People Who Were Considered The 'Weird' Kid In School Share Their Side Of The Story
February 22 | 2021
Children and adolescence are often completely inept and socializing responsibly.
Their hormones are flowing. They're obsessed with status and social hierarchies.
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<p><span>Maybe you remember that age—or maybe you're currently in the throes of it. It felt like doing well socially was a zero-sum game: be cool or be decimated.</span></p><p>Unfortunately, certain traits were rewarded and others were not. For example, it's easy to interpret loud energy as confidence and humor.</p><p>But some kids just didn't have loudness in them. They were patient, didn't feel the need to take up the air time.<br><br>But in that high school ecosystem, that's no mere attribute. It's grounds for ridicule.</p><p>A recent Reddit thread asked for the Mose quite kids' side of that story.</p><p><br>blossomb1tch__ asked, <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/llkp32/people_who_were_the_weird_or_quiet_kids_in_high/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">"People who were the 'Weird' or 'Quiet' kids in high school, what's your side of the story?"</a></p>
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<p>For plenty of people, the reason for their timidity only became clear as they grew up and understood what was motivating it all the while.</p><p>The fog clears, and a previously unobserved deriving force becomes obvious.</p>
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From Quiet to Manic
<p>"I had undiagnosed mental illnesses and no mental health support system" -- <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/llkp32/people_who_were_the_weird_or_quiet_kids_in_high/gnq5zlq?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3" target="_blank">stealtoadboots</a></p><p style="margin-left: 20px;">"Same. In my case I was the weird quiet kid in elementary school. From Kindergarten to about halfway through 5th grade, I suffered from <a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Selective_mutism" target="_blank">selective mutism</a> in school, mixed with severe depression."</p><p style="margin-left: 20px;">"Part way through 5th grade I started to talk in school, but continued to suffer from severe and debilitating depression until freshman year of high school. By high school I wasn't the quiet kid in school anymore."</p><p style="margin-left: 20px;">"At that point Bipolar I made its grand appearance, and, while mania may have made me weird, it did not make me quiet. Didn't actually get diagnosed until I was in my late 30s. Everything made a lot more sense after that." -- <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/llkp32/people_who_were_the_weird_or_quiet_kids_in_high/gnqx7sp?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3" target="_blank">librarymania</a></p><div class="ad-tag" data-ad-name="In_Content_Responsive_3" style="min-height:280px"></div>
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Hard to Relate When You’re So Far Away
<p>"I had undiagnosed inattentive ADHD so my head was in the clouds more often than not." -- <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/llkp32/people_who_were_the_weird_or_quiet_kids_in_high/gnq6iw9?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3" target="_blank">coronaslayer</a></p><p style="margin-left: 20px;">"Undiagnosed ADHD-PI + social anxiety (almost certainly caused by social rejection by peers in K-8)."</p><p style="margin-left: 20px;">"Not fun. And not recognized until I was in college." -- <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/llkp32/people_who_were_the_weird_or_quiet_kids_in_high/gnr8o5u?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3" target="_blank">PyroDesu</a></p><p style="margin-left: 20px;">"I have ADHD as well :) It was tough at first but I've learned to embrace it to an extent. It's never too bad to live in the clouds, as the ground sucks sometimes. I hope you're doing well <3" -- <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/llkp32/people_who_were_the_weird_or_quiet_kids_in_high/gnqa41d?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3" target="_blank">blossomb1tch__</a></p><div class="ad-tag" data-ad-name="In_Content_Responsive_4" style="min-height:280px"></div>
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A Pivotal Discovery
<p>"Had Autism, didn't know." -- <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/llkp32/people_who_were_the_weird_or_quiet_kids_in_high/gnq4juv?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3" target="_blank">[deleted]</a></p><p style="margin-left: 20px;">"It's not very specific and there are loads of varying symptoms. Why it's called a spectrum."</p><p style="margin-left: 20px;">But biggest indicators for me at least were strong, unusual obsessions. As in I would get extremely obsessed over a topic that there's no reason to be obsessed about. Some other indicators are trouble making friends or maintaining relationships."</p><p style="margin-left: 20px;">"Sensitive to bright lights and sounds. Stimming (fidgeting). OCD tendencies. Often people get frustrated or irritated with you about your behavior or things you might have said, but you have no idea why they are."</p><p style="margin-left: 20px;">"And the biggest indicator is if you think you might be autistic, you probably are." -- <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/llkp32/people_who_were_the_weird_or_quiet_kids_in_high/gnsh8kk?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3" target="_blank">drewisawesome14</a></p><div class="ad-tag" data-ad-name="In_Content_Responsive_5" style="min-height:280px"></div>
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Tremors and Tiredness
<p>"Secretly and unknowingly suffering from severe anxiety and depression mixed with a little insomnia to boot." -- <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/llkp32/people_who_were_the_weird_or_quiet_kids_in_high/gnqb8j8?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3" target="_blank">perspicacity-404</a></p><p style="margin-left: 20px;">"Lol I have social anxiety and insomnia, (my sleep schedule is very irregular) for the last two days I didn't sleep and my anxiety was on the top of mount Everest..."</p><p style="margin-left: 20px;">"...I just got a full nights sleep yesterday and the amount of confidence I had today was unbelievable." -- <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/llkp32/people_who_were_the_weird_or_quiet_kids_in_high/gns4gtp?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3" target="_blank">Dry_Ad_7848</a></p><p>Others highlighted an important dynamic. <br></p><p>These Redditors explained that sometimes the alienated kid was originally not very different from anyone else. <br></p><p>But one quirk can snowball.</p>
