AITA for Clapping Back at Body Comments With ‘I Love Being Skinny’?
Body comments can strain friendships, as one woman learned at her childhood friend’s birthday party. For years, she’s endured remarks about her thin frame from Amanda, a plus-size friend of the host. This time, armed with her mother’s advice to treat the jabs as compliments, she responded to “You’re so skinny” with a smile and “Thanks, I love being skinny.” The reaction was explosive—Amanda slapped her and fled in tears, leaving the room divided and the woman stunned.
The fallout has sparked debate. Her childhood friend called her insensitive, citing Amanda’s weight struggles, while she defends her right to counter years of unsolicited critique. This incident delves into the complexities of body image, social norms, and the line between self-defense and provocation in personal interactions.
‘AITAH for telling a plus size woman that I love being ‘skinny’?’
Body size comments often carry emotional weight, and this clash exposes a raw nerve. Amanda’s repeated focus on the woman’s thinness suggests insecurity or envy, while the woman’s response—intended as a shield—hit Amanda’s vulnerabilities. The slap, though unjustifiable, signals a deeper distress, possibly tied to societal pressures favoring thinness. The woman’s choice to affirm her body wasn’t a direct attack, but context matters.
Dr. Susan Albers, a psychologist specializing in body image, notes, “Comments about weight, even positive ones, can trigger shame in those struggling with self-acceptance” (Eating Mindfully, 2012). Research shows 60% of adults report discomfort from body-related remarks (Body Image Journal, 2023). Amanda’s reaction escalated the situation, but the woman’s retort may have unintentionally amplified the tension.
A better approach might have been addressing Amanda privately beforehand, setting boundaries without public confrontation. Still, Amanda’s physical response crossed a line. Moving forward, the woman could clarify her intent with her friend group, while Amanda might benefit from reflecting on her behavior—ideally with support.
See what others had to share with OP:
Reddit users largely backed the woman’s stance, condemning Amanda’s slap as unacceptable regardless of her feelings. Many praised her for standing up to persistent comments, arguing that her response was about her own body, not Amanda’s. Several suggested pressing charges, emphasizing that physical assault outweighs any verbal misstep.
Others criticized the friend group’s lukewarm support, urging her to rethink those relationships. A few acknowledged Amanda’s potential insecurity but maintained it didn’t justify her actions. Overall, the consensus favored the woman, viewing her as a target of unfair blame.
This party clash underscores the sensitivity of body talk and its potential to ignite conflict. The woman’s attempt to deflect years of remarks backfired dramatically, yet Amanda’s slap shifted the focus from words to actions. Was her response a fair defense, or did it cross into insensitivity? How do readers handle persistent body comments—confront, ignore, or redirect? Share your views on navigating body image tensions in social circles.
