So, as you all know, I'm back to walking at least two hours a day at least four times a week. And it's having an expected but unlooked-for and undesired effect: I have lost some weight.
Which, not surprisingly, has been noticed.
What do I say when people comment on it?
I'd like to say, "I didn't mean to."
I'd like to say, "It's not what I intended."
I'd like to say, "It's not surprising given I'm walking at least two hours a day at least four times a week."
What do I say?
Through My Glasses, Dorkily
13 years ago
11 comments:
Smile and say thank-you - that's all they need to know :)!
I see a few choices...
You can say "thank you." It's polite and it's easy, even if you aren't actually grateful.
You can say "It's not surprising given I'm walking at least two hours a day at least four times a week" and leave it there. I might do this.
Or you can say "It really makes me uncomfortable when you comment on my weight." And wait, and see what happens next. It will make them a little uncomfortable, but that seems fair (since they are making you uncomfortable)and it might make them think about what it is that comes out of their mouth.
I much prefer - and try to use - "You look great," which can mean so many things other than good-job-losing-the-fat-you-pig, which is what the weight comments feel like to me.
Thank you. That's all. Unless you want to use the "I'm knocking on all these doors" to lead into "don't you want to help get him elected?"
If you want to get out of the conversation quickly, go with "thank you."
If you want to counter the impression that this is something you wished and/or were striving for and are therefore happy to be congratulated for, and/or want to just give the truest answer and have done with it, go with "It's not surprising given I'm walking at least two hours a day at least four times a week." The upside to this is that it can change the topic to election conversation; the downside is that it could be a lead-in to "oh, I wish I had time/motivation to do that" and more weight/exercise talk. If you follow it with a sentence having to do with the campaign, it's more likely to change the subject that way.
thanks, can you help us get the vote out?
i also don't like weight comments.
I agree with the others, in that you want to change the subject as quickly as possible. Politicians' families are in a unique position, and you have an immediate goal in mind that you don't wish to derail even when you find people's comments irritating. You have my sympathy on that.
My suggestion would be the reply about walking so much as part of the campaign, then moving on to ask for volunteer time. ;-)
You folks are so smart. I never even thought about turning it into a request for them to go canvassing with me!!!
Thank you. :-)
Yeah, ask them to join you!
They've all said it for me...I especially loved Corrie's thoughts.
Or maybe, "Thank you. Who knew campaigning would be such a great form of exercise?" and then segue into your plea for volunteers.
I remember when I lost a lot of weight during the divorce and people would comment on it, I'd just laugh and make a joke about the Divorce Diet. It got the point across I think non-offensively. They want to be giving a compliment, no matter how it sounds or what stereotypes/isms it represents.
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