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Chicken-Egg
<p>"<span></span>It's a downward spiral. You get picked on a few times, and don't take it well. After a while you learn to not draw attention to yourself by being quiet and withdrawing."</p><p>"When you withdraw, you internalise more, which isn't necessarily healthy."</p><p>-- <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/llkp32/people_who_were_the_weird_or_quiet_kids_in_high/gnq6gjz?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3" target="_blank">AlterEdward</a></p><div class="ad-tag" data-ad-name="In_Content_Responsive_7" style="min-height:280px"></div>
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A Last Ditch Effort
<p>"I guess I'll share my side. I was frequently seen as weird and bullied for wearing pajamas and not looking put together during school, and just being an awkward kid with poor social skills."</p><p>"The reality was my home life wasn't that great, I had undiagnosed anxiety, and I was doing the bare minimum of showing up so people wouldn't think I was dead."</p><p>"When I made valentines letters for my class one year I got teased for trying to be nice and it only hurt my reputation more. This made me scared to talk to my peers, emotional and 'quiet.' "</p><p>"Thank god I graduated."</p><p>-- <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/llkp32/people_who_were_the_weird_or_quiet_kids_in_high/gnq3cqs?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3" target="_blank">blossomb1tch__</a></p><div data-conversation-spotlight style="min-height:90px"></div>
Laying Low
<p>"I thought everyone hated me, so I stopped talking to people because I didn't want to bother them." -- <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/llkp32/people_who_were_the_weird_or_quiet_kids_in_high/gnqcom5?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3" target="_blank">biaforeverwar</a></p><p style="margin-left: 20px;">"If complete strangers (aka kids not even in my class) are spending a disturbing amount of time making fun of you, you tend to think that everybody hates you."</p><p style="margin-left: 20px;">"Source: me." -- <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/llkp32/people_who_were_the_weird_or_quiet_kids_in_high/gnsy9ba?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3" target="_blank">shf500</a></p><div class="ad-tag" data-ad-name="In_Content_Responsive_8" style="min-height:280px"></div>
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<p>And a few didn’t see their quietness as a problem at all.</p><p>They owned their decision to keep their cards close to the best. They dispassionately noticed their uniqueness, and that was that.</p>
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Nothing To Speak Of
<p>"There's not much of a story. I just didn't feel the need to talk as much as other people." -- <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/llkp32/people_who_were_the_weird_or_quiet_kids_in_high/gnq2t3n?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Asriel92</a></p><p style="margin-left: 20px;">"I never knew how people could think up new things to talk about every day. I've never had the knack. Plus, I was so nervous of saying the wrong thing." -- <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/llkp32/people_who_were_the_weird_or_quiet_kids_in_high/gnqxzdh?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3" target="_blank">BringBackRobotWars</a></p><p style="margin-left: 20px;">"Yes agreed. I felt a lot of people talked for the sake of saying something but it was nothing of substance." -- <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/llkp32/people_who_were_the_weird_or_quiet_kids_in_high/gnqgky1?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3" target="_blank">toast_with_butt</a></p>Eyes on the Prize
<p>"I wanted to go to medical school. I knew I wanted this since I was 6. I was not going to do anything to jeopardize my dreams, so I didn't do anything the other kids did."</p><p>"I didn't go drinking at the high school parties. I never did any drugs. I was a good kid."</p><p>"The few times I got sent to the principals' office, I was laughed at and sent back to class with no punishment. I caught hell for being a 'goody-two-shoes.' "</p><p>"What am I now? I'm a doctor."</p><p><span></span>-- <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/llkp32/people_who_were_the_weird_or_quiet_kids_in_high/gnqdnvb?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3" target="_blank">angmarsilar</a></p><div class="ad-tag" data-ad-name="In_Content_Responsive_10" style="min-height:280px"></div>
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Little Overlap
<p>"I had nothing in common with the people at my school with the exception of 2 friends. I wasn't into anything that my peers were into or that they felt was important."</p><p>"Nothing has changed really."</p><p>-- <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/llkp32/people_who_were_the_weird_or_quiet_kids_in_high/gnq7i2b?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3" target="_blank">you_are_marvelous</a></p><div class="ad-tag" data-ad-name="In_Content_Responsive_11" style="min-height:280px"></div>
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<p><br>I'm sure if you look back on your time at school you'll remember at least a couple kids just like this.</p><p>Or perhaps you were the quiet kid.<em></em></p><p>Either way, now you likely know a little bit more of the untold story behind it all</p><p>Want to "know" more? Never miss another big, odd, funny, or heartbreaking moment again. Sign up for the Knowable newsletter <a href="https://mailchi.mp/knowable/knowable-newsletter-in-content" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>
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Image by Sammy-Williams from Pixabay
Bullying is an epidemic. But it's looked on as something we should just all get over. Getting over being tortured or violated is not something one just "get's over." When I was in high school certain boys would throw glass bottles at my head and scream the word "f*g!" All I was trying to do was get to class. But for some reason, certain people felt they needed to scar me in order for me to grow. For a long time I didn't grow, I shrunk. The effects of those moments are haunting.
