A buddy labeled me fat beneath our photo and suggested that I remove the unflattering image: I needed to discipline her.
This trip was something my husband and I had been planning for a while. We arranged a last-minute sea excursion, and I found myself standing on the shore a day after my flight.
He was at my side even though I always knew I didn’t fit the mold. He held me in his arms with pride rather than sympathy. I also didn’t need anything else.
We took a picture by the water at sunset on the third day. We just gave each other a hug. On social media, I shared it.
The remarks were kind and heartfelt. “You seem so genuine.” “What matters is love.” “You appear to be from a movie scene.”
And all of a sudden:
I’m sorry, but your reputation is damaged by this picture. You appear to be a chubby market woman. If you don’t want people to make fun of you, delete it.
My closest friend wrote this. The person with whom I shared college experiences, including her breakup, sleepless nights, tears, and humor.
The message was read three times by me. My heart stopped beating. It simply ceased.
I didn’t respond right away. I left the picture in place. I went to my hubby after shutting down my laptop.
I sobbed that night and made the decision that I had to let my friend know that this was not acceptable conduct. And I did just that.
I didn’t publicly end the connection. I simply vanished from her life without a trace. However, prior to that… I posted something else.
My husband and I may be seen holding hands and laughing in the picture. I’m wearing a bathing suit. The caption was straightforward:
“I was never skinny. However, I was always adored.
I have bad news for anyone who judge beauty by numbers: you will never experience true love.
P.S. I want to thank everyone who can see hearts with true eyes. And good luck to everyone who is no longer with me; you’ll need it.
The friend replied again a few hours later, this time with a lengthy apology. that she “didn’t think,” “was worried,” and “meant well.”
I didn’t open the message, though. I simply moved on from her.
I launched my blog about body acceptance and self-love two days later. Thirty thousand people followed it. For the first time in years, someone wrote that I encouraged them to visit the beach.
