May 19, 2009

Unsolicited Commentary

I received three comments yesterday that stuck out in my head. One I think was a compliment, one I'm not sure about, and the last was definitely an insult.

I was wearing a red headband, a red flower pin (my great-grandmother's - all my pretty jewelry once belonged to her), and red bracelets. One of the guys at work asked if I was also wearing red shoes.

"No, I have a pair, but its not a high heel." He then asked why it needed to be. "Because I'm so skinny, my pants are drooping and I need the heel to keep them from dragging the ground."

I can say this to him, because he knows first hand how insecure I really am. One day after work, his comments caused me to cry and go all evening without dinner. He knows when I say I'm skinny I really don't believe it.

Another one of the guy at work told me yesterday that I was looking "Betty Boopish". Its gotta be better than the Minnie Mouse comments I got when I wore that red and black polka dotted shirt. Still, is being compared to a cartoon character with an annoyingly high voice a good thing?

Then finally my insult of the day - at lunch I ran 4.2 miles in 45:30. I was incredibly proud of myself, that's maintaining my average speed but increasing my distance. My new MP3 player helped - the music kept me from getting too sluggish towards the end of the run.

When I got back into work however, I was told that I "run like a grannie".

But ya know, even that wasn't enough to kill the running buzz I had. I think I'm officially addicted to running. On tap for tomorrow, interval training.

Also, I'm very proud of myself for not letting her comments affect me more than they did. There was a time in my life a comment like that would have made me give up completely.

As for my outfit today, I'm dressed head to ankle in cotton candy pink (sorry, I had to go with black shoes). Wonder what character I'll be compared to today?

13 comments:

  1. I know exactly what you mean. Hurtful comments are the ones I never ever forget. Nice comments seem to never stick with me just the negative. It just doesn't make sense. But like you, I have learned to not let them upset me too much. I may carry them forever but I try not to let them get me down. I, for one, think you are amazing to take up running!!

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  2. Who cares how you look, you ran 4.2 freaking miles! That's awesome!!!

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  3. Aren't all women somewhat insecure of their bodies? Judging from your profile pic, I would say, you are beautiful and thin, too!

    Don't be worried so much about your size. That's only numbers. You are a Daughter of God, heir to his love. His opinion of you is the only one that matters. And I'm certain he thinks you are pretty darn wonderful just the way you are!

    Just dropping in from SITS.

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  4. Who cares what others think! You ran over 4 miles yesterday at lunch and what did they do? Keep up the great work! I'm proud of you and I bet so are a whole lot of other people. =)

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  5. "compliments" like that SUCK!! That is awesome running!! I wish I could get a run in during lunch hour but I'd probably force my officemate to flee with my stink...on second thought, that might not be such a bad idea :)
    ~ Katie

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  6. When people criticize they are the ones that are the ones with insecurities. Don't let them get you down. You're doing something you enjoy. Good for you getting out there at lunch.

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  7. Hey, Betty Boop was a cartoon sex symbol...so maybe the person was just callin' you out on your HAWTNESS! :)

    I don't know many grannies who can run 4.2 in 45!

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  8. I would say that he doesn't know what a granny runs like! Nice job - I, for one am majorly impressed!

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  9. GOOD FOR YOU not letting them bother you anymore :) my theory pertaining to this is to be like a duck-let it roll off your back :)

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  10. Seriously, who cares what those people think?! Don't let their opinions rule you. You are doing one fantastic job staying in shape. If only half of us worked as hard as you do there wouldn't be an obesity problem in our country!

    The only people's opinions who should matter to you are God's and your husbands. Everyone else can just stick it where the sun don't shine!

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  11. Oh I hate comments like that. Hadn't anyone ever told them if you can't say anything nice don't say anything at all. Seriously they are probably jealous you are out there running, and there not!

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  12. When people say things like that, all they are advertising is their own insecurities and self-loathing. When you see it for what it is, it won't hurt you hun.

    Keep going!!!! I'm so proud of you and you ARE skinny!! Now get strong on the inside and outside, ok?

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  13. I am so excited for your progress, even in learning to "let folks be folks". Funny what stupid things fall out of people's mouths!!!

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what up yo?