General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: On being fat [View all]I'm sure that part of my mother's problem (and it was her problem) was that I was so different from her in many things, though I tried like hell to be her when I was younger.
Our body structures were very different: she was 5'8" to my 5'4". She had a flat butt, and mine was curvy. She had enormous jugs and I (as she told me) was flat-chested. "Don't worry dear, they'll never sag."
What teenage girl wants to hear that? Especially when all her bras are "AA" and "A"?
In truth she hated her own appearance. She matured early and grew very tall. At 10 she had her period, her height, and those boobs. She had to give up jump rope because of the bouncy-bouncy. People thought it looked weird when she played with her dolls. That's just sad.
I think she thought all of her children were beautiful, but that it was wrong to say so because it would encourage vanity. Nothing about encouraging a little self-confidence.
I don't know what your father's problem is -- but from another post upthread it sounds like his constant harping contributed mightily to a bout of anorexia. As I said before, I hope you don't have to live with him. Toxicity isn't good for you.