Being comfortable in your own skin

I don't want to continue a separate discussion on someone else's post so I will say here..

when someone posts a comment about a particular topic, do you feel a need to "correct" them with your own experience.

I see that on here (and perhaps I do it without knowing) and it can be frustrating and daunting to post certain things.

I feel like if you work to be a certain way and live your life the way you want to, WHY do you have to validate yourself when someone posts something that *could* be construed as contrary or a fact/opinon that doesn't gel with your choices?

I refer both specifically to my exchange with Anniegirl (and this is not a "call out" or anything- just making a point) and also to the board at large.

a while back I was trying ot put on a few pounds that I had lost (and I was HUGELY successful, and yes I mean the pun ) and it felt almost uncomfortable.

anywho, it's a curiosity.

Re: Being comfortable in your own skin

Message edited 11/11/2011 2:41:26 PM.

Re: Being comfortable in your own skin

I think this issue also comes up when it comes to spending money. For some reason, people feel the need to explain why they do or don't spend money on certain items, brands, etc.

But to answer your question, I am not sure why there is a need to validate. I think in some cases it stems from insecurity. Or, sometimes I think it's just a topic that someone has strong feelings about.

I get more annoyed when people feel that their way is the only way!

I also think there are times when someone takes a thread personally that is not directed toward them.

And, I do beleive that other times, a poster is just trying to show a different way or opinion.

Re: Being comfortable in your own skin

In my case, I've worked for almost 20 years at getting my body to look a certain way, and that is to NOT look too thin. So after busting my a$$ and eating healthy for that long, I'm not just going to sit here and NOT validate myself.
And that's my reason!

Oh, and that I have to stand up for all my slim (*not* skinny) sistas out there!

Re: Being comfortable in your own skin

There are a few people on this board who have been such a valuable asset to those of us trying to lose weight or get into shape. I always value any opinion that Bri and Azad give on the WW thread because they have been so successful, and I feel the same way about Anniegrl's posts about fitness. Their successes are proof enough; I don't think they need to validate themselves.

Re: Being comfortable in your own skin

I don't think sharing your own experience is validating yourself....

And I think you can be comfortable in your own skin and still let people know your thoughts on something as well, which is what I think Ann was doing in that other thread.

Re: Being comfortable in your own skin

Re: Being comfortable in your own skin

I really don't understand what you're getting at, but no, I don't think it's weird or a sign that someone is not comfortable in their own skin if they speak about their experience. I think it's perfectly normal.

Re: Being comfortable in your own skin

I really don't want to rehash Anne's comments in particular, b/c like I said in my OP, this is not ONLY specifically about that exchange.

but even in that, she herself said WHY she does it. which I appreciate.

what I am "getting at" is that it seems we don't always allow conflicting opinions to just sit b/c of our personal beliefs, which does not seem to necessarily be fair.

the use of the word CAN in particular, means that either truth or opinion is not absolute...so since it's already implied, it seems like overkill to "disprove" something that in and of itself, is admittedly only true in certain instances.

I hope that it's clear.

and Anniegirl, I appreciate that you did not take this as an attack, as it's definitely not how it was intended.