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firecatI don't think most people can subconsciously control their weight for psychological reasons. Scientists have done studies of twins (raised together and apart) and their weight is usually very similar even if they have different lifestyles and had different upbringings. The conclusion to a study like this is that weight has a very large genetic component.
I'm uncomfortable with the notion that most people are subconsciously choosing their weight, because that implies if you are big, there is something wrong with your head.
There are enough people who think there is something wrong with my body because I'm big. I don't really want them to all think there is something wrong with my head too!
Relating it to sexual orientation: At one time I had all sorts of psychological theories about why I couldn't make up my mind whether to be with men or women. Then a smart therapist said "Maybe you're just bi." I realized all my theories were unnecessary -- I didn't have to make a choice.
In other words, having plausible psychological theories about why one is big doesn't necessarily mean that's why one is big. It means that one feels the need to justify being big. That's understandable in a society that believes there is something wrong with being big.
I'm uncomfortable with the notion that most people are subconsciously choosing their weight, because that implies if you are big, there is something wrong with your head.
There are enough people who think there is something wrong with my body because I'm big. I don't really want them to all think there is something wrong with my head too!
Relating it to sexual orientation: At one time I had all sorts of psychological theories about why I couldn't make up my mind whether to be with men or women. Then a smart therapist said "Maybe you're just bi." I realized all my theories were unnecessary -- I didn't have to make a choice.
In other words, having plausible psychological theories about why one is big doesn't necessarily mean that's why one is big. It means that one feels the need to justify being big. That's understandable in a society that believes there is something wrong with being big.
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no subject
Date: 5 Apr 2001 02:24 pm (UTC)As for guts and attitude...I think it's more just being comfortable with who I am as a person....
It's taken a lot to get where I am at this stage in my life. I spent a lot of time hating myself and thinking I was some sort of troll who should stay under a bridge. Even when I was some thin chick people drooled over, I had a horrible self image....
I'm not like that anymore. Now I like how I look and I like who I am as a person. Sure, I have flaws, but some does everyone.
As for the "mainstream" standards of beauty...screw 'em... I don't tend to agree with them anyhow...for women or men...
The women they claim as goddesses all too often are too skinny for my taste and the men often look terribly cookie cutter to me...
Then again, I prefer teddy bears as well as soft women....