment. Because that's *usually* the spirit in which it was intended.
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  • JG762
    JG762 Posts: 571 Member
    I think I understand what the OP is saying, I find it harder (more uncomfortable) to deal with family than with friends etc. I try to accept it with the intent it’s given.
    I think what the OP might be saying (not that I can speak for her) is that sometimes you just want to be who you are. For instance I described it like this a few days ago, sometimes I just what to be known as John, not John who’s lost 100lbs, I tried to explain it this way, if you’re friend Jim had an accident and lost his leg would he want or be known as Jim who lost his leg or just Jim?
    I realize that analogy might be odd but it stems from wanting to just be “normal”, not to be the fat guy/girl, just wanting to be known for who you are and not what you’ve lost.
    YMMV

    I like that you've acknowledged that your analogy is a bit much. But let's now take it waay in the other direction: Would you want to be known as Jim, or Jim who used to be in a wheel chair, worked with doctors and the latest tech and now runs marathons?

    Why?
    That's nothing at all in line with what the OP was talking about. Of course you can spin it any way that you like, I was just trying to offer another explanation for what the OP might have meant.

    My point is when we adjust your analogy, is it still wrong and uncomfortable to be known as someone who's accomplished a phenomenal task? Losing your leg = not so great and not the victory a ton of us feel after having worked extremely hard and lost weight. Walking again, well, maybe too fabtastic, but I'd say now we're getting close!

    LoL... Please feel free to spin it any way that you feel the need, as I've already stated I was giving another way to look at the OP's statement. Now if you want to change everything around and interject different parameters to what she was trying to say why stop there ? If we're going to "adjust" something why not say she grew another head?
  • ksolksol
    ksolksol Posts: 194 Member
    I debated whether to answer this thread, but I keep thinking about it, SO...

    Twice in my life I have lost significant weight not because I was getting my life together, but because it was falling apart. The first time, well-meaning compliments reinforced some self-destructive behavior I was engaging in. The second time, it was for medical reasons and compliments were very awkward and uncomfortable for me.

    I know people mean well. I know a lot of people lose weight through hard work and want to have it acknowledged. But you don't always know what's going on in someone's life. I think you have to ask yourself if you want to risk doing any of these things inadvertently:

    Do you want to compliment someone with bulimia for their weight loss?

    Do you want to tell someone whose Crohn's disease is flaring and whose intestines start bleeding if they eat anything but white rice and steamed chicken or that they look great since they lost weight?

    Do you want to compliment someone who chose to risk suicidal depression over taking medication that causes weight gain?

    Do you want to compliment someone on their weight loss not knowing it's because they're puking their guts out from chemo every other week? Or, because they've reached the point where they're letting the disease take its course?

    Obviously no one would do any of these things on purpose, but they happen when weight loss compliments are bandied about casually. I'm uncomfortable when I am complimented, because I don't want to encourage comments on people's bodies knowing that in some cases they can be terribly hurtful.
  • Just say, Awesome! I've been drinking Pilates!:drinker:
  • MelodyandBarbells
    MelodyandBarbells Posts: 7,724 Member
    I think I understand what the OP is saying, I find it harder (more uncomfortable) to deal with family than with friends etc. I try to accept it with the intent it’s given.
    I think what the OP might be saying (not that I can speak for her) is that sometimes you just want to be who you are. For instance I described it like this a few days ago, sometimes I just what to be known as John, not John who’s lost 100lbs, I tried to explain it this way, if you’re friend Jim had an accident and lost his leg would he want or be known as Jim who lost his leg or just Jim?
    I realize that analogy might be odd but it stems from wanting to just be “normal”, not to be the fat guy/girl, just wanting to be known for who you are and not what you’ve lost.
    YMMV

    I like that you've acknowledged that your analogy is a bit much. But let's now take it waay in the other direction: Would you want to be known as Jim, or Jim who used to be in a wheel chair, worked with doctors and the latest tech and now runs marathons?

    Why?
    That's nothing at all in line with what the OP was talking about. Of course you can spin it any way that you like, I was just trying to offer another explanation for what the OP might have meant.

    My point is when we adjust your analogy, is it still wrong and uncomfortable to be known as someone who's accomplished a phenomenal task? Losing your leg = not so great and not the victory a ton of us feel after having worked extremely hard and lost weight. Walking again, well, maybe too fabtastic, but I'd say now we're getting close!

    LoL... Please feel free to spin it any way that you feel the need, as I've already stated I was giving another way to look at the OP's statement. Now if you want to change everything around and interject different parameters to what she was trying to say why stop there ? If we're going to "adjust" something why not say she grew another head?

