Janelle- You are right. Especially about this question. Makes me think of other questions being thrown around that requires deeper thinking. I appreciate this. Hope you’re well this week? Cheers, -Thalia
One of these days we will have an intellectual conversation again Nneka! What books are you reading or podcasts? That’s another good conversation starter.
I find your observations about weight and appearance fascinating in the context of a belief that Americans would not do this. I have absolutely experienced these kinds of statements here in the U.S. throughout various stages of life. People, both strangers, acquaintances and friends LOVE to comment on teenage bodies and pregnant bodies: “you’re filling out” “ You’re sooo skinny” “you’re pudgy” “oh my god you’re huge!” However, even as I’ve aged, while I may not hear the negative comments specifically about MY body I’ll hear snide remarks about others and infer that there was an indirect implied message for me. If/ when I do manage to comply with a “friend” or acquaintance’s standard of excellence I will similarly hear the approval message of “you look great, have you lost weight?“ which leads me to believe that perhaps I was previously painful to gaze upon. Not cool in any language or any culture.
I am happy you have found healthy diet and exercise that make you feel good. Safe travels! Enjoy your next work adventure.
Thanks Deb! Thoughtful reply and you are right. It can happen in America too. It’s in how people say things. As if you would agree with them that the past you was horrible looking. I don’t think most people mean to offend but it can be very hard not to take it that way.
So glad for you about the new fitness level, the need for new clothes and for the new client in Costa Rica! Woohoo!
I'm noticing a lot of cultural differences just from Montana to Colorado! I won't even start on the differences between the American South and Montana!
Thank you! 🙏 It’s been a lot of work but paid off. Yes, culturally we can be different from town to town. 😂 I hope you’re enjoying Colorado. We will catch up eventually!
The Portuguese are usually less rude, but when you go to a gym in Portugal you're subject to these kinds of approaches, mainly from men to women and vice versa. We talk a lot about time and weight, just to make conversation. That's probably what this guy you met wanted. I've never been to America, but from what I know, the Portuguese, as Latinos, are naturally more direct and brazen. Here in Portugal, there would be many women who would be offended by that comment, others would be happy, because here too you never ask about ages, weight or pregnancy.
Costa Rica must be a wonderful country, and it's also one of the countries with the highest average life expectancy, due to its people's diet and good mood. I hope your new experience goes well, and by the way, it's likely that some man there will ask you about your weight or comment on your looks :)
Janelle- You are right. Especially about this question. Makes me think of other questions being thrown around that requires deeper thinking. I appreciate this. Hope you’re well this week? Cheers, -Thalia
Very interesting. My mom notices my weight loss and I get offended, but I welcome it from strangers.
I wish we were having more in person convos about religion and politics. I know nothing about sports. lol:-)
I miss intellectually stimulating conversations.
Have fun in Costa Rica!
One of these days we will have an intellectual conversation again Nneka! What books are you reading or podcasts? That’s another good conversation starter.
Mmm, I was just listening to an interview with Ian Dunlap about his investment journey.
Traveling mercies and enjoy!
Thank you!
I find your observations about weight and appearance fascinating in the context of a belief that Americans would not do this. I have absolutely experienced these kinds of statements here in the U.S. throughout various stages of life. People, both strangers, acquaintances and friends LOVE to comment on teenage bodies and pregnant bodies: “you’re filling out” “ You’re sooo skinny” “you’re pudgy” “oh my god you’re huge!” However, even as I’ve aged, while I may not hear the negative comments specifically about MY body I’ll hear snide remarks about others and infer that there was an indirect implied message for me. If/ when I do manage to comply with a “friend” or acquaintance’s standard of excellence I will similarly hear the approval message of “you look great, have you lost weight?“ which leads me to believe that perhaps I was previously painful to gaze upon. Not cool in any language or any culture.
I am happy you have found healthy diet and exercise that make you feel good. Safe travels! Enjoy your next work adventure.
I had people comment on my weight many years ago while I was going through cancer treatment. “Sarah, you look great! Have you lost weight?”
“Yeah. I have. I have cancer.” I learned that thin does not equal healthy!!
(Anyhow I’m fine now. And much much fatter.)
Thanks Deb! Thoughtful reply and you are right. It can happen in America too. It’s in how people say things. As if you would agree with them that the past you was horrible looking. I don’t think most people mean to offend but it can be very hard not to take it that way.
So glad for you about the new fitness level, the need for new clothes and for the new client in Costa Rica! Woohoo!
I'm noticing a lot of cultural differences just from Montana to Colorado! I won't even start on the differences between the American South and Montana!
Thank you! 🙏 It’s been a lot of work but paid off. Yes, culturally we can be different from town to town. 😂 I hope you’re enjoying Colorado. We will catch up eventually!
But please, if you are going to live outside of the USA learn about kilograms, kilometres, centigrade and the name of the local currency.
I agree! Lol! It’s just much harder for my brain to adjust to than I thought.
Costa Rica!!!! I am so excited to hear about it! 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼
Thank you Joanna! Can’t wait to share!
The Portuguese are usually less rude, but when you go to a gym in Portugal you're subject to these kinds of approaches, mainly from men to women and vice versa. We talk a lot about time and weight, just to make conversation. That's probably what this guy you met wanted. I've never been to America, but from what I know, the Portuguese, as Latinos, are naturally more direct and brazen. Here in Portugal, there would be many women who would be offended by that comment, others would be happy, because here too you never ask about ages, weight or pregnancy.
Costa Rica must be a wonderful country, and it's also one of the countries with the highest average life expectancy, due to its people's diet and good mood. I hope your new experience goes well, and by the way, it's likely that some man there will ask you about your weight or comment on your looks :)
Enjoy the new experience
Congratulations on reaching your goals! Keep up the amazing work Friend! 🙌🏼
Thank you Emily! I will!
Have an amazing time in Costa Rica!! How exciting!
Thank you Lani! It is very exciting and wild!