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| It's not like this for serious. CREDIT. |
Usually this happens most with regular customers. I’ll be working at the bar, mixing drinks
like a true master of all things alcoholic and a customer will clear their
throat in a way that quite obviously means “I have something to say with
absolutely no idea how to say it.” After
acknowledging the dramatic throat clear, I’ll find myself in the middle of a
stammering, uncomfortable conversation that boils down to asking if I’ve lost
weight.
“Um, I don’t really know how to say this, but have
you…um…maybe lost a little weight?”
“You know, you look different. I guess I’m not sure, but maybe you’ve been
at the gym a bit lately?”
“I think, well maybe I don’t know, that perhaps you’ve toned
up some. I’m not really sure. I don’t come here that much.”
Actually, you’re here twice a week, but whose counting
anyway? No matter the delivery, it’s
pretty obvious that people have no idea how to address the change in my
body. Of course I totally
understand. We live in a society that
has – rightfully – taught us it’s disrespectful to make inquires regarding a
woman’s weight. Hell, it’s rude to make
inquires about anyone’s weight. But
sometimes, regardless of the situation, it’s nice to hear a compliment.
And that, my friends, is the difference. If it’s apparent that someone has had a
positive body change odds are they’d probably love a positive response to that
change. I’ve literally worked my ass off
of my body after months of very hard work.
I’ve sweated. I’ve sustained
myself on boiled chicken. I’ve consumed
more protein in liquid form than some people probably eat in a year. And most of it has totally sucked. It was hard and it’s nice knowing that all of
it really did make a noticeable difference.
Yes, I can look in the mirror everyday like a vain little twit and spew
affirmations, but nothing is better than someone else taking notice and saying
something nice.
If you notice a change in someone, go ahead and say
something. If they’re anything like me,
they’ll really appreciate the compliment.
After all, a girl cannot live on protein and complex carbs alone; those
don’t feed the soul.
So go ahead and sit at my bar and confidentially ask if I’m
a personal trainer (yes, that actually happened). Point out that I may have lost weight. Because guess what? I have.
If I can generalize, remember the importance of
complimenting people. Yes, it can
occasionally feel awkward to do so, but it can really make a person’s day. It’s just nice to be noticed and – even more
so – appreciated. I’ve made it my new
personal goal to compliment someone everyday because the world could use a
little love. Let’s spread love people!
Oh, and thanks for letting me know how much you like my “guns.”
And, because I like votes and I'm a shameless self-promoter, don't forget to vote daily in the Hooters Halloween Costume Contest on Facebook. Once again I made my costume from scratch this year. I'm hoping - with your help - to break into the top three and win some money to support my student ass. Please help me buy Ramen liquid egg whites.
Then feel free to LIKE ME ON FACEBOOK! It's where the magic happens.
I've discovered when I diet that people have this weird reaction. They'll *know* I'm dieting but when I actually lose weight it seems to freak them out. I think the perception is dieting is something people do that doesn't actually work, because it doesn't work for *them.* Because they don't have the will-power to stick with it. So, when it *does* work it sort of challenges their perceptions and makes them feel like failures. Instead of inspiring them. Okay, rant over. You look smashing, Sauce--all that hard work and discipline is showing according to your pic. Yes, I voted for you. Again.
ReplyDeleteI think the title should say "Skinnier." Unless, of course, all this hard work at the gym has turned you into Mulder and Scully's boss on The X-Files.
ReplyDeleteI've also lost a bit of weight fairly recently, but people seem to have no trouble expressing it.
ReplyDeleteI've gotten everything from, "You look great! How do you do it?"
to, "What happened to your ass? You look like a boy!"
I rather enjoy the first, not so much the second.
Good lookin' out, Janus! I will blame it on the financial analysis I was taking a break from because I hate doing it with a passion.
ReplyDeleteI'm in the Blonde's situation, too. I've recently lost a lot of weight, and toned down from running. I didn't even intend to lose weight when I started running; I just wanted to get in shape. I actually was pretty freaked out from how small I got, becase I have had problems with anorexia in high school, exc. People have had no problems telling me that I've gotten very skinny...it makes me feel very awkward.
ReplyDeleteI had Gastric Bypass Nov 10, 2010. The people I wait on have literally watched me melt. I get a LOT of positive responses, and the occasional, you are too thin, you look sick etc....
ReplyDeleteIt is very hard for people to say things, especially when they are our regulars, they feel like they are our friends, and don't want to hurt our feelings.
Keep up the great work, you are amazing and I love your blog.
We went to our local Hooters for my Bday last night, it was great! My husband and his friend ate a metric ton of AYCE..... dont worry, we tipped REALLY WELL!
I think perhaps the best way to approach this, as the "askee", is:
ReplyDeleteWow! You look really great! What's your secret?
This lets the person know that you've noticed a change without saying, "Have you lost weight?", which implies they previously thought the person was fat.
My opinion only, of course. :)
:huggles:
~watergirl~
I like it, watergirl. I totally agree!
ReplyDeleteI get the same question walking around in my lab coat playing with chemicals. Weird, huh?
ReplyDeleteI was in the contest too ;) I should have posted it on my blog, but I keep work separate thus far! It's fun to read yours now!
ReplyDelete