Cut Me In Half

One of the things about weight loss that can take some getting used to are the compliments. Often times, we become so self-conscious about our weight loss, we’ll take any compliment with a grain of salt, wondering if the person is serious, joking, trying to patronize us or trying to hurt us. We’ve grown a reflex action about our weight, and how we expect that people are going to react to it.

This shell can be hard to come out of, too. We’d rather give a simple, “Thanks” in return than take a chance that the person’s not serious about it. And it doesn’t matter if it’s a coworker, a friend or family member who’s trying to send some praise our way: if it’s a mere acquaintance, we may think that they’re just trying to be friendly; if it’s a close confidante, we could feel that they’re just trying to pump us up with good thoughts.

But how about this as a third option: assuming that the compliments are genuine and truly enjoying them? Sure, maybe you don’t like being the center of attention, but isn’t this whole journey you’re taking about becoming a new you—inside and out? You are transforming yourself, after all, and who would be better at noticing it than someone outside of your skin—someone who won’t be self-critical, someone who doesn’t see you as often as you see yourself and will be more objective about it?

So give yourself some credit. You’re doing well and maybe more people than just you will notice. Gaining some positive attention can be a great motivator for you, too. Don’t go fishing for compliments, of course—but don’t be surprised when they come your way, either.

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