“Ithu enna puthusa-nu kekuringala?” – (Is this something new you’re wondering about?)

As Deepavali winds down, it's common for many of us to receive visits from friends and family. Some may meet after years, months, or even days apart. Yet, instead of exchanging warm greetings or asking about each other's well-being, the questions that often arise are:

Words like “fat,” “skinny,” “dark,” and “fair” are tossed around in our community as casually as “hello” and “goodbye.” Labelling someone’s appearance has never been seen as rude; pointing out weight gain to someone’s face was never awkward. Instead of encouraging balanced eating or exercise, we’d often hear tips on skipping meals or trying fad diets as a quick solution.

To those who ask such questions: it’s time to grow up.

Accepting one's body is a journey, not an instant fix. Even today, many women struggle to feel entirely at ease when looking in the mirror. This shift in perception comes after battling body image issues, learning from body-positive influences, and understanding true beauty.

There are countless reasons why a woman might gain weight. From hormone changes, certain illness and medication that can cause weight gains. It's something that not everyone understands or even tries to understand.

But having a "perfect body" isn’t about being thin or having curves, it’s about being healthy and content with oneself.

Before making comments about a woman’s appearance, think twice. If you notice discomfort or see a change in their expression, recognise that your words may be out of line.

Over time, we all come to understand that the "ideal" body type is a myth. No matter what size or shape someone is, skin colours there will always be individuals who find reasons to critique. However, the truth is that there is nothing wrong with being fat, thin, or any other label.

It’s worth wondering how the younger generation feels about their bodies when in the presence of older relatives. While their comments may not change overnight, it’s important that those of us who have felt ashamed or embarrassed learn to not let those words affect us.

Acceptance starts with us. It’s not always easy, especially when the criticisms are loud and persistent. But building self-acceptance is the first step toward making peace with our bodies and embracing who we truly are.


Image Credit : Pinterest, Health Total