I’m minding my own business at the gym the other day, happily meandering around the weight room when one of the “fitness consultants” approaches.
(How bad-ass I imagine I look) Source
“Hey, you’ve been working out here for awhile now, but I don’t think I’ve ever learned your name,” he says casually. Hmmmm, I think to myself, it’s probably because I have no desire for you to know my name. My antisocial, just leave me alone and let me work out in peace attitude starts to surface.
“I’m Dana,” I politely respond stifling my inner bitchiness.
“Hi Dana, I’m Jeff**.” He extends his hand. You really want to shake my hand right now? Can you not see how sweaty I am? I politely shake his hand, intending to end our little exchange and get back to lifting. But Jeff persists, “I can’t help but notice you look like you’re losing some of the definition in your stomach. If you want to set up a session with me I can show you a great workout to tighten that area up.”
I glare at Jeff with my “I can’t believe you just said that, I’m ready to go all psycho on you and rip your head off” eyes. He doesn’t seem phased. I muster up the gumption to interject but Jeff continues.
“A lot of women notice that has they get older (excuse me, when has 27 ever been classified as old?) it’s easier to accumulate fat around the midsection. But if we go over your diet and exercise plan I’m guessing there are some simple changes we can make to keep that from happening.”
Can your diet and exercise plan remove this baby from my midsection? I’m sure that would tighten things up quite a bit you ass. I almost say this out loud, but I decide to let him continue knowing that once I do reveal I am pregnant, not just the fatty he is implying I am, he will feel like an even bigger ass. Sometimes I can be a little evil.
Jeff continues on about the importance of high intensity interval training for fat burning and avoiding sugar because it turns to fat. “Do you want to go downstairs with me for a consultation?” he asks. “We can get some baseline measurements for weight and waist size. Give me four sessions and I’ll bet we can knock a whole inch off your waist and 5lbs off the scale.” Do these aggressive, make you feel like shit tactics really work on most women?
I finally decide to spare Jeff any further humiliation, plus he set himself with that last statement. “Well Jeff,” I say “I don’t think my doctor would approve of me losing 5lbs right now, but if you want to wait until mid July, I’d be more than happy to drop say 6-8lbs all in one day and you can take full credit, although my husband might not like that.” I’m relishing in the confused look on his face. I wait long enough for there be that cinematic, dramatic pause. “Yea, I’m 19 weeks pregnant.”
A flash of understanding crosses his eyes, and I’m expecting him to apologize and wander off to find some other girl with an expanding midsection to torture. But instead Jeff surprises me. “Oh, you didn’t really look pregnant.” He laughs a little too confidently. “In that case, definitely look me up later in the summer and I can help you get off all that baby weight.” I cannot believe this guy. Oh Jeff, yes of course the first thing my former anorexic midsection wants to do after giving birth is come find you to be ridiculed and shamed. It would be the start of such a beautiful relationship.
I desperately search for something snarky to say, but in the end all I can think of is “no thanks,” and I walk away.
The world is full of people like Jeff: well intended but clueless. They make comments that lead you to question your self-worth, your beliefs, and your inherent goodness and beauty. They’re ready with a snap judgment or inappropriate remark that can bring you down even when you’re feeling on top of the world. You can’t avoid them because they’re everywhere. And unfortunately, despite my desire to mark this Jeff with a big, flashing neon sign that read Unintentional Jerk, they don’t come with any warning label or exterior sign of inner thoughtlessness.
The best remedy for a Jeff is to educate and move on. If you’re feeling brazen enough (which I was not at the time) tell him or her that, while you’re too confident to be brought down by their comment, other people not as tough as yourself might find it hurtful. Your advice might register with them, but since I don’t call them “clueless” without reason, it probably won’t. In that case, just walk away. Everyone views the world and the people in it through a unique lens. The way one person sees you does not truthfully reflect who you are as a person. It only reflects who you are through the personal experiences and biases of the person looking. Work on creating the most favorable, forgiving, and loving lens through which to view yourself. In the end, that’s the only perspective that really matters.
In the meantime, if anyone does come up with a good “jerk tagging” system, please let me know. I’ll spearhead the campaign!
**Name has been changed to protect the identity of said fitness consultant (you’ll see why he needs protection in a moment).
The shirt I contemplated buying but decided it wasn’t worth spending $20 to flaunt my insecurity:
9 comments
Comments feed for this article
February 18, 2012 at 5:41 pm
nicole marie story
Oh, Dana! I read this with my jaw dropped! I so feel you! Today, someone who reads my blog said to me, “You drink a lot of wine and eat a lot of sushi.” My head immediately said, “Are you seriously fucking accusing me of eating too much?” They were supposedly just implying that my food choices aren’t mainstream, but whatever, I got mad. I’d buy the tank if I were you. It’s super cute. 🙂
February 22, 2012 at 1:25 pm
danapod
You should remind people that you are eating lots of sushi and wine to make up for all the wine and sushi I cannot consume, duh 🙂 I’m guessing whoever posted that comment doesn’t understand how the (formerly) eating disordered brain works. You say “healthy” I hear “fat.” You say “a lot of” I hear “an obscene amount that no normal person would or should consume but you are off your rocker crazy so have at it.” Hope the comment didn’t make you upset for too long; you have more important things to do with your time…like taking Gwendolyn for walks!!
February 18, 2012 at 6:33 pm
mommybabyspot
Get puffy paint and make the shirt but instead of putting “not fat” in paranthesis put “not that its any of your f#$*ing business and if you touch my stomach I will punch you” …ok thats a bit long. I cant believe that guy, wouldnt want to go to him even if I did want to lose weight. FYI ive found the most annoying people is older women…if they dont give you unsolisited advice they want to touch your stomach…and some go ahead and do that! Sorry my belly is NOT public property. Ugh….anyway glad you shared hope that guy didnt bother you too much…i bet your untoned pregnant baby bump is beautiful and sexy 🙂
February 22, 2012 at 2:10 pm
danapod
I like your idea for a t-shirt much better.
I found this link with t-shirts that sound right up your alley. I particularly like the one that says “Warning: If you touch mine I”m going to touch yours.”
http://shop.cafepress.com/don%27t-touch-my-belly
February 22, 2012 at 5:47 pm
mommybabyspot
HA! love it, thanks 🙂 I’m totally getting one of these for my next pregnancy 😛
February 18, 2012 at 10:09 pm
Pre
WOW! I have to say you handled this situation with grace. I would have easily thrown out a few choice words and found his supervisor.
February 22, 2012 at 2:11 pm
danapod
My inner dialogue was throwing out quite a few nasty remarks. Fortunately, I’ve been up a good filter over the years. 🙂
February 21, 2012 at 7:47 pm
amy
I agree that you handled it with grace. Not sure I could have! I think you should get the tank. It is cute. I may get one.
July 23, 2012 at 5:29 am
Jenny
This was awesome to read. As a person perpetually recovering from an eating disorder (with pregnancy her biggest fear), I’m really appreciating your posts tonight. Thank you.