As humans, we have a social desire to fit in, being part of a community is what has kept us alive for all these years. But when it comes to comments on our appearances it's never okay for someone to comment on your weight or make you feel self-conscious about your body! Your body is your business... not theirs.
This is something that comes up a lot in my client sessions. For some, the idea of setting boundaries can be overwhelming, often opting for the discomfort of not saying anything out of fear that we may offend the other person. The good news is, you don't have to be rude or mean to set your boundary.
Here are some ways you can set boundaries in this situation:
Communicate your feelings: Let the person know how their comments make you feel and that you don't appreciate them. It's important to be assertive and stand up for yourself. You could try saying something like "I feel hurt and disrespected when you comment on my weight. Please stop."
Set a clear boundary: Let the person know that you don't want to hear comments about your weight or appearance. You can say something like, "I don't want to discuss my weight or appearance. Please respect my boundaries."
Enforce the boundary: If the person continues to comment on your weight, it is important to follow through on your boundary and take action to protect yourself. This might involve setting limits on your interactions with the person, or seeking support from others.
Change the subject: If the person continues to bring up your weight, try changing the subject or redirecting the conversation.
Take time for yourself: If the person's comments are particularly hurtful or distressing, it may be helpful to take some time for yourself to process your feelings.
Seek support: If the person's comments are causing you significant distress, and your boundary is not respected, consider seeking support from people who do respect your wishes (there will be people in the world who will do this) whether this is from a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional.
Remember, it is important to stand up for yourself and set boundaries to protect your well-being. You deserve to be treated with respect and kindness!
I hope you found this helpful. If you need an ally book a free no-pressure discovery call today to see how I can help you with your relationship with food.
Kirsty x
Please note the information provided in this article is not a substitute for medical or dietetic advice. If you have any queries regarding your diet or your physical or mental health, please speak to your GP or a registered healthcare professional.