Redditor u/SakuraIsPink-_- wanted to discuss what happens when one is tormented for being themselves, why does it happen and how does life go on from it... they asked... [SERIOUS] Victims of bullying, what happened and how did it affect your life?<div class="ad-tag" data-ad-name="In_Content_Responsive_1"></div>
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1-
<p>I grew up being bullied by not only my peers but also by family members.</p><p>I still have incredibly low self esteem, I have a hard time dating anyone, and I basically refuse to take compliments from people because I'm afraid they'll just tell me they're joking anyway.</p><p>It's been rough. I'm 25 and still trying to deal with crap from my teenage years.</p><p><em><strong>EDIT: </strong></em>Wow. Thank for for all of the awards and support. You are all so kind and I truly appreciate it.</p><div class="ad-tag" data-ad-name="In_Content_Responsive_36" style="min-height:280px"></div>
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<p>For those asking, yes, I have seen a therapist in the past, but I was young and stupid and gave up on it pretty quickly. I intend on actually going to see someone once Covid has calmed down because I have a hard time connecting with someone over the phone.</p><p>And to all of those in similar situations, I truly hope you are able to find peace and live great lives. Don't let your past drag you down, you can accomplish so much. </p><p><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/la3rqr/serious_victims_of_bullying_what_happened_and_how/gllm2h0?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">mythiicalex</a></p>
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<p>My worst bully was my dad who'd call me a lazy fatty, accused me of being gay, said I was a disrespectful piece of crap. He is, literally, one of the cruelest people I've ever met and he thinks he's a freaking saint. However, in the past two years he's had four strokes and is probably going to be dead in the next few months so the jokes on him... I'm not even going to be sad when he dies, other than feeling bad for my mom and siblings... </p><p><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/la3rqr/serious_victims_of_bullying_what_happened_and_how/glna0d4?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3" target="_blank">Wiesbaden121486</a></p><div class="ad-tag" data-ad-name="In_Content_Responsive_3" style="min-height:280px"></div>
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<p>I'm 51 and am still unpacking crap from my teens. Hell over the pandemic I realized the worst of the bullying came from my own family. And yeah. It has taken me DECADES to recover any self-esteem. But hey "they wouldn't have teased me if they didn't like me" right? </p><p><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/la3rqr/serious_victims_of_bullying_what_happened_and_how/gllyter?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3" target="_blank">LowkeyPony</a></p><div class="ad-tag" data-ad-name="In_Content_Responsive_4" style="min-height:280px"></div>
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<p>Someone got paid to date me once. Ever since then I was always skeptical that someone actually found me attractive. The person who paid the individual did it because I recently went through a horrible break up and he hated seeing me depressed. I've forgiven him since then because his heart was in the right place but whenever I've been approached by women I think they have an ulterior motive. I've been slowly growing out of this so there is hope. </p><p><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/la3rqr/serious_victims_of_bullying_what_happened_and_how/glm8koo?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3" target="_blank"> Zemlenz</a><span></span></p><div class="ad-tag" data-ad-name="In_Content_Responsive_5" style="min-height:280px"></div>
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5-
<p>I have trouble trusting people. If someone is nice to me I assume that they have an ulterior motive or think about ways that they could harm me. I get along with my co-workers but I don't let many people get close enough to know me. </p><p><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/la3rqr/serious_victims_of_bullying_what_happened_and_how/gllzqpp?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ProofJournalist</a></p>6-
<p>My peers weren't bullies but they made it clear they didn't care about me/I had no friends. My brother was the one that would bully me during our childhood so I grew up not having any friends and having no one to trust in my family. With that said I still think I had a good childhood seeing as I was never physically abused or anything but I still have very little trust for others. </p><p><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/la3rqr/serious_victims_of_bullying_what_happened_and_how/gllm8dc?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3" target="_blank">MidnightSloppies</a><span></span></p><div class="ad-tag" data-ad-name="In_Content_Responsive_6" style="min-height:280px"></div>
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<p>I have a problem where I tend to read negative things into the way people talk to me and interact with me. Like I have a tendency to assume people are passive aggressively insulting me when in all actuality they probably like me just fine and don't mean anything by it.</p><p>I've gotten a lot better at not taking things personally but every now and then it still pops up in my brain. </p><p><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/la3rqr/serious_victims_of_bullying_what_happened_and_how/glougrk?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3" target="_blank">badgersprite</a></p><div class="ad-tag" data-ad-name="In_Content_Responsive_7" style="min-height:280px"></div>
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<p>I was the kid who got bullied by all the popular kids and ostracized. I had a crush on a boy and they found out, so they pranked me saying he wanted to ask me out but was too shy. So I asked him out in the hall only for him to brutally reject me in front of everyone and they all laughed. I was also beaten up by a girl who dragged me by my pony tail and told me I wasn't cool enough to hang out with the popular kids.</p><div data-conversation-spotlight style="min-height:90px"></div>
<p>I still have a lot of self doubt and anxiety at 34. I feel a lot of the time like people don't really want me around and just tolerate me and then talk about me behind my back. This wasn't helped at all during my marriage. My ex was emotionally abusive and often told me I didn't want to leave him because nobody else would treat me as good as he did. This kept my self esteem low and I became pretty reclusive. I'm now very much the kind of person who doesn't reach out to anyone and I just wait for them to come to me. It's safer that way, if they're the ones reaching out then it must mean they do want to be around.</p>
