I have a good friend whose mother always had comments to her about her body. She is 5.5 feet or so. She is very athletic and fit. She has an impressive bust and broad shoulders for a women. Her bottom isn’t as round as some but she is trim, fit, strong and capable. She is quite lovely and always has been.

Her mother reminded her to watch out her rear doesn’t get to flabby or to watch her weight or her boobs will deflate after she loses weight. Now, these things are accurate. However it’s not necessary to repeat these observations constantly. From the time she hit puberty to today, her continues to make these comments. My friend has confidence issues, body image issues, absolute fear of being unattractive which has led to conversations that she would rather be dead if she had acne or scars or other “flaws”. Her anxiety is at times debilitating. She has had addiction issues since high school and I know full well her mother’s words have played a part. Today, she is in her 5th rehab facility trying to beat addiction. This is a person who had a successful career, was universally seen as a up and comer in our company and industry, widely respected for her skills and talent, fast tracked for better things. In the end, her internal voice always told her she wasn’t good enough. She self medicated to quiet the voice.

These things are not harmless. They can kill people. Watch your children people and never let these people have a voice in their lives. I’d cut out anyone who would dare utter these things to anyone.