So I woke up and while nursing little guy checked Facebook. I wanted to see how a friend was doing. Imagine my surprise when I see a post attacking me from a barber shop. The barber shop took one of my Facebook profile pictures (thankfully they cropped out my child) and called me fat. They were upset because they assumed I had never used their services yet I rated them one-star. I take responsibility for that rating. It took place several months ago. I believe I clicked on their Facebook profile and checked their reviews. I accidentally clicked on the star rating system (hazards of using a phone to check Facebook) and entered a rating. I didn't find a way to delete or change my rating so I left it (I was able to delete it today). They're right--I've never used their services and they're not even nearby. They are however in a town I visit a few times a year.
While I will most likely never use their services I hope they can learn a bit about working with the public, especially if they hope to be a long-term successful business in the small town in which they're located. My first reaction was to be very snarky, especially since I know I'm fat. My next reaction was a wee bit of depression. Am I bummed I weigh more than is healthy? Yep. Then anger found its way into the picture. Angry at them? Hell yes. Angry at myself? Yep, for not taking care of myself as well as I should.
There are a few things the person who labeled me as fat could learn. Asking questions would have gotten them much further than trying to humiliate me. Asking why I rated them so low would have had me explaining what happened, as well as looking to see if there was a way to remove my error along with an apology. It probably would have also motivated me to suggest them to people I know who live in the area or even to hubby during a future visit. Finding solutions to issues will probably get you further than publicly attacking someone.
Here are a few things they don't know about me. The picture you copied from my Facebook and then wrote fat on is very special to me. It was taken on Mother's Day with my daughter and I was four and a half months pregnant. I'm not the happiest about my body. Currently I'm frustrated with my health. You see, I have thyroid issues. After having little guy my thyroid levels went way up so my meds have been drastically reduced. While waiting for my next blood draw I already know my levels are too low now as my feet hurt, I'm cold, I'm cranky, I have terrible heartburn, feel generally miserable, and I gain weight even if I eat the same as I always do and exercise the same. Yep, it's a bitch dealing with thyroid issues. Even with all of this I'm glad my body has been able to bring two healthy children into this world as well as nourish them. Even though I was harsh on my knees playing tennis my freshman year of high school and several years of snow skiing, they still work and I can go for walks with my kiddos and chase after them. My little guy looks at me with eyes that exude love. Yesterday my girl slipped while exiting the tub and hit her chin. Today she asked me to help her get out. She doesn't care that I have some flab on my arms. I'm grateful my arms are strong enough to lift her and hold her safely. And that's what it's all about, my two incredibly wonderful children as I work to raise them to be caring, responsible adults who try not to judge or hurt others.