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<p>It's something I'm working on, though. I realize it's unhealthy to never reach out so I'm stepping out of my comfort zone to nurture relationships and grow. My boyfriend is amazing and supportive of this and encourages me to reach out. So far it has mostly been with my family, I have a ton of cousins I used to be close to and I'm working on rebuilding those relationships. The pandemic makes it hard, but I find I feel better after even just a phone call. I'm trying to reclaim my life and not let the bullying and abuse of my past close me off to the world. </p><p><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/la3rqr/serious_victims_of_bullying_what_happened_and_how/glmc2to?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">sai_gunslinger</a></p>
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<p>I was made fun of by everyone including the teachers just because I was "That Shy Kid Who Likes To Draw And Is Bad At SportsTM" through grades 1-7.</p><p>People were always throwing trash at me and once I even had a trash bin put on my head when I was just minding my business on a break. A lot of insults regarding my looks too.</p><p>I grew up to be a socially anxious, introverted, apathetic and asocial adult who doesn't trust people, keeps my distance from them and has a lot of self esteem issues on top of borderline personality disorder. I don't seek friends or keep old friends because deep down I think that I'm just an annoyance to them and I see them interacting with me as a form of pity. No matter how much people assure me they are okay with me I just don't believe them.</p>
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<p>Same goes for any compliments directed at my looks.</p><p>I'm 23 now and I will never forgive those people and I will wish them the worst because even if they come to me after 10 years and apologize, their crappy apology won't fix the mental trauma I suffered because of them. </p><p><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/la3rqr/serious_victims_of_bullying_what_happened_and_how/glls4oe?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ThatOneWhoSparkles</a></p>
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10-
<p>I was bullied as a teenager. I had crooked teeth, bushy eyebrows and dark circles around my eyes, I was also anemic so I was so pale. They called me zombie, witch girl and other hurtful things.</p><p>I got braces in college and worked out and a lot of guys started complimenting me, which I always thought was another prank, it took me years to love and accept myself and to not let myself seek attention from other men. </p><div class="ad-tag" data-ad-name="In_Content_Responsive_12" style="min-height:280px"></div>
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<p>I was so desperate for love and attention that I allowed myself to be abused by an ex, and to be the side chick of another.</p><p>I'm doing okay now, though. </p><p><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/la3rqr/serious_victims_of_bullying_what_happened_and_how/gllm8v8?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">sunnynightmares</a><span></span></p>
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In the movies, the bad guy pretty much always gets some comeuppance--but real life doesn't always work that way and this article is proof.
<p>Reddit user Pixiedustpotatoe asked: <br></p><p><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/f0ri76/were_you_bullied_at_school_where_are_your_bullies/" target="_blank">Were you bullied at school? Where are your bullies now and what did they make of their lives?</a></p><p>and it's pretty much like a <em>VH1 Where Are They Now?</em> special for all the people in your life who really, really sucked. </p><p>If you experience bullying then you sort of hope to see your bullies face some sort of karmic consequences, but based on these responses it may not happen. </p><p><strong>When it does though, ooooohhhh when it does... </strong></p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<a href="https://media2.giphy.com/media/12zfAjyQ3RZNSw/giphy.gif?cid=2fb0ca7606789d50546a338591c517039871ae6e1931761f&rid=giphy.gif" target="_blank"><img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMjcxNTUzNS9vcmlnaW4uZ2lmIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY2MTI3OTUxNX0.Oz0NzPR3X-6D_Sg0dwMms22Emjw5GlV1b5l9U4Q20Cc/img.gif?width=980" id="44bdf" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="af7850323a4d6be9f32698945b64885b" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="480" data-height="199"></a>
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<a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/12zfAjyQ3RZNSw" target="_blank">Giphy</a>
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She Is Not Her Father
<p>He became an auto mechanic, was married and had 2 kids. He died around 35 years old and I ended up teaching his daughter in middle school. She was very smart which was weird since he was not at all. I went out of my way to be sure I was kind to her and to be sure there was no negative feelings towards her. She is not her father and had nothing to do with how he treated me.</p><p>- <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/f0ri76/were_you_bullied_at_school_where_are_your_bullies/fgx6eh3?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x" target="_blank">1toy4me</a></p><div class="ad-tag" data-ad-name="In_Content_Responsive_36" style="min-height:280px"></div>
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They Succeed Just Fine
<p>Yes, and well, they all have normal lives as far as I know. They finished school, got normal jobs, and carried on as if nothing had happened.</p><p>I've found out that the thing they tell you about bullies not succeeding in life is just a lie. In all honesty, they have had more successful lives than myself, so it has flipped the other way around. Bullying someone doesn't leave a major impact on your life, while getting bullied can easily lead to social and mental problems.</p><p><span></span>- <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/f0ri76/were_you_bullied_at_school_where_are_your_bullies/fgx87bx?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x" target="_blank">TheSiphon</a></p><div class="ad-tag" data-ad-name="In_Content_Responsive_2" style="min-height:280px"></div>
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Plot Twist!
