Wishing my family members were supportive

alexbowser
alexbowser Posts: 322
edited September 26 in Motivation and Support
Today I told my sister that I planned to walk to school tomorrow (about 6 miles road trip), and she started give me all these stupid excuses why I shouldn't. I told her I was doing it, because I wanted to and she launched into this ridiculous speech about how "she's too lazy to ever diet" and "everyone asks her what her weight loss secret is, but she just doesn't do anything". It felt really rude considering how hard I'm working.

Last night my dad made a big deal about asking me permission for them to eat popcorn in front of me. It doesn't bother me at all what they eat and I've never said anything about it (I just eat something else), but he was so obnoxious about it.

They act like I think I'm better than them because I try to eat healthy, even though it doesn't inconvenience them at all. I've made so many sacrifices for them (delaying schooling for a year to watch my 1 year old niece), but I can't sacrifice my health for them anymore.
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Replies

  • Stay positve, you'll do great :happy:
  • scha4r
    scha4r Posts: 17 Member
    I hear ya. My family thinks I'm too skinny (which I'm not) and then try and load as many calories as they can onto my plate whenever I come and visit. Definitely stems from jealousy, I think.

    Stay strong. You can do this. You're doing it for you, not them!!
  • Grokette
    Grokette Posts: 3,330 Member
    Continue to lead by example and others may join you on your journey!!
  • KendraElmendorf
    KendraElmendorf Posts: 837 Member
    I agree stay positive! If you are doing it for you than you will do great!. I have the same sort of problem but I plan to do my best to work my way through it. Then when I'm done, I can show them that I DID do it!
  • samb
    samb Posts: 464 Member
    My family & boyfriend are the same way. You are not alone! And that's why we are all here! We all are working very hard to get to our goals and you should never let anyone stand in your way, no matter how much they upset you. I am a vegetarian and my family constantly criticizes me for it and for trying to be healthy and working out, etc, but in all reality they are just jealous I am dedicating myself and making the effort (& making something of myself/getting to my goals) while they are moving away from their goals by doing nothing! A lot of us are in the same boat, and with the support of MFP friends and dedication/commitment, we can reach our goals and beyond, regardless of what stands in our way! <3
  • samb
    samb Posts: 464 Member
    I agree stay positive! If you are doing it for you than you will do great!. I have the same sort of problem but I plan to do my best to work my way through it. Then when I'm done, I can show them that I DID do it!


    Exactly!!!
  • rblanton
    rblanton Posts: 3 Member
    Just ignore them and keep doing this for you!!
  • kbeach08
    kbeach08 Posts: 184 Member
    :( That really stinks about your family!! Keep at it even if the feel the need to make you feel bad about it! We are here to help support you and to tell you that your doing a great job!!! :D
  • Family/loved ones can be one of your biggest hurdles when trying to make positive changes in your life (did you see The Fighter?). It is likely that you making positive changes makes them feel insecure because they know you're doing the right thing and they aren't. But don't let it get to you. Maybe after a while they'll want to make changes too, maybe not. Either way, continue to move forward in a positive direction! You have a whole online community here to support you!
  • sandyw127
    sandyw127 Posts: 131 Member
    i say screw em.. if they cant support you !
  • Angel1066
    Angel1066 Posts: 816 Member
    Your doing this for yourself and even though they are your family you just have to ignore them. Have you ever wondered that they might be jealous of you because you are taking control and being healthy. You keep doing what your doing because it makes you happy.
  • strapple
    strapple Posts: 353 Member
    I'm so sorry you have to go through that. I get the same problems every day in my home because I'm a reluctant vegan (I have a hard time digesting red meat and have a dairy allergy) It's even more offensive because I really have no control over my inability to eat these things.

    They'll act so disgusted when I eat something healthy and say that it looks gross, as they look up from a giant bloody steak. My mother also refuses to touch tofu or soymilk so if she's making dinner that night then I'm royally screwed and have to fend for myself. I cook dinner for them almost every night because I'm my grandfathers full time caregiver and they always glare at me when I don't eat what I've prepared for them.

    I honestly think that our families aren't trying to be rude, but they don't really understand if they haven't had to struggle as we are. In my parents and grandfathers case I think it's simply them being too old to understand that healthy doesn't mean disgusting.

    I try to explain to them that I don't think less of them for eating the way they do and I hope they don't think less of me. Usually this shuts them up for a few days. I hope it works for you ;{ <3
  • tdolphin1
    tdolphin1 Posts: 26
    I know how you're feeling. Just know that you are doing what is right for you, that will make you feel better, be healthier & stronger...that's what is important. They're just jealous and are trying to take it out on you, don't let them...just let it roll off. Who knows you might inspire them along the way....but the important thing is not to give up, listen to yourself & what you want. Keep up the great work girl!!
  • hartsmart
    hartsmart Posts: 141 Member
    my father was like that when i was younger...even though he once offered me $200 for a new wardrobe if i lost weight.
    my mother was always up and down with her weight, often using whatever the new fad was.
    i never did anything about it when i was younger, and now i look back and wish i had just taken care of myself when i was younger.
    take control now...ignore the rudeness. i don't know why, but some times people just like push buttons. if you don't let it bother you, chances are they'll give up. maybe even come around and be supportive?!

    good luck. you're off to a good start with this website full of supportive people!
  • wmjrigo
    wmjrigo Posts: 69 Member
    I've had that too from my wife and family. Finally my wife told me it was because it made her feel guilty. Now she is losing weight with me! Just hang in there and do what you know is right.
  • jsteras
    jsteras Posts: 344 Member
    I think everyone must have family like that. LOL. I told my sister who lives next door to me that I was eating healthy and exercising and 1/2 hour later she shows up at my door with lunch cakes. I told her to keep them I don't want them, she insisted so I offered her a fiber one bar. I told her to take them or I was throwing them in the trash she said "oh they won't hurt you". Well I probably made her mad but I threw them in the trash!!
  • alexbowser
    alexbowser Posts: 322
    I'll only be living with them for another 3 months (moving to pittsburgh for school), so it shouldn't be too hard.

