Tina -

Female

36

You know, just since you have kids doesn’t mean you should let yourself get big as a house. It is common for women to say, "Yeah, I used to be a lot smaller before I had kids, ha ha ha." When I hear this, I am thinking…is that your excuse for letting yourself go from a size 4 to 14. I think that some women feel obligated to have this conversation with me because I try to maintain my pre-baby making figure. I mean, I try not to make them feel uncomfortable by talking about things like, diet and exercise. Yet, all overweight women feel that they must make mention of how they are on a diet, planning to diet, plans they are making to joining a gym etc. Once they mention it, I follow my husband’s advice, I encourage them and compliment them on their strong points. I know all bodies are different and it takes more work for some women to lose weight than others…but then some don’t try. It is just expected that once you eat wedding cake and drop a baby you will turn into an overweight housewife. It is also expected that you should give all you have to going to PTA meetings, driving kids all over creation, cleaning and cooking. All those things are important, but there must be time put aside for you, time for you to go to the gym, you to tan, you to shop. Oh yeah, put the kids to bed and take care of your man…if you get my drift. Body image is important to me… I always want my body to be in the best shape possible. I have been married for ten yrs and my marriage is still hot. With the divorce rate at 50%, I just can’t afford to slip. Some might say, "he should love you no matter what." True, and he does…but that’s not the point. When he comes home he shouldn’t have to decide if he kiss me or tie me up in the backyard. I don’t wear old t-shirts and sweats around the house. I want him to be attracted to me the same as the women in the mall, gym, on tv etc. Some women may say that is shallow and he may still leave me. True…. but guess what, if he does leave, I won’t be with him but I won’t be alone! The better you look the better you feel. Confidence will radiate from you. Don’t be fooled, there is always a competition going on, best looking wife, finest mom at the piano recital, best body in the gym, best legs in the office and the list goes on. Be competitive! TJ