weight and body image in the Middle East

It's funny how different cultures appreciate different things. In the US there is a HUGE emphasis on weight. Having been overweight for much of my life I can personally say that being fat in America totally sucks. Malls, a source of amusement for so many young women, become large torture chambers to remind you that you don't fit in. The looks of judgement you receive from people when you are walking around in stores remind you that, even though the clothes on the shelf are pretty, you can only look. You must search far and wide to find stores for women like you. Department stores hide your section far away from everyone else.

Basically it SUCKS.

On the plus side, you really develop relationships that are about the PERSON and not the appearance. People fall in love with YOU ... not your size. But it's hard to have a positive self image in that environment, none the less.

It's completely different here. Even at the beach ... you see women in bikini's that wouldn't even be able to BUY one at home. Yeah, it's still hard to find clothes your size because most are designed for the average size person (which is about 3 sizes bigger here than in the States) but when you're walking around you don't get the looks of judgement. And you are no longer exempt from male attention.

It's a rather freaky experience being hit on and having pick up lines used on you ... Does it change how I feel about J? not at all! In fact, it just reaffirms how I feel about him ... it's just flattering. For example:

I was out at a street festival in Talpiyot with Meghan tonight and I'm looking at this rack of skirts (so many colors!!!!!) and this guy comes up to me and starts asking me (in Hebrew) if I study at the University. I'm like, "yeah ... " "AH! (long string of Hebrew I didn't understand here)" "Anglit, bevakasha" "Ah! Ken, you study Hebrew?" "ken" "AH! I was saying that I knew I recognized you, I keep seeing you everywhere" (ummm, I have NEVER seen him so I'm a little confused) "It's nice to meet you, what is you're name" (extends his hand for a shake) "Sarah" "Sarah. It's nice to me you. I'm Henry" (an Israeli Henry? hmmm he's holding my hand a long time ... that's weird) "Na'eem meod" "Well, now that we've met shopping, it must be a match in heaven. It's hard to get a man to shop! Now you know you should go to dinner with me!" (ummmmmmm ....) "heh heh ummm yeah I know ... I have SUCH a hard time getting my boyfriend to shop with me ..." "Ahhh you have a boyfriend?" "yes, for three years" "ah, lucky me, well, nice to meet you." "yes, you too ..." and then he was gone ... I just cracked up.

Meghan and I had a great laugh over it ... it's just so funny! Clearly he NEVER saw me at HUJI ... it was a PICK UP LINE! hahahahahhahahaha

Anyhoo, I'm off to bed. Wearing my new dress tomorrow!!!!