“I think your clothes are a little too small for you.”
When mothers make quick trips to the grocery store, it’s widely recognized that many of us aren’t exactly dressed to impress. Typically, it’s yoga pants and a comfy hoodie or some form of casual attire because shopping with little ones can feel like an extreme sport.
So, when mom Rachel Johnson headed to her local grocery store, she looked just like any other parent on a mission. Unfortunately, her appearance caught the attention of a stranger who felt compelled to comment on her outfit in a hurtful way.
While shopping, Rachel noticed someone staring at her. “I really dislike when people gawk, but I didn’t say anything,” she shared. “Moments later, she approached me and bluntly stated, ‘I think your clothes are a little too small on you.’” Cue the record scratch.
Oh, absolutely not. What gives anyone the right to make unsolicited remarks about a stranger’s body or clothing? Seriously, unless you’re offering a compliment or discussing the weather, there’s just no reason to engage.
Rachel was taken aback and thought she must have misheard. “I replied, ‘Excuse me?’ She then reiterated, ‘No offense, but you’re just a bit big for those clothes.’” Stunned, Rachel stood frozen as the woman continued her critique: “I’m not trying to be unkind, but you might want to rethink your outfit choices before heading out.”
That phrase, “I’m not trying to be unkind,” is merely the modern version of “No offense, but.” If you have to start a sentence like that, you might as well be holding a sign that says, “I’m inconsiderate.”
Rachel, who was with her four-month-old son, left the store in tears. “Why are people so rude?” she pondered. “It’s no secret that I’ve gained weight after having two children. Do I know I’m overweight? Yes. Do I want to lose some? Yes. But am I content with how I look? Absolutely! What prompts a stranger to go out of their way to insult someone?”
Many mothers can relate to feeling insecure about their post-baby bodies, yet Rachel knows she is healthy and that her child is thriving. She often nibbles on the leftovers from her baby’s meals and struggles to fit in regular exercise—something that resonates with countless moms. “My clothes might have been a bit snugger than usual, but so what? It shouldn’t matter what anyone wears,” she expressed. The real question is: can’t we just choose kindness and keep our opinions to ourselves? This whole interaction could have been easily avoided.
“I’m sharing this not for sympathy but to encourage anyone who reads this to be kind and respectful,” Rachel concluded. “I worry about the world my daughter will grow up in. We must lead by example.”
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In summary, Rachel’s experience highlights the importance of respecting others and refraining from unsolicited comments about their appearances. It serves as a reminder that kindness and empathy should be the norm in our interactions with others.