Is Honesty Really the Best Policy?

When I ask my husband the dreaded question, "Does this make me look fat?" he always gets the same deer-in-the-headlights expression before he runs out of the room claiming a pot is boiling over on the stove. I already know that on occasion, he may not answer this question honestly because he's learned from experience that if he pauses too long before answering, I might pepper him with such difficult questions as, "If I wrap this floral scarf around my neck, does it draw your eyes away from the fact that my muffin-top is hanging out like a teenager at the mall?"

While recently shopping with a girlfriend, she asked me the same question after donning a pair of jeans in the dressing room.  She stepped out of the room and asked me, "Do these make me look fat?" 

"Define fat," I replied.

She sighed and rolled her eyes before replying, "You know ... not skinny!"

Suddenly, I wore the same deer-in-the-headlights expression as my husband as I ran out of the dressing room claiming I had to use the restroom. While in the bathroom, I paused in front of the mirror and wondered why women don't view their reflections the same way men do. Men admire what's good about their bodies instead of what's not perfect.

I decided honestly was the best policy as I headed back to the dressing room and knocked. My girlfriend opened the door. I announced, "I think you have a beautiful body with gorgeous healthy curves. Let's keep shopping. I think that together we can find some jeans that will flatter you more."  She beamed.

As spirited women, we owe it to ourselves, our friends, and our daughters to carry a positive and important message in all that we say and feel about our bodies. So get rid of your deer-in-the-headlights expression and be honest when you say, "Your body is healthy, beautiful and strong and most importantly, it provides a safe haven for your spirit." It truly is the best answer.

- Vicky De Coster - www.wackywomanhood
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Comments

[Vicky DeCoster]

Thank you so much for your comments, Katie and Dawn! I hope that all women will join me in defining what is right about our bodies instead of what is wrong. We are all beautiful in our own way.

[Katie]

What you did was perfect. We all need to be able to love our body no matter what it looks like. Unfortunately, many of us don't think this way.

Loving your friend enough to tell them the truth sometimes hurts, not only them but us as well.

I think you have a beautiful with georgeous healthy curves was the BEST!!!!

[Dawn]

Vicky, I love, love, love this post. So right on and so needed!

Thank you!
Dawn