too skinny
The story
i've always been told i'm too skinny; like, what does that even mean? i mean, can a person ever be too skinny? it's not like i'm starving myself or anything. i'm just seventeen. so let me set the scene: i stare into my closet and think about all the clothes that look weird because they hang off my frame like i'm some sort of hanger; everything meant to fit snug and cute, instead, it looks like a cheap mannequin display. i'm a girl who loves fashion magazines, but every article about the size zero models makes me feel inadequate and yet too adequate at the same time. it's crazy, isn't it? instead of being happy with my body, i'm constantly criticized by strangers, "eat a cheeseburger" they say with a laugh that tastes as sour as unwarranted judgment. i roll my eyes at those ignorant remarks, but deep down, it leaves a mark, like a permanent tattoo of self-doubt. even my doctor, who's supposed to be reassuring, goes on about my body mass index, like "girl, i know it's below average, but i eat". it's not like i want to be this way, trust me if i could add a few pounds in a blink, i totally would. have you seen how people treat those with curves? like they’ve discovered the holy grail of acceptance; what a world we live in. in gym class, i'm that girl who avoids the scales and cringes at the sight of a tape measure. the reaction from others is usually a mix of concern and envy, both equally unsettling. ever tried sitting at a dinner table with someone who scrutinizes your plate? "is that all you're eating?" – gosh, yes Karen, that’s all i’m eating today, move on! i can't help but feel like "Goldilocks and the Three Bears" where nothing is just right. why is it acceptable to comment on someone being thin but taboo to mention excess weight? what sort of double standard is this society serving us? casually people assume my life is perfect, just because i'm a size that can squeeze into whatever's on the sale rack. my friends talk about thigh gaps and diet fads, but i’d kill just to fill out a pair of jeans properly. dude, ever heard of "skinny shaming"? it's real, and it sucks. the body positivity movement is powerful, and i believe in it, but hey, it’s selective sometimes. everyone rallies for "all shapes and sizes", until it’s a shape and size they think doesn't fit into their narrative. i get it though – i'm not complaining about my health or anything, i know i'm lucky, but can we talk about how i feel for a moment? once, during a biology lecture about metabolism rates, i flinched at the professor’s words, imagining the class thinking i’m some anomaly. when did this competitive, comparative analysis become our new norm? no one seems to grasp that metabolism isn't just another word for magic tricks, it's basic biology, yet i feel judged by my own cellular processes. how insane is that? magazine covers might say "thin is in," but try being seventeen and "in" feels like living under a microscope where every move is critiqued, not celebrated. everyone wants me to meet their subjective ideal instead of accepting the fluctuating, unpredictable human form i house. sometimes i wonder if it’ll ever change, or if i’ll just become more desensitized to the pokes and jabs over time. maybe i've been quoting too much Sartre, who knows, i’m just trying to navigate this minefield called adolescence with a sense of humor and a thick skin thinner than i’d like it to be. at least i know i’m not alone in this, the internet forums prove that – lots of underweight teens encouraging and sharing tips and stories to empower one another. we need more of that solidarity, don't you think? so, what's the verdict, internet stranger? any revolutionary tips for a girl who's frustrated, tired of being quantified by caloric intake and body fat percentage when really, she just wants enough room to be herself? after all, life’s complicated enough without having to wage a war with the scale every morning. 🥺
Stories in the same category
Points of view
Hey there! I totally get that you're feeling frustrated, but I think we might be looking at this from different angles. I believe everyone has their own struggles, right? And while being skinny might not seem like an issue to some, others might wish they had your situation!!! It's important to remember that health isn't just about weight—it's about how you feel physically and emotionally. Society definitely puts a weird focus on body image, but isn't it important to focus on what really matters, like your health?
I'm naturally pretty slim myself, and I know what it's like to get those comments about being too thin (!!), but I've found that confidently owning who you are can shift how people talk to you. It's like they need some kind of reassurance that you're healthy, you know what I mean?? Plus, everyone has different metabolism rates and nutritional needs, so maybe it's just about finding what works for you, regardless of what others say!!! It's really about being comfortable in your own skin than fitting into anyone else's idea of "perfect."
At the end of the day, you have to remember that people can be opinionated, sometimes in not-so-nice ways, but maybe they don't realize how it affects you. It's all about finding a balance where you feel good and happy—and nothing beats that! Remember, there are more important things than just body appearance, things like your interests, your passions, and your dreams—those should certainly take up more space in your mind than others' perceptions!
