Now I know why my mom did this
By Asap Destiny
I was a chunky kid. Very chunky. I was the neighborhood kid that would run out to meet friends with a backpack of snacks for myself and anyone else who was hungry. My family's love language was always predominately feeding others; there were always snacks and drinks and food cooking on the stove.
When I was 8–10 years old, I joined my first team sport. I joined the cheerleading team. We ran laps, and we did circuit workouts. We broke a heavy sweat every practice. I loved it.
Eventually, my extended family and family friends started to see how active I was becoming. At every family gathering, the aunts and grandmas would gather around me and comment on “how much weight I lost” and “how thin and pretty I am.” I reveled in these assumed compliments, but only momentarily because each time they would be cut short by my mother walking up behind:
“I think you mean to congratulate her on how active she has become and how she is making healthy choices.”
Or
“I think you mean you’re proud of her for dedicating her time to an activity that is healthy and brings her joy.”
Or something along those lines. At 10 years old, I found it awkward and confusing as to why my mother would interrupt each comment directed towards me. It annoyed me…
