SuzeMuze

Oh my... you didn't offend me, hon. It takes WAY more than that to "offend" me. Personally, I think the word "offend" is one that's tossed around way too frequently in today's hypersensitive society, but that's a diatribe I'm sure no one wants to hear. Your apology is sweet, but no harm was done to me. You see, I suppose I've always been a bit of a different thinker. Sure, as an overweight teenager, there were times that were difficult as I wasn't one of those perky friends of mine who trotted around in short shorts & halter tops. But truth be told, for my entire life, I've always had the attitude that if someone wasn't willing to look past my physical appearance, they'd mentally (and sometimes physically) get the finger from me, and I'd move on. Maybe that came from a life of being on stage & performing, but it taught me quickly that everyone is beautiful, and our body is just a shell to hold our soul and what's on the inside. Is that shell what we'd wanted it to be? Maybe not, but being severely overweight for so long myself helped me realize the worth in everyone in my life. I had always loved Lane Bryant as being one of the very few stores that made clothing for larger size women that didn't look like couch upholstery or tablecloths. I proudly dressed myself well from that store, and what might be really odd was my difficulty in letting go of my clothing "home". I can no longer wear things from Lane Bryant, and it's still hard for me now to go into store sections that aren't labeled "Women's". For years I dreamed of wearing a size that didn't have an "X" in it...I'm there now, and it can be really intimidating to have to actually try things on before I can buy them. I think maybe the root of my cringe from the initial post is how many folks that are either just starting their journey, or contemplating that start could have been hurt by the "Lane Giant" reference. It is hard to be obese in a skinny-obsessed, air-brushed world, especially if your weight keeps you from enjoying your everyday life. I'm very fortunate that even at my heaviest about 7 years ago (rounding the corner to 300 pounds), I never let it stop me from playing with my kids, running up & down stairs for stuff, going to the pool, you name it. I had no pain, no exhaustion, no ill effects at all that I knew of, and I wasn't even really aware of my size unless I saw a photo of myself. Many, many overweight folks aren't so lucky and it's for those who have had so many proverbial knives twisted in them about their weight that the comment could have hurt. Just my opinion- I respect everyone's here

I can understand how you feel. Kind of like reading a forum post that mocks a store by calling it "Lane Giant" in a place that's designed to be understanding, compassionate and supportive. (unless I'm terribly misunderstanding what was meant). Even at my absolute heaviest, I never once considered myself "giant"...but reading that makes me wonder how many people (like me) cringed.

<bursts into applause> 'Nuff said.