<img lazy-loadable="true" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMjcxMjc2MS9vcmlnaW4uZ2lmIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYzMTcxNDQ5Nn0.yok0egrBqhV8f8BTrDXO1IcSrBZoAe3UEqncWAnEzuM/img.gif?width=980" id="76e9f" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="648f2aa9a53272b3d7d6763dfc8e6615" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="480" data-height="270" />Giphy<p>I was. I became friends with my high school bully as an adult after we connected on Facebook (she had been a Mean Girl, popular, was a model, while I was a weird, bookish art nerd). She confessed in our 30s a few years into the friendship she had feelings for me, it was wild (I never anticipated it, had always thought she was straight.)</p><p>She got embarrassed and ghosted after I asked for time to process what she'd told me (I was interested, just blown away.)</p><p>I have no idea what she's doing now. I think she's a stay at home mom. I dunno, I hope she's happy. She turned out not to be a bad person, just troubled.</p><p>- <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/f0ri76/were_you_bullied_at_school_where_are_your_bullies/fgx4cck?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x" target="_blank">epicpillowcase</a></p><div class="ad-tag" data-ad-name="In_Content_Responsive_3" style="min-height:280px"></div>
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Some Things Never Change
<p>My bully would pull my pants down without fail every day from grade 3 to grade 5. It could be while I was eating lunch, or washing my hands, or walking by - just at any point of the day really. She would even pull my underwear down with my pants occasionally. I would get so embarrassed and cry in the bathrooms.</p><p>Fast forward to now, she came up on Facebook as a friend suggestion (stalked a little, she's now married with a baby girl), some of my colleagues being mutual friends. I asked one of my colleagues about how they knew the bully and my colleague said the bully was working here and got fired a month before I started working.</p><p>Apparently she was purposely causing dramas between departments. I asked my colleague what she was like and my colleague (who didn't know she was a bully) said she was always very rude, unapproachable and difficult to work with. Sounds like some things never change!</p><p><span></span>- <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/f0ri76/were_you_bullied_at_school_where_are_your_bullies/fgxgpqg?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x" target="_blank">falishaxo</a></p><div class="ad-tag" data-ad-name="In_Content_Responsive_4" style="min-height:280px"></div>
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I'm A Better Person
<p>He's got a nice, cushy job, a wife, four kids, and owns his house. And I have PTSD and am currently unemployed in part because of that diagnosis.</p><p>But I'm a better person than he is, because I can say without reservation that I've never abused anyone in all the ways he abused me.</p><p>I still don't forgive him. I want to but I can't do that yet.</p><p><span></span>- <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/f0ri76/were_you_bullied_at_school_where_are_your_bullies/fgxk3gd?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x" target="_blank">dill_fennel</a></p><div class="ad-tag" data-ad-name="In_Content_Responsive_5" style="min-height:280px"></div>
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Tenure
<p>Don't know, don't care, I'm a tenured professor now with plenty of time for my hobbies so f*ck them wherever they are.</p><p>- <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/f0ri76/were_you_bullied_at_school_where_are_your_bullies/fgzb2t6?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x" target="_blank">nealius</a></p>Satisfying
<img lazy-loadable="true" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMjcxMjg2Mi9vcmlnaW4uZ2lmIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYxNTU2NzU1OH0.3iYUhP5-UoFvle1lwQ2KA8xHytNgGGkpb9SkyBtz0Mo/img.gif?width=980" id="bdc77" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="b1e49c7e19144b1042e559d7f8974ca0" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="500" data-height="314" />Giphy<p>One boy at school spent years calling me fat and ugly. A couple of years ago he persistently hit on me in a club to the point that a male friend had to threaten him to leave me alone. Satisfying doesn't cover it.</p><p>- <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/f0ri76/were_you_bullied_at_school_where_are_your_bullies/fgxphuu?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x" target="_blank">dgic</a></p><div class="ad-tag" data-ad-name="In_Content_Responsive_6" style="min-height:280px"></div>
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The Sheer Disregard
<p>Bullied, called homophobic slurs because I wanted to stay in and sketch/ draw cartoons and not play sports. Kicked and punched a couple of times too.</p><p>Met both of them years after we went to school together. One had gone to jail for a year. Both acted like they never did anything or remember what they did. I think that's the part that hurt the most, just the sheer disregard.</p><p><span></span>- <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/f0ri76/were_you_bullied_at_school_where_are_your_bullies/fgy162j?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x" target="_blank">hookahbeard</a></p><div class="ad-tag" data-ad-name="In_Content_Responsive_7" style="min-height:280px"></div>
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Thanks Karma!
