It began as a seemingly innocent interaction. You stumbled upon a photo of mine online — I was wearing vibrant red lipstick, a form-fitting outfit, and a stylish vest — and felt an impulse to comment. You thought you were being funny when you posted, “Wow, that girl could use a sandwich!!!”
Original and hilarious, right? Clearly, the “skinny girl” needs a few more calories, perhaps a side of fries or a burger. But believe it or not, this isn’t the first time I’ve encountered such remarks. Standing at 5 feet tall and weighing 105 pounds, people often discuss my appearance, yet this was the first time a complete stranger criticized my body online. I’m a writer, and this comment was just one among many on an article addressing mental health.
I tried to dismiss it, but I couldn’t shake it off. Here’s what I want you to know, commenter: your words affected me deeply. They haunted me, and unfortunately, you were right in some respects. I needed nourishment; the discomfort in my stomach was a sign of my struggles. I felt weak, dizzy, and exhausted because, in reality, I was starving. Yet, for reasons you may not understand, I couldn’t eat. My body resisted food, making it impossible for me to consume even a morsel of toast.
Let me introduce myself: I’m not just “that girl.” My name is Lisa. I am a wife, a mother, a writer, and a mental health advocate. You might have known this if you had taken the time to read my work. Perhaps you simply didn’t care.
You might not realize that “that girl” carries a heavy emotional load. I have experienced the joys of life and the sorrows of loss. My heart has felt the immense love of motherhood, a type of love that nurtures and grows. Yet, I also wrestle with the pain of needing nourishment, battling an eating disorder that complicates my relationship with food.
Even after seven years of “recovery,” I still grapple with body image issues daily. While you see thinness, I still perceive my thighs as thick and am overly critical of my figure. I see flaws where you see beauty, leading to obsessive exercise routines. I run five miles a day, five days a week, to maintain control over my body and mind. It’s not just a choice; it’s a necessity driven by self-judgment.
I monitor not only my calorie intake but also my physical performance. I count every sit-up, every lunge, and every step to justify the occasional indulgence, like sharing an Oreo with my daughter. Just this morning, I stepped on the scale for the first time in a year and felt a wave of dread wash over me. I found myself standing in a hot shower, trying to manipulate my body in the futile hope of changing its shape.
While you may have thought your comment was harmless, it was deeply hurtful. “That girl” felt criticized and judged, once again reduced to her appearance in the eyes of others. Your words reminded me of my struggles and challenges.
Please, before you make a joke or comment online, consider the person on the other end. Behind every article is a writer, a human being with their own journey, facing battles you cannot see.
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In summary, words have power, and it’s crucial to be mindful of the impact they can have on others. Everyone has their own battles to fight, and compassion can go a long way.
Keyphrase: Consider Your Words Carefully
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