When does praise become insulting?
I don’t know if any of you have had this moment or not, maybe I’m crazy…or just over-reacting, but I’m curious about your opinions on this one.
Over the weekend, I was talking to some friends at work during a quick break, when one of them brought up my diet.
Don’t get me wrong, it was a very complimentary conversation….almost too complimentary.
As you know, I have been 100% faithful to my low carb diet since Jan 2nd. During the discussion I received such praise for holding out this long, without so much as a crouton.
It was very, ‘I don’t know how you do it’ and ‘I am so proud of you’, or ‘I can’t believe I can sit next to you and eat pasta and bread and it not bother you’
One woman in particular, just kept going on and on about it, then the question and answer portion of the conversation started….it was nice but so over the top. So much so that it began to make me feel uncomfortable.
I gave up carbs, not crack! I’ve lost some weight, I didn’t cure cancer! Yeah, my ass is getting smaller but it’s not like I have single handedly changed the world….it was odd.
It just seemed to me like I was recieving ther kind of praise that should me reserved for someone who has done something astonishing….losing 30lbs or not eating bread does not strike me as astonishing. While I know it was well intended, it almost felt patronizing.
When does support become embarrassing?
Along the embarrassing note…I had the most wonderful and vivid dream lastnight. No it wasn’t a romantic romp on the beach with some George Clooney type, I was dreaming about eating ice cream and mashed potatoes.
How pathetic am I?
I honestly woke up this morning feeling full of dread and regret, wanting to kick my own ass for breaking my diet. It took a good half hour before I realized that it was just a dream.
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on Atkins some day you will sell your soul………for a bagel……….
I think you should not look a gift horse in the mouth. Before starting this weight loss plan, I quit smoking, Yeah 2 packs a day. Smoke free for 5 and a half weeks and you know what? You damn right I want compliments. How else do we get anywhere in this world. When I get to your level of 30# lost I will be looking for Kudos there too. Try dreaming about smoking again. EEEEEEEEEE. Anyhoo keep it up. If you run out of people who marvel at your progress, call me.
I tend to agree with you, if they go on too much, it’s like they are trying to convince themselves, or something. Also, you should be proud of yourself, and when you are, then nothing anyone else can say really matters. I am learning that I need to depend only on my self as far as what goes into my body and when and how much. Are you doing the Atkins, or the South Beach diet? or a different one. And how many carbs to you allow yourself in a day. Keep up the wonderful job your doing with your self.
I can remember times when I have done people like that and I will now take them into consideration. The only reason why it was so amazing to me is because I didn’t believe in myself enought to do it. So how could it be possible for someone else to. Don’t take it personal. Beleive me there will be more times like this. Losing weight is a Very Big Deal so enjoy and bass in your success. I’m also doing the atkins and only 1 wk in today so you give me hope. Good luck!!
Thats a really good question. Never thought about it like that, for me I would love the praise, but like you after a bit I would probably feel somewhat uncomfortable. I can’t stand to be “center attention” anyways. Did you try changing the subject? Maybe that would work next time. I personally want to say “high fives” and good job for staying true to your eating. You must be feeling sooooooooo much better!!!
I ran into the same thing this weekend. My hubby took me out dancing and I was having a great time. Then we seen a couple of friends that we haven’t seen in a couple of years. While I know that he is proud of me, he wouldn’t leave go of the fact that I am changing my lifestyle. I know that he wanted everyone to know how proud he was of me, but when they saw me a couple of years ago I was THINNER than I am now! It was embarrassing, but I tried to remember that he had good intentions. But it’s not always easy.
I no the feeling about questions. I always get people asking me about my plan. First they go into the issues that I AM TOO SMALL and am I STARVING MYSELF??? Well like duh NO!!! I eat healthy and dont go and get fast food and drinks sodas everyday. Then they say, Babe how much more weight you got to lose?? and I tell them and their mouths fly opened like WHAT????? You wont ne nothing but skin and bones…Ok give me a break will you!! I am big boned and my bones are showing so what. At least I am healthy and feel great and look it too. I dont have high blood pressure anymore. And get this, of course most of them know that I had cancer and wants to no if I am losing weight cause of my cancer maybe coming back?? Well like NO!! Did I check with my doctor about my weight plan?? Yes I did and he put me at a weight that he thought I should be. I had to get this slip so I could be in my Tops diet class. Come on now, leave me alone will you?? I realize that alot of them have never seen me this small, Gosh even I havent seen me this small since I was in high school and that was 40 some yrs ago. lol lol Man am I old. lol lol Ok I am oroud of you and you keep on doing what you are doing. You are doing it for you and you only. Be strong girlfriend. Huggs Ms Babe
I can’t relate given that I haven’t had that kind of success in let’s say…hmmmm…8 years or so. But one thing I will tell you…the more I read about your success, the more I want to do Atkins!
Oh honey!! You are not pathetic at all.. I understand. We all have crazy dreams.. Just think you are being soo full of strong will and self control!!
You go Erika! You are doing great! I think some people are just amazed that you are accomplishing something that they can not fathom doing themselves.
Have a good one!