Totally get where you're coming from! Society has some serious double standards when it comes to body image. People often don't realize that skinny shaming is a real thing and can be just as damaging as any other form of body shaming. What's up with everyone thinking they can comment on your weight without knowing anything about your lifestyle?
Your point about the body positivity movement is so valid; it's supposed to include everyone, yet sometimes it's selective in who it actually supports. It can be frustrating when people focus on your size instead of your actual health and well-being.
I think you're absolutely right to point out that comments about thinness can leave a lasting mark on your self-esteem; focusing on feeling good in your own skin is what's important. Keep doing you, and remember you're not alone in this!
your story highlights some interesting points, but I can't entirely agree with your perspective. while it's true that comments can be insensitive and hurtful, it seems like you're giving them more power than they deserve. people can be clueless sometimes, and their comments—"eat a cheeseburger" or whatever—are often more about their biases than your reality 🤨.
sure, the body positivity movement is flawed. but if you're letting societal pressures dictate your self-worth, you're only fueling this flawed system. instead, consider that people come in all shapes and sizes, and everyone deals with their own version of body image issues.
as the saying goes, "comparison is the thief of joy." take charge of how you interpret these moments, and maybe you'll find strength in adversity 💪. focusing not only on the physical silhouette but also on inner health and well-being could shift your perspective. your journey is unique—embrace it.
i get what you're saying, and you're mostly spot-on about the annoying double standards and the frustrating comments. they really make it seem like everyone feels entitled to weigh in on your body. but, come on, some things you mentioned maybe need a different perspective. it feels like you're letting those remarks get way too much under your skin 😒.
i know it's irritating when people act like they know everything about metabolism or presume your lifestyle. yet, it’s sort of unavoidable in this society obsessed with appearances. even within the body positivity movement—which you rightly point out sometimes fails—there's a lack of understanding about different body issues.
perhaps rather than focusing on the negativity, you could channel energy into what makes you feel good, rather than letting unsolicited opinions define you. while lots of people are clueless, at the end of the day, how you choose to react or not react is in your hands. change might be slow, but accepting your own uniqueness might take you further.
Hey, I get where you're coming from, but I feel like there might be another side to the story. People often comment without understanding the full picture and, yeah, it totally sucks when anyone makes you feel less than; but maybe they're trying to show some concern in their clumsy way. It's rough out here with everyone having an opinion, but sometimes it's just a reflection of their own insecurities, you know??
I've been on the receiving end of those comments about being too thin, and it's not always easy to brush them off, for sure. But have you thought about flipping the script a bit and using that as a way to educate others? Sometimes people don't realize how their words can impact someone else, and giving them some perspective might change that. Everyone has their own battles, and maybe they just need a little nudge to see that it's not just about numbers on a scale but about how we treat each other.
Honestly, focusing on what makes you feel good and staying true to yourself is super important!!! Keep at it and know that you’re doing just fine, regardless of what others say. There's a lot of pressure out there, but it's all about doing you and loving each step of your journey 😉!
hey, I totally see where you're coming from, but maybe we're just all experiencing different sides of the coin. we all have our struggles, right? like, people don't always realize that comments can sting, but sometimes they just don't know how to express concern properly. you know how it is when folks say, "just eat more"? it's like, man, it’s never that simple.
but maybe there's a way to flip it around and use those interactions to drop some knowledge on people. a little perspective can go a long way. being confident and embracing who you are is key, even if it feels like you're in the spotlight sometimes. and as cliche as it sounds, trying not to be swayed by others' opinions can be super empowering.
like the old saying goes, "you do you"—just keep focusing on what makes you happy and healthy, and keep pushing forward with confidence 😎!
completely get your frustration and honestly, I couldn't agree more. society constantly imposes these double standards—it’s so wild. being told to "eat a cheeseburger" like it’s just that easy to change one's body structure is nothing short of irritating. plus, it's like folks don't realize skinny shaming is as harmful as any other form of body scrutiny.
you’re spot-on about the body positivity movement; it’s supposed to be inclusive but sometimes misses the mark. comments about your body can impact your self-esteem for sure. but, you're right to focus on just being comfortable in your own skin because that’s what truly matters.
as the saying goes, “the grass isn’t always greener on the other side;” keep embracing who you are and sharing your story. you've got this! 😊