<p>Yes, and things actually turned out quite well for me. I was a really nerdy, very unattractive kid. Kids picked on me a lot. All these years later, I turned out to be quite beautiful and am a lawyer. The bullies? Most dropped out of college. The worst of them used to be a very cute kid but turned into a morbidly obese adult who lives at home. Karma did me good.</p><p>- <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/f0ri76/were_you_bullied_at_school_where_are_your_bullies/fgx2a6d?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x" target="_blank">ardvarkandy</a></p><div data-conversation-spotlight style="min-height:90px"></div>
Once A Year
<p>One of my bullies was/is a friend of my brothers. My brother moved 1000 miles away from me, but the bully friend still lives in my same area. My brother comes to visit 2x a year, and during the summer visit, I throw a large party, to which my brother always invites this person.</p><p>I was teased and taunted unmercifully by this guy all through high school about my weight, looks, lack of boyfriend (or type of bf when I had one) you name it. My husband is perturbed that my brother is even friends with this guy still. But he and us only see him once a year for about three hours. We will survive, I am 48 now, I'm an adult, I'm over it an not afraid of him.</p><p>I am, however, pleased (in a petty revenge kind of way) to report he has had not one but TWO failed marriages, lost a nice job his sister got him at her company because he came to work drunk, got kicked out of college for who knows what (alleged illegal activity, from what my brother says), and I'm sure his life sucks in other ways.</p><p><span></span>- <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/f0ri76/were_you_bullied_at_school_where_are_your_bullies/fgxmu5a?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x" target="_blank">SuperMommyCat</a></p><div class="ad-tag" data-ad-name="In_Content_Responsive_8" style="min-height:280px"></div>
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Feel No Pity
<p>I was bullied to the point where I considered suicide, luckily a few things happened in my life which helped me to change my mind and I'm doing really well right now (I'm currently working toward my dream career!) I still have anxiety and depression but it's not a bad as it used to be.</p><p>I find it funny how all the people who bullied me and almost destroyed me, are now destroying their own lives with drugs and alcohol. I don't feel any pity for them, after over 10 years of torment, both mental and physical (of course the school system did absolutely nothing to help me). They got what they deserved.</p><p>- <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/f0ri76/were_you_bullied_at_school_where_are_your_bullies/fh865h8?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x" target="_blank">Darkshines_01</a></p><div class="ad-tag" data-ad-name="In_Content_Responsive_9" style="min-height:280px"></div>
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Motivation
<p>Two mean girls at my high school. One got an abortion and graduated a low tier law school, the other went to some city college for an arts degree and is now doing probably some minimum wage job.</p><p>I'd say just keep working hard, and when you get unmotivated think about how good it'd feel to laugh at those people on your way up >:) </p><p>Sure as hell got me going.</p><p>- <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/f0ri76/were_you_bullied_at_school_where_are_your_bullies/fh2nzr7?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x" target="_blank">CardinalMeme</a></p>Relevant Backstory
<p>There were two main bullies, the best I can tell one turned into a typical working class chav and he spends the majority of his time doing petty criminal stuff - his brother, also a bully of mine, is serving hard time for an armed robbery. I expected nothing less. The other, I've no idea what happened to him but mutual acquaintances tell me he is now a drug addict and homeless so I'm in the odd position of feeling sorry for someone who caused me a lot of misery.</p><p>On a more positive note, another kid who bullied me in High School ended up becoming one of my friends many years later. He was abused at home as a kid and that was the reason he acted out in school. Now he's happily married and living a great life.</p><p>- <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/f0ri76/were_you_bullied_at_school_where_are_your_bullies/fh2mtv6?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x" target="_blank">zerbey</a></p><div class="ad-tag" data-ad-name="In_Content_Responsive_10" style="min-height:280px"></div>
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A Lesson Learned
<p>I was bullied and I did some bullying of my own, I am not proud of that, but it did happen and I have since reached out to them to tell them I am sorry and that I had no right to do what I did and asked them to forgive me. They all (thankfully) forgave me and thanked me for contacting them. </p><p>I know that 'bullying' by today's standards is vastly more harmful than what I did in the late 80's/early 90's, with everyone seeing it online with cyber-bullying, but I still feel pretty bad about what I said to some people.</p><p>- <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/f0ri76/were_you_bullied_at_school_where_are_your_bullies/fh2dqov?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x" target="_blank">elparker74</a></p><div class="ad-tag" data-ad-name="In_Content_Responsive_11" style="min-height:280px"></div>
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Nightmares
<img lazy-loadable="true" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMjc3NjUwMi9vcmlnaW4uZ2lmIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY2NDI2OTI1NX0.yxe50Aaw8kX1YLsAVtKnC2GFAy6-RDk8bgvwIoYvYgI/img.gif?width=980" id="d6a8f" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="77f5b558adab707f9235e36644b8b835" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" data-width="400" data-height="225" />Giphy<p>I had a horrible bully in middle school. I was an athletic (judo) girl, not even chubby, but she shamed me into anorexia and eventual hospitalization. Fast forward 5 years, she jumped from an 8 story building and died two days later. Had extremely mixed feelings about it, even went to her funeral. I'd been wishing death on that girl for half a decade. Still have nightmares of me pushing her.</p><p>- <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/f0ri76/were_you_bullied_at_school_where_are_your_bullies/fh2a9td?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x" target="_blank">bellezyk</a></p><div class="ad-tag" data-ad-name="In_Content_Responsive_12" style="min-height:280px"></div>
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Better
<p>Ayy, got bullied by someone when younger. Turns out he stole my first girlfriend. We were together for 3 and a half years. It's been like 6 years now and they are still together.</p><p>So briefly, my bully stole my girlfriend and turns out to be a better boyfriend than me. Fml.</p><p>- <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/f0ri76/were_you_bullied_at_school_where_are_your_bullies/fh282na?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x" target="_blank">morybon</a></p><div class="ad-tag" data-ad-name="In_Content_Responsive_13" style="min-height:280px"></div>
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Mom Of Girl With 'Purple' Birthmarks Admits She Hid Her For Six Weeks After Her Birth For Fear Of What Strangers Might Say
January 20 | 2020
The mom of a girl with "purple" birthmarks bravely admitted she hid her from strangers for six weeks after she was born - and even used filters in photos she posted online.
