Why is it

Mallory0418
Mallory0418 Posts: 723 Member
edited October 6 in Motivation and Support
Why is it, that when I'm at work, people offer me junk food and when I say "no thank you" I get the stank eye? Sometimes people get quite mad at me for not taking their food. Why? That just means there's more for you!

I don't make it known that I'm working to get healthier, but people always tease me about my healthy lunches and snacks and even make comments about how they're noticing that I'm losing weight. Plus, this is not new with me, I've been at this for a while. Then why the attitude when I'd rather not eat your junk food?

Replies

  • deksgrl
    deksgrl Posts: 7,237 Member
    Some people feel like it is rude if you refuse their hospitality. Some cultures it is worse than others.
  • rileamoyer
    rileamoyer Posts: 2,412 Member
    True, even in our own country, in some areas it is considered rude to turn down food with offered
  • amaried621
    amaried621 Posts: 260 Member
    You would think that people would offer their support at your healthy choices rather than being annoyed that you aren't eating crap food. Oh well, that just means you'll be healthier than they will!
  • Mallory0418
    Mallory0418 Posts: 723 Member
    True, even in our own country, in some areas it is considered rude to turn down food with offered

    I'm always afraid of that... what should I do then? I don't want to offend anyone or distance myself, but I'm not willing to give in to junk food just to make other people happy...
  • TCWE
    TCWE Posts: 51 Member
    Possibly they are overweight or unhappy with their body and seeing you have such self control is hard for them?
  • deksgrl
    deksgrl Posts: 7,237 Member
    If you can't explain to them that you are on a strict diet, you could take it home to another family member or throw it away later where they won't see it.
  • mleoni092708
    mleoni092708 Posts: 629 Member
    If you can't explain to them that you are on a strict diet, you could take it home to another family member or throw it away later where they won't see it.

    I agree. "I'll eat this at my desk later. I need to get some water." Return to desk, deposit in garbage. Drama avoided :)
  • cbbarge
    cbbarge Posts: 250 Member
    I've been known to tell people "No Thanks, I'm allergic to that. If I eat it I will swell up."
  • deksgrl
    deksgrl Posts: 7,237 Member
    I've been known to tell people "No Thanks, I'm allergic to that. If I eat it I will swell up."

    Good one :)

    I had somebody offer me something out of the vending machine because two were dispensed instead of one and I said I can't eat that!
  • Hellbent_Heidi
    Hellbent_Heidi Posts: 3,669 Member
    I usually just say "no thanks" and feign an upset stomach or something (who can argue with that?).
  • _GlaDOS_
    _GlaDOS_ Posts: 1,520 Member
    They are trying to sabotage you!!!

    They are also all jealous of you and your success.
  • ilookthetype
    ilookthetype Posts: 3,021 Member
    At least they aren't giving you pink eye.
  • Dave198lbs
    Dave198lbs Posts: 8,810 Member
    take it...say thanks...then later give it
  • kennethmgreen
    kennethmgreen Posts: 1,759 Member
    Why is it, that when I'm at work, people offer me junk food and when I say "no thank you" I get the stank eye? Sometimes people get quite mad at me for not taking their food. Why? That just means there's more for you!

    I don't make it known that I'm working to get healthier, but people always tease me about my healthy lunches and snacks and even make comments about how they're noticing that I'm losing weight. Plus, this is not new with me, I've been at this for a while. Then why the attitude when I'd rather not eat your junk food?
    Even if you know the WHY, what difference will it make? I'm not trying to be combatitive, only pointing something out.

    If you knew why you were offered junk food, it wouldn't change whether you want it or not, would it? Besides, worrying about the why means you have to make assumptions about the what. What if the stink eye you were getting was actually a reflection of the co-worker's own social awkwardness? Maybe they expected you to take the treat - nothing more, nothing less. When you refused, they didn't interpret it as rude, inconsiderate or disrespectful at all - just unexpected. Sometimes people are uncomfortable with the unexpected.

    But even if they were seething with resentment over your refusal, and furiously crossing you off their Christmas card list, I can't see how that would matter. Because it's likely unavoidable. If someone is going to get upset at you for refusing a snack, that person is bound to get bent out of shape by any number of things you may not even be aware of. If you are polite in your refusal, and the person still has a problem with that, it is not your responsiblity to take care of their feelings. I know some may argue office politics and I would argue that more often than not, ignoring office politics altogether (instead of playing to win/appease) is ultimately a much better approach.

    I still go back to just not worrying about the why. Then there is no what. It's easier.

    Also, no socks with sandals.
  • fatty2fit88
    fatty2fit88 Posts: 116 Member
    I guess everyone is trying to be hospitable.... I've often take junk and thrown it in the bin...when they will keep insisting ... lol.
  • runs4zen
    runs4zen Posts: 769 Member
    I get a lot of "but you hardly ate anything" but never has anyone given me the stink eye over food refusal. Even if they did, I wouldn't care. I guess I think more of my fitness than I do of their opinion of my eating habits. If that makes me uncaring or selfish, so be it. They aren't the ones who were paying the price of my obesity a few years back...
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