JuneCleaver said:
For me..it's not the temperature of the water, but rather if I want my very white body in a bathing suit out in public in February! Something tells me the general public would be happier if they never saw that sight!
June
I have to comment on this, because statements like this really make me sad. I had a good friend who would never take her kids swimming because SHE refused to wear a swimsuit because people would look at her thighs. First of all she was "normal" sized and I am Pooh sized so that upset me anyway. I tried to convince her that if she was that worried then she should remember that she was with me and I am 75 lbs heavier than her so if someone is going to make comments about thunder thighs they will be about me--they won't notice her, except to wonder where I got such a skinny friend. . .
But second, as a member of the general public I would like to announce that:
I AM NOT LOOKING AT YOU!
I couldn't care less how fat, skinny, white, brown, wrinkled. flabby, etc... that you are! I am busy with my family having a great time. Unless you are a 300 lb guy in a speedo--or a 300 lb woman in a string bikini-- or have tattoos covering 90% of your body-- the chances are really good that I am not going to notice you! (I didn't say I would say anything, or care if you are in one of the aforementioned groups--I just said I would notice you--no flames please!) If I do look in your direction I hope it is because I am noticing how much fun you are having!
And further, why do you care what I, or any other perfect stranger that you will NEVER see again , think about your body type???
Please realize I am not really directing this toward "June Cleaver", but to everyone that decides to put their's, and their family's happiness aside because of a shallow concern that really is more in their own head. It really upset me that my friend refused to join us at the pool, greatly disappointing her kids, simply because she wouldn't put on a suit.
If you take a minute to discreetly look around, you will always see that there is someone smaller, larger, whiter, darker, or with a worse haircut than you!
Don't sweat the small stuff (but wear deodorant!). Dress reasonably for how God made you, and don't let the thoughts of strangers ruin your fun!
Off my soap box now!