Welcome to the Home Insemination Kit advice column, where our dedicated team addresses your most pressing questions about life, love, body image, friendships, parenting, and everything in between.
This week: Many individuals are grappling with feelings of self-consciousness as summer and swimsuit season approach, particularly due to weight gain during the pandemic.
Dear Home Insemination Kit,
Over the past year, I’ve put on almost 30 pounds, and while I recognize that many people have faced similar challenges and that there’s no reason to feel ashamed, I still can’t shake my feelings of insecurity. With summer on the horizon and most of my friends and family already vaccinated, I’m really anxious about reconnecting and having them notice the changes in my body. My sister-in-law has already pointed out my weight gain and is pushing me to join her intense workout classes and eat her MLM diet products, which only heightens my dread about seeing everyone. Can I simply hide away and avoid socializing?
Dear Reader,
You absolutely have the right to choose how you want to navigate this situation. On another note, your sister-in-law sounds quite insensitive to your feelings.
It’s essential to remember that our bodies have carried us through an incredibly challenging time. Many of us turned to comforting foods and activities during a year filled with stress and isolation. Your journey in handling this unprecedented situation is entirely personal.
The people who care about you genuinely won’t focus on your weight. Anyone who feels entitled to comment on someone else’s body likely has their own issues to deal with. It’s unfortunate that individuals like your sister-in-law can inflict hurt with their words. (And, honestly, I can’t understand why anyone would think MLM diet food is a viable solution; please don’t feel pressured to invest in that nonsense).
Your body deserves to enjoy summer without shame. You should feel free to wear swimsuits and summer attire and nourish yourself in ways that make you happy—whether through food, enjoyable activities, or intimacy with those you trust. You deserve all these joys, especially now.
This past year has been incredibly tough, and you emerged from it stronger. Your body supported you through it all. If you find it difficult to accept your changing shape (which is an ongoing journey for many), at least embrace the fact that you survived. I wish you nothing but joy, confidence, and the colorful swimsuits that light up your spirit. And a swift kick of encouragement to stand up to your sister-in-law.
If you’re looking for more insights on navigating these feelings, check out our related post on home insemination and for expert advice, intracervical insemination can provide valuable information. For those considering pregnancy options, this resource from Johns Hopkins is excellent.