    I don't know, did you wish to make that point? Perhaps if you did I would find it an interesting read and respond to it as we're doing on a discussion forum. I thought the point was to exchange and comment on ideas, but if it makes you uncomfortable I'd be more than happy to make a note of your user name and just nod along quietly when next I read your post(s)
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  • smantha32
    smantha32 Posts: 6,990 Member
    Last night a girlfriend's FIANCE said to me, "You look like you've slimmed down." I was so insulted. It came out of nowhere and I was not asking for his approval or his gaze. No thank you! I do not care about your objectifying thoughts on my body changes!

    My punchline is - when my good girlfriends tell me I look good and healthy and glowing or strong/fit, I appreciate that. But when a MAN I don't know very well tells me I've "slimmed down", I get pissed. My body does not exist for his appraisal or approval! And I did not invite such a comment so I really was annoyed. I didn't want to say anything to anyone because I didn't want to start a drama, but you know how it is. Unfortunately the male gaze exists and we just have to deal with it, through all our weight fluctuations.

    You cannot be serious. Please be trolling.


    MFP rationality:
    Comments on weight loss: creepy and/or judgemental, with the implication the subject looked like crap before
    NO comments on weight loss: all your hard work has been for nothing, and everyone is a jealous hater.

    Logic. Not even once

    Wins the thread.
  • WalkingAlong
    WalkingAlong Posts: 4,926 Member
    Last night a girlfriend's FIANCE said to me, "You look like you've slimmed down." I was so insulted. It came out of nowhere and I was not asking for his approval or his gaze. No thank you! I do not care about your objectifying thoughts on my body changes!

    My punchline is - when my good girlfriends tell me I look good and healthy and glowing or strong/fit, I appreciate that. But when a MAN I don't know very well tells me I've "slimmed down", I get pissed. My body does not exist for his appraisal or approval! And I did not invite such a comment so I really was annoyed. I didn't want to say anything to anyone because I didn't want to start a drama, but you know how it is. Unfortunately the male gaze exists and we just have to deal with it, through all our weight fluctuations.

    You cannot be serious. Please be trolling.


    MFP rationality:
    Comments on weight loss: creepy and/or judgemental, with the implication the subject looked like crap before
    NO comments on weight loss: all your hard work has been for nothing, and everyone is a jealous hater.

    Logic. Not even once

    Wins the thread.
    You guys realize, don't you, that there are many people here, right? Some want comments, some don't.

    You not sharing one side's view doesn't make them a troll.
  • willodawisp85
    willodawisp85 Posts: 25 Member
    I debated whether to answer this thread, but I keep thinking about it, SO...

    Twice in my life I have lost significant weight not because I was getting my life together, but because it was falling apart. The first time, well-meaning compliments reinforced some self-destructive behavior I was engaging in. The second time, it was for medical reasons and compliments were very awkward and uncomfortable for me.

    I know people mean well. I know a lot of people lose weight through hard work and want to have it acknowledged. But you don't always know what's going on in someone's life. I think you have to ask yourself if you want to risk doing any of these things inadvertently:

    Do you want to compliment someone with bulimia for their weight loss?

    Do you want to tell someone whose Crohn's disease is flaring and whose intestines start bleeding if they eat anything but white rice and steamed chicken or that they look great since they lost weight?

    Do you want to compliment someone who chose to risk suicidal depression over taking medication that causes weight gain?

    Do you want to compliment someone on their weight loss not knowing it's because they're puking their guts out from chemo every other week? Or, because they've reached the point where they're letting the disease take its course?

    Obviously no one would do any of these things on purpose, but they happen when weight loss compliments are bandied about casually. I'm uncomfortable when I am complimented, because I don't want to encourage comments on people's bodies knowing that in some cases they can be terribly hurtful.

    I think this is a good illustration of why some people may be uncomfortable with comments.

    Although according to some people it because we are ungrateful, over sensitive and easily offended. I have never been offended or upset by a well meaning compliment, I would just rather someone wasn't commenting on my body who doesn't know me well and when the reason I had lost the weight was illness. It made me a little uncomfortable, that's all.
  • Tanie98
    Tanie98 Posts: 675 Member
    Last night a girlfriend's FIANCE said to me, "You look like you've slimmed down." I was so insulted. It came out of nowhere and I was not asking for his approval or his gaze. No thank you! I do not care about your objectifying thoughts on my body changes!

    My punchline is - when my good girlfriends tell me I look good and healthy and glowing or strong/fit, I appreciate that. But when a MAN I don't know very well tells me I've "slimmed down", I get pissed. My body does not exist for his appraisal or approval! And I did not invite such a comment so I really was annoyed. I didn't want to say anything to anyone because I didn't want to start a drama, but you know how it is. Unfortunately the male gaze exists and we just have to deal with it, through all our weight fluctuations.

