Would You Be Offended If...

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Replies

  • Krystal821
    Krystal821 Posts: 11 Member
    I guess it depends on what you said.

    If a random thin stranger said "Keep it up, I lost 40 lbs running." I'd probably reply, "Did you just call me fat?"

    But if they said " It's a nice day for a run, I've been running this path for 2 years, and lost 40 lbs, I'm still running to maintain my weight loss."
    I would be motivated, and not offended.

    I agree 100% with this. I already would know I am overweight and the fact that someone pretty much points it out wouldn't make me feel so good. I might get self concsious running in front of others and therefor stop running...
  • EmpressOfJudgment
    EmpressOfJudgment Posts: 1,162 Member
    I find, in general, runners are supportive of other runners, no matter what. However, you have to be careful when paying someone a compliment in this situation that you don't come off as condescending. If someone caught up to me and said, "You're doing great! Keep up the good work!" as they passed me I might feel as though I just stepped off the short bus and got a pat on the head from a grown-up.
  • asantaana
    asantaana Posts: 2
    I would rather feel like everyone else jogging at the park or working out at the gym. I wouldn't like someone trying to encourage me out of the blue. It's uncomfortable enough to do something out of your comfort zone and then to have someone notice that you are trying to lose weight and trying to make a change in your life, I don't know...It might be just me, but I would feel uncomfortable, maybe a little embarrased.
    Now maybe if someone came over while you were on the treadmill and said they have been noticing your dedication and asked you if you were running a race soon because they have been noticing the endurance that you've been building. Than I would be like, "I know right?". Then I would feel like not only am I trying to lose weight and make a difference in my body, but I'm pretty good at what I'm doing. It's just what I think. :wink:
  • _SusieQ_
    _SusieQ_ Posts: 2,964 Member
    I wouldn't worry about them miscontruing your intentions, I would worry more about how your comment raises awareness that they are getting unwanted attention. If you notice them enough to want to comment, then they will feel others notice them as well. This will make them even more self-conscious. The best thing to do is treat them exactly how you treat any average joe skinny person who is running.

    I was trying to figure out how to say this and you did it for me. I don't want any pats on the back for running because I am fat. If you approached only fat ol' me on my treadmill or the trail to say anything, I'd hear it as "Bless your fat little heart for trying to run like the skinny people!" But I am a pessimist like that.

    EXACTLY THIS.
  • EmpressOfJudgment
    EmpressOfJudgment Posts: 1,162 Member
    In other words, overweight people aren't little mentally challenged kids.
  • Novikay
    Novikay Posts: 62
    In other words, overweight people aren't little mentally challenged kids.

    Never said or implied that. If I did, I'd be calling myself a mentally challenged child, because I was overweight until about a year and a half ago.
  • Larimartda
    Larimartda Posts: 7 Member
    I love positive encouragement, and I also get motivated by negative encouragement to prove them wrong LOL.
  • ShadowSylph
    ShadowSylph Posts: 45
    A simple smile is good enough - seriously. lol
    When I'm working out, outside, I don't like people watching me, let alone trying to have a conversation about weight loss :p
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