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<p>Sara Farrow, 27, was scared of people seeing her newborn daughter Lacey-Dee Barrett in public because of the port-wine stain birthmark covering 90% of her body.<br></p><p>It was caused by the abnormal development of her blood vessels during pregnancy, and protective Sara was scared people would single out her daughter.</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMjU5NTcxOS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY2MDgxMzYwOX0.Rphnv9tA_SyKSGZIsCJUw7wRxWaYhLBqPju6y5roO90/img.jpg?width=980" id="8b6db" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="608a4b5a790c618f0bc3ed16675990dc" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image">
<small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="Add Photo Caption...">Tom Maddick/SWNS</small>
</p><p>So for the first six weeks of her life, single mom Sara covered her daughter's bright-colored skin and hid her away from strangers.<br></p><p>And when she posted photos of Lacey-Dee on Instagram, Sara said she used filters to mask the true color of her daughter's skin.</p><p>She only changed her ways when she became worried Lacey-Dee would look back on her baby photos when she is older and asked her mom if she was embarrassed.</p><p>But even when she finally plucked up the courage, Sara claims strangers told her her daughter looks “diseased" and "contagious."</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
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<small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="Add Photo Caption...">Sara Farrow /SWNS.COM</small>
</p><p><strong>Sara, from Lincoln, England, said:</strong> <br></p><blockquote><em>"Until she was six weeks old I covered her up whenever we went out in public. As her mom obviously I am not bothered about her appearance but I was scared about what other people would think."</em></blockquote><blockquote><em>"When she was first born she was very red and looked bruised. I've had people say lots of things when we are out. </em><em>I was scared of what people would think of me as a mum."</em></blockquote><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMjU5NTcyMS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyNzMzNTQ0OX0.PngXJL6ao-RX_TUKmCUgZj9Fd--riPaxvbWcV9JxELE/img.jpg?width=980" id="caa66" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="9f868ec7fba7d0c2bd89261e3a679b31" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image">
<small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="Add Photo Caption...">Sara Farrow /SWNS.COM</small>
</p><p><strong>She added:</strong><br></p><blockquote><em>"People have said she looks diseased and have asked what's wrong with her face. One person asked 'is she allergic to the washing powder I use' and people think there is something really wrong with her.</em></blockquote><blockquote><em>"She is completely unique and it's just how she is. It makes her who she is and for me now it would be strange to see her without the birthmarks. I think she is beautiful and love how she looks.</em><em>"</em></blockquote><p>Lacey-Dee was born at Lincoln County Hospital in April and Sara said she realized something was different straight away.</p><p>She had darker patches on her chest and doctors thought she may have been bruised.</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMjU5NTcyMi9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY2Mzk4MTI4OX0.w0InlBW_Z9jYIvRi4IOFyZsBD201m4JFUva9SckAlDY/img.jpg?width=980" id="f2d56" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="c8a88ecfc26737f1e74ad34eaa68d656" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image">
<small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="Add Photo Caption...">Sara Farrow /SWNS.COM</small>
</p><p>Within hours, the birthmark appeared in full on the surface of Lacey-Dee's skin and Sara said initially it was "hard to come to terms with."<br></p><p><strong>Former retail worker Sara said: </strong></p><blockquote><em>"It was only on her chest at first and we thought it might be bruising. But after a couple of hours her whole body turned purple and blue. </em><em>It was a real shock to be honest and I was really worried because doctors weren't sure what was wrong."</em></blockquote><p>She was referred to specialists and diagnosed with port wine stains in October.</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMjU5NTcyNC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0NDUyMDk2OX0.zJTkFdqEd18pvbHMNVn-HR8j3NGTFFA2ySjfZC1B-NE/img.jpg?width=980" id="09008" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="0a6ebf337a49866e7523f0bf5d1f6c53" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image">
<small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="Add Photo Caption...">Sara Farrow /SWNS.COM</small>
</p><p>Only three in every 1,000 babies are born with the condition which occurs during pregnancy, and usually only appear on one limb or area of the body.<br></p><p>Sara said she covered up as much of her daughter's skin with baby blankets, long sleeved clothing or hiding her away in her buggy.</p><p>"I just thought 'oh god' and it was hard for me to come to terms with," she said, adding:</p><blockquote><em>"I was most worried about her face and I'm scared for her future. But it got to the point where I didn't want her to look back on baby photos and see I wasn't confident enough or I was embarrassed."</em></blockquote><blockquote><em>"I had to get brave for her sake as much as mine. I had to come to terms with it. </em><em>I'm worried for when she goes to school. I don't want her to be called names or to be bullied."</em></blockquote><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMjU5NTcyNS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYxNDcyNDk2Nn0.uw3T9N-irUrear-jGZPkL4ju29HGHmHKS8MD5gILxnI/img.jpg?width=980" id="e360e" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="b95bb60ee4d943c69965d75d0a950e50" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image">
<small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="Add Photo Caption...">Tom Maddick/SWNS</small>
</p><p>The condition comes with no other side effects, and Sara said Lacey-Dee is a “very happy" baby.<br></p><p>But she said when she is out and about she faces having to explain her daughter's discoloration.</p><p><strong>Sara said:</strong> </p><blockquote><em>"We went to the GP and a receptionist there said she should be kept in another room away from children playing in the waiting room in case she's contagious."</em></blockquote><blockquote><em>"It makes me feel bad but regardless of the birthmark, it doesn't change who she is. </em><em>We have seen so many dermatologists and they all said this is the most extensive case of Port Wine Stains they have seen."</em></blockquote><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMjU5NTcyNi9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY3NjU3OTk5MH0.QpAezgkqA-wFal9K5_qzlS3QbB0_9BxzAeZLvyKb7c8/img.jpg?width=980" id="d443e" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="04802260282ce0ec0e163ea4d3b8b240" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image">
<small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="Add Photo Caption...">Tom Maddick/SWNS</small>
</p><p>Lacey-Dee will meet with specialists next month to see if she is eligible for color-corrective treatment.<br></p>
Keep reading...
