Smoke and Mirrors The Conversations Continues: Part II By Family First Contributors | January 13, 2021
Can we have a more balanced, more realistic approach to eating, dieting, and body size? Our readers continue to share their perspectives
Name Withheld
For the longest time, the mirror was my accomplice in my deceit of self. I only used the bathroom mirror, where I could only see my face. I didn’t have to see the wreckage I’d done to my 400-pound body.
Yes, the numbers on the labels of my clothes told me my size, but if they had elastic, I could “cheat” into a smaller size. Cheat is a nasty little word. It sounds as if you’re getting away with something, when you’re really harming yourself. The few times I actually tried to diet, I would invariably “cheat” and eat things that were not “allowed,” then figure, “What’s the use?” and go back to my old eating pattern.
But I was desperate.
So, when I had an hour to spare in Rosebank the other day, I sauntered into The Space, an artsy-trendy-incense-burning clothes shop I adore. After drooling over the racks of glorious clothing, I took two of the same style dresses to try on. One was black, and one was a light pink, floral, whimsical material. I tried on the black one first and came out to the central mirror to have a proper look. It was pretty and comfortable.
Another lady was there, also trying on dresses, and examining herself in front of the mirror.
I went back and tried on the pink dress. The woman was still there. We smiled awkwardly at each other, then she told me, “The black dress was more flattering.”