    I bought some soymilk once and my dad acted like it was a huge political statement, soymilk just tastes good. It'll be nice to be on my own soon and buy the groceries I like.
  • chanstriste13
    chanstriste13 Posts: 3,277 Member
    they'll be alright - let them b!tch away and you go on with your new lifestyle - doesn't matter what they think! you are doing the right thing, so keep your chin up!

    and congrats on that walk - that's a good 'un! :flowerforyou:
  • Aetarac
    Aetarac Posts: 135 Member
    My family was the same way. I think it has to do with them feeling that you are rejecting them and their choices. Often food is what bonds people together and you are choosing to eat different, and they may feel also to be different. Just know (and let them know) you are doing this for you and your health. As others have said be come here to be with people facing same struggles.
  • backinthenines
    backinthenines Posts: 1,083 Member
    Sometimes when people change their life for the better, it inadvertendly holds a mirror up to others that they are not ready to look into. Sometimes it's pure and simple jealousy.

    It's not your fault. It's their problem not yours. Such a shame they behave to childishly rather than support you.

    You'll need to find your support elsewhere, but keep doing what you're doing.

    Sounds like you've done enough to appease them... now it's your turn!
  • strapple
    strapple Posts: 353 Member
    I bought some soymilk once and my dad acted like it was a huge political statement, soymilk just tastes good. It'll be nice to be on my own soon and buy the groceries I like.
    omg i HATE this

    My parents and grandfather literally refuse to try it. They look at me and say YUCK and I'm like, "I don't see how this is gross when you drink liquid from a cows tits..."

    If they at least tried it then I wouldn't be so mad but they say things like, "Well I don't have to try it. I know its disgusting."

    Closed minded people AUGH >:{
  • Azuleelan
    Azuleelan Posts: 218
    I'm sorry about this whole thing, it must be difficult to feel like you don't have support. Maybe your sister was concerned about safety? I've heard that one about walking before...
    Also, your dad did a great thing asking you about that. Maybe you felt the tone of voice or manners were wrong but the act itself seems sweet, like he knows you are trying to be healthier and he doesn't want to present challenges to you.
    Weight loss is a hard trip, and we wished everyone would be supportive EXACTLY in the way we want them to be (versus how they can be) but sometimes we are just not seeing things positively...

    idk, it's my two cents... maybe they ARE trying to be supportive, in their own way.
  • OSUalum
    OSUalum Posts: 449 Member
    Stay positive and keep reminding yourself that it's YOUR body!
    I bet most people on here have some obstacles with their families or social group. Heck, that's why this site works so well... we have each other!
    Good luck! And don't let anyone take your power away!
  • Hey, you hang in there and keep going. Do this for you and the next time they say something look them square in the eye and tell them that you care about your health..too bad they don't! My husband was like that too, thank God for my 2 girls who support me in my weight loss efforts. They are here on myfitness and have done so great themselves. Don't worry about them not being supportive you will get plenty here..and don't let them discourage you from this!....You go girl!
  • Azuleelan
    Azuleelan Posts: 218
    I think everyone must have family like that. LOL. I told my sister who lives next door to me that I was eating healthy and exercising and 1/2 hour later she shows up at my door with lunch cakes. I told her to keep them I don't want them, she insisted so I offered her a fiber one bar. I told her to take them or I was throwing them in the trash she said "oh they won't hurt you". Well I probably made her mad but I threw them in the trash!!

    That IS truly rude... why would she insist like that?
  • 6heatherb6
    6heatherb6 Posts: 469 Member
    I've sent you a message..bit long for here..but you keep doing what is right for you :smile:
  • 6heatherb6
    6heatherb6 Posts: 469 Member
    Love it..Azuleelan don't they ALL try to do it!!!...can't choose your family but you can and SHOULD choose your MFP friends!!
  • alexbowser
    alexbowser Posts: 322
    Azuleelan, my sister mentioned being concerned about the traffic, but even after I explained to her that I was taking safe side roads, she continued. My dad's tone yesterday was definitely sarcastic and patronizing. The other day, he asked me if I could bake cupcakes for his work while on my diet and he was being serious and considerate, so I can tell the difference.

    My mother (who unfortunately I don't live with) is extremely, sometimes overly supportive, so it evens out a little.
  • Ilovedrinkingtea
    Ilovedrinkingtea Posts: 597 Member
    Well done on your weight loss and keep up the good work! Hopefully your family will come round and be a bit more supportive, just try and ignore them for the moment! Also good luck with starting school xx
  • lajuice24
    lajuice24 Posts: 409 Member
    I'm sorry that you are having to go through this, especially with the people you would think the most supportive. But you continue to do what is best for you and you can do it without compromising yourself. Good luck to you!
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