Why "support" is not always support

In all seriousness... I look forward to people kicking my *kitten* and holding me accountable.

Not me. I don't give a damn what the rest of you think.


And I don't worry about what other people are doing. If it's working for them, great; if not, some random internet commenter isn't going to motivate them. If I have a specific tip I can offer, I do that sometimes, if you don't follow it, no biggie. Everyone is trying to muddle through the best they can. The fact they're posting on this site means they're at least trying, which is more than you can say about most people you see on the street. I'm not going to tell someone they're doing it wrong. I'll celebrate their success, but I'm not gonna worry about how they get there.

If you can lose 40 pounds on a potato chip and beer diet, more power to ya.

I completely agree. Everyone is on a different "plan" and it's up to them to make it work, or try whatever they want until they find something that works.

It would tick me off if someone eating Paleo commented on my pasta consumption...or whatever. Support doesn't equal agreement, but get off the soapbox already.

I haven't read all the comments, but I will say that myself, being a person who IS overweight and wanting to change that, I am a sponge when it comes to info. When I ask a question, I LOVE LOVE LOVE when someone gives me links to places to read up on things so I can get as much information as possible.

At least you tried and were willing to share and support, and that's the best you can do for someone else.

I can't pass up this opportunity to pass along one of my favorite quotes...


“We find comfort among those who agree with us -- growth among those who don't.” - Frank A Clark

I like that quote. Thanks for sharing.

I try to review the open food and exercise diaries of others before posting a comment and watch to see if I see a consistent trend like lack of veggies or fruit, or significant low calorie diet before posting. I mean everyone has a bad eating day or two. I also try to post something positive to reinforce that, before posting any criticism. Sometimes I will post a positive comment such as "way to keep tracking(journaling)" that way I am able to give them some positive feedback.

I have had one lady ask me before commenting on my food journal if I was open to some advice. Which I find was very respectful. And made me much more open to hearing what she had to say. I find that a lot of people can be very sensitive and not knowing what all is going on in their life, I wouldn't want to cause them any grief or discomfort which could cause them to give up on their trying to have a healthy lifestyle. I have seen some people here on MFP commenting in a way that wasn't very respectful, and sometimes even very mean. I want to encourage support and not discourage anyone. Not everyone is open to advice so I now try to ask if they would be open to some before giving any feedback that they might see as negative.