As a society, we like to label people. We know exactly what it means to be “fat” and to be skinny.” However, the majority of us are somewhere in between and can’t fit into either of these categories. Those of us who can’t are sometimes called “chubby”, and other times we’re weirdly branded as “skinny-fat.”
I’ve had that kind of body for my whole life and I can tell you that it’s no walk in the park. These are 6 struggles you’ll only understand if you’re not skinny but not fat either.
1. Not Being Able To Define Your Body Type
Self-professed “fashion experts” tell us that we need to dress in a certain way depending on our body shape. The problem for people like us, however, is that it’s impossible to figure out what that shape is. Are you an hourglass, a pear, an apple, or some other kind of fruit? To be quite honest, you’ll probably never figure it out.
2. Not Knowing How People Label You
As much as we don’t want to admit it, we care about what other people think. No matter how strong or self-reliant you are, there’s probably some part of you that’s at least curious about it. Despite this curiosity, you can never be sure if someone sees you as fat, as skinny, or perhaps resembling that mysterious fruit we mentioned earlier.
3. Jeans Are Impossible
If there’s one thing that I hate most in the world, it’s shopping for jeans. If you’re anything like me, you probably despise it too. The problem always seems to be that if the waist fits you, the legs don’t, or vice versa. Unless you go and take a course in professional jean making, you’re probably going to have to settle for ill-fitting pants for the rest of your life.
4. You Can’t Shop Online
What’s worse than seeing a gorgeous outfit on an online store, but knowing that it’s never going to fit you properly if you do buy it. Although they clearly state which measurements correspond with their sizes, they aren’t always correct. The only way to figure out if you’re a size 6, 10, or 14 on any given day is to try it on first.
5. Overthinking People’s Comments
Someone comes up to you and says “Wow, you look so thin!” Although that should be a nice compliment, all it does for us skinny-fat people is make us overthink. Did they mean that you were fat before? Have you lost weight or is it just your clothes? Why do they care what you look like right now?
6. Feeling Insecure
No matter how body-positive we are, it’s hard not to feel down about ourselves sometimes. Self-confidence is something that most of us struggle with, at least at some level. When you can’t clearly define yourself, however, it can feel almost impossible to accept and love yourself for who you are.
We may feel a bit unhappy with our bodies sometimes, but that doesn’t mean that we’re not perfect. Just because we’re not fat or skinny doesn’t mean that we’re not valid. Even if other people don’t like it, we should be proud of who we are. We’re healthy, living our lives, and simply choosing not to overthink that piece of cake.
Love yourself. You’re beautiful as you are.
Do you have friends with this body type? Share this article with them and let them know that they’re perfect.
