Before I move forward with this particular entry, I will declare that I will never use the word "skinny" unless I feel as though a woman is unhealthy and underweight. For myself, and many thin girls, the word skinny has a negative connotation to it. It's the word used to describe anorexics. It alludes to someone who is not fit or taking care of themselves. Perhaps I'm mistaken, but that's how I feel about it and this is my blog...so be it.
Moving along....
I was once shopping at my favorite haunt, Ann Taylor Outlet, and the girl who worked there had helped me a couple of times in the past. She was extremely petite. Most likely around 5'2" and I would have been shocked if she topped 100lbs. As she folded my clothes, she had a sort of sad look on her face. In an effort to lift her spirits I relied on small talk,
"You were right, I decided to go with the medium on that shirt. It fits better."
This was my effort at giving her credit for knowing her customer. I figured by saying you're good at your job, it would make her a little happier. Instead, she looked at me, and said,
"I wish I could fit in the Medium. Nothing fits me. I always have to have everything altered."
Then it hit me. She was so petite she couldn't shop in women's departments. Her size dictated that she was not a grown woman but a child.
More often than not, there's no empathy for the thin ladies.
"Don't complain! You're skinny."
"Please...if I looked like you I'd walk around naked all day."
"Just shut up. I don't even want to hear about your skinny problems."
Our culture has trained us that being a size two or smaller is perfection, and therefore if that is what you are then you surely cannot be unhappy with yourself. But take a moment to consider...
What do men, media, and other women happily and incessantly talk about? Breasts. If you are a naturally thin woman, chances are that you are not large chested. It only makes sense. That's not who you are meant to be. And yet, what is more feminine than breasts? Curves? Another thing that thin women sometimes lack. Yes, so they can fit in a size zero, that size doesn't guarantee their self-esteem or happiness.
How often do we associate happiness with dress size? I'm here to tell you, the two do not correlate. I will say that fitness and happiness go hand in hand, but some women are not meant to have D cup breasts and wear wiggle dresses. But they can rock a sheath dress like no one's business.
So for my thin ladies out there...I hear you. I don't want you to shut up. I want to hear about your body struggles just like someone who struggles with being overweight. Being smaller than a size two doesn't mean you don't have a voice. It doesn't mean that you don't hurt or feel bad about yourself some days or most days. I will tell you the same that I tell all other ladies: you are beautiful. No matter what our world dictates to you that you "lack" or "need," you just be you and be proud of the majesty that is your body.