    You cannot be serious. Please be trolling.


    MFP rationality:
    Comments on weight loss: creepy and/or judgemental, with the implication the subject looked like crap before
    NO comments on weight loss: all your hard work has been for nothing, and everyone is a jealous hater.

    Logic. Not even once

    Wins the thread.
    You guys realize, don't you, that there are many people here, right? Some want comments, some don't.

    You not sharing one side's view doesn't make them a troll.

    This,not everyone wants comments
  • That is a great idea. I know of a couple others at work that are losing weight and didn't want to say "Hey you look lost weight!" in case it came out as "Hey! You're less fat." I'll compliment the new clothes they get as they lose weight and hope they do the same for me.
  • NH_1970
    NH_1970 Posts: 544 Member
    I know allot of people dig it but I prefer not get them.I don't get upset when I get them but I would rather they keep that to themselves.I use my old clothes to see if i am making progress and before and after picture so thats enough for me.Just like if I were to gain weight, I woudnt want comments on that either. Anyone feels the same?
    Yep I have a boss with body dismorphic disorder she constantly compares herself with everyone and then puts herself down, I don't want her using my body for a reference point and when she pointed out 'oh you're losing weight! what are you doing?' I said I have health issues let's leave it at that. Which stopped her for referencing it ever again (at least so far)

    Also have a family member who always feels that they can comment on my appearance. It's annoying I'm not up for the constant scrutiny.
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  • DjinnMarie
    DjinnMarie Posts: 1,297 Member
    This is what gives feminists a bad name. So much so I refuse to even call myself one now. Someone gives you a compliment and you are suddenly a victim. :noway: I thought feminists were strong and independent. I thought feminists were badass biches, not someone who cries over a compliment!

    This thread is BSC. I will graciously accept any and all compliments, whether it be about my hair, body or personality. I will even say "thank you"... *gasp*
    Last night a girlfriend's FIANCE said to me, "You look like you've slimmed down." I was so insulted. It came out of nowhere and I was not asking for his approval or his gaze. No thank you! I do not care about your objectifying thoughts on my body changes!

    My punchline is - when my good girlfriends tell me I look good and healthy and glowing or strong/fit, I appreciate that. But when a MAN I don't know very well tells me I've "slimmed down", I get pissed. My body does not exist for his appraisal or approval! And I did not invite such a comment so I really was annoyed. I didn't want to say anything to anyone because I didn't want to start a drama, but you know how it is. Unfortunately the male gaze exists and we just have to deal with it, through all our weight fluctuations.
  • JG762
    JG762 Posts: 571 Member
    I think I understand what the OP is saying, I find it harder (more uncomfortable) to deal with family than with friends etc. I try to accept it with the intent it’s given.
    I think what the OP might be saying (not that I can speak for her) is that sometimes you just want to be who you are. For instance I described it like this a few days ago, sometimes I just what to be known as John, not John who’s lost 100lbs, I tried to explain it this way, if you’re friend Jim had an accident and lost his leg would he want or be known as Jim who lost his leg or just Jim?
    I realize that analogy might be odd but it stems from wanting to just be “normal”, not to be the fat guy/girl, just wanting to be known for who you are and not what you’ve lost.
    YMMV

    I like that you've acknowledged that your analogy is a bit much. But let's now take it waay in the other direction: Would you want to be known as Jim, or Jim who used to be in a wheel chair, worked with doctors and the latest tech and now runs marathons?

    Why?
    That's nothing at all in line with what the OP was talking about. Of course you can spin it any way that you like, I was just trying to offer another explanation for what the OP might have meant.

    My point is when we adjust your analogy, is it still wrong and uncomfortable to be known as someone who's accomplished a phenomenal task? Losing your leg = not so great and not the victory a ton of us feel after having worked extremely hard and lost weight. Walking again, well, maybe too fabtastic, but I'd say now we're getting close!

    LoL... Please feel free to spin it any way that you feel the need, as I've already stated I was giving another way to look at the OP's statement. Now if you want to change everything around and interject different parameters to what she was trying to say why stop there ? If we're going to "adjust" something why not say she grew another head?

    I don't know, did you wish to make that point? Perhaps if you did I would find it an interesting read and respond to it as we're doing on a discussion forum. I thought the point was to exchange and comment on ideas, but if it makes you uncomfortable I'd be more than happy to make a note of your user name and just nod along quietly when next I read your post(s)

    Ohhhh no.... :sad: