Body Image (was Re: [HPFGU-OTChatter] Oppressing the overdog)

[Amanda Lewanski]

Sheryll Townsend wrote:

> I am now a size 18 (and I'm 5'9",
> as well).

YAAAY! I don't have to worry about you thinking how big I am!!

> Now, granted, I could stand to lose 30 lbs,
> but I don't obsess over it.

I suspect I just don't have *time* to obsess over it.

>  She[ryll's sister] is obsessed with weight, runs every night (10 km)
> and has a Nordic Track in her bedroom.

I have a Nordic Trac in my bedroom, too. Perfect place to hang pantyhose
to dry, I must say.

> I actually see the harm in her behaviour affecting her
> daughter. My sister is constantly talking about how
> fattening certain foods are and things like that. Now
> her 5 year old is coming downstairs and asking if her
> clothes make her look fat. At 5 years old!

This, worry about. I thought my mother was the most beautiful woman in
the world, and she constantly told me how unhappy she was with how she
looked and how fat she was. Now my husband tells me I am beautiful, and
I constantly tell him how unhappy I am with how I look and how fat I am.
Because of this, I refuse to pass the legacy on, and have never spoken a
self-derogatory word in front of my daughter. Which has been *damned*
hard, I'm so in the habit, but I really think I could damage her if I
did. Who knows, she might really think I'm the most beautiful woman in
the world....

> Sheryll, who has never in her life turned down a meal
> someone else has cooked!

Who has never seen the sorts of things *I* cook....

--Amanda (I'm *kidding*, we haven't had to break out that stomach pump
but once)


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