Self improvement and ambition at any age should be celebrated
Just don’t treat them as inspiration porn. I swear, if someone came up to my fat ass in the gym to tell me how great it is that I’m there, I’d fucking eat them.
Same here. I don’t need anybody’s approval, and my decision to exercise will have everything to do with improving my own strength and stamina, nothing to do with how anyone thinks I look or where they think I belong.
Make sure you’re mindful of what you use to try to make someone more comfortable when you notice their anxiety- stick to just saying a casual hello or if you see something you may have in common, you could mention that.
Stay Away from: comments on appearance that aren’t about how cool their hair, clothes, makeup, or accessories are, using condescending tone: ”I think it’s GREAT that you’re back in school” to older people in college can be really offensive, and ESPECIALLY DO NOT EVER COMMENT ON SOMEONE’S BODY OR FEEL AN OBLIGATION AS A SKINNY PERSON AT THE GYM TO “VALIDATE” A FAT PERSON’S PRESENCE.
Only initiate an interaction with a stranger this way if you know that what you’re saying has literally no chance of being offensive and if they seem uninterested or “ungrateful” to you, please just move on and let them be. Surprisingly, some people actively don’t want you to talk to them in uncomfortable settings.
Penhales 