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'Biggest Loser' Trainer Jillian Michaels Hit With Backlash Over Comments About Lizzo's Body
January 09 | 2020
John Lamparski/Getty Images, Jim Spellman/WireImage/GettyImages
Celebrity fitness trainer Jillian Michaels is not buying into Lizzo's body positivity.
The Los Angeles television personality, who used to weigh 175 pounds as an eighth-grader, incurred the wrath of Lizzo fans after being accused of body-shaming the plus-size "Good As Hell" singer on Wednesday.
<p>
The former <em>Biggest Loser</em> trainer asked why Lizzo fans were "celebrating her body" instead of her songs during a controversial interview on <em>BuzzFeed News</em>' <em>AM2DM</em>.
</p><blockquote>
<em>"Why are we celebrating her body? Why does it matter? Why aren't we celebrating her music?"</em>
</blockquote><blockquote>
<em>"It isn't going to be awesome if she gets diabetes."</em></blockquote><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-twitter_embed">
</p><div id="81c2f" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="RLGM121578596721"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-twitter-tweet-id="1214966495912058881" data-partner="rebelmouse"><div style="margin:1em 0">.@JillianMichaels on Lizzo: "Why are we celebrating her body? Why does it matter? Why aren't we celebrating her mus… https://t.co/aUnnrVt7LC</div> — AM2DM by BuzzFeed News (@AM2DM by BuzzFeed News)<a href="https://twitter.com/AM2DM/statuses/1214966495912058881">1578505560.0</a></blockquote></div>
<p></p><p>
<strong>She tried to dial it back a notch by praising Lizzo's music but came back with sarcasm.</strong><br>
</p><blockquote>
<em>"I love her music. My kid loves her music. But there's never a moment where I'm like, 'And I'm so glad that she's overweight.'"</em>
</blockquote><p>
<strong>Trolls have been known to fat-shame the singer, and consequently, Lizzo announced she was <a href="https://twitter.com/lizzo/status/1214032592472641536" target="_blank">quitting Twitter</a> on Sunday.</strong>
</p><p>
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</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMjQ5NzE4OC9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyOTMwMzczMX0.pJfkmsriyjb2mkp1SXK9qQRXuCiZ6nSgKiVAK1q0z1Y/img.png?width=980" id="e98cd" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="9c671e48edd82704cd28d00a475e5656" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image">
<small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="Add Photo Caption...">@lizzo/<a href="https://twitter.com/lizzo/status/1214032592472641536" target="_blank">Twitter</a></small>
</p><p><strong>Celebrities like <em>The Good Place</em>'s Jameela Jamil came to Lizzo's defense and berated Michaels.</strong></p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-twitter_embed">
</p><div id="33fb0" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="15NET21578596721"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-twitter-tweet-id="1214978673826131968" data-partner="rebelmouse"><div style="margin:1em 0">Just saying... MY WHOLE DAMN THIN FAMILY HAS DIABETES AND HIGH CHOLESTEROL AND PROBLEMS WITH OUR JOINTS. Why is Thi… https://t.co/NsClZGJun1</div> — Jameela Jamil 🌈 (@Jameela Jamil 🌈)<a href="https://twitter.com/jameelajamil/statuses/1214978673826131968">1578508463.0</a></blockquote></div>
<p></p><p><br></p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-twitter_embed">
</p><div id="c92fb" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="7MBFXI1578596721"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-twitter-tweet-id="1215005691569528832" data-partner="rebelmouse"><div style="margin:1em 0">We celebrate @Lizzo’s body because she inhabits it with love & teaches us to do the same. She holds concerts that i… https://t.co/gpMJqPkD6j</div> — Sharanya Haridas (@Sharanya Haridas)<a href="https://twitter.com/haridassharanya/statuses/1215005691569528832">1578514905.0</a></blockquote></div>
<p></p><p><strong>Others went after the personal trainer for her misguided criticism.</strong></p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-twitter_embed">
</p><div id="50d40" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="USXH341578596721"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-twitter-tweet-id="1214981521758666752" data-partner="rebelmouse"><div style="margin:1em 0">@AM2DM @JillianMichaels Lizzo spends hours every night singing and playing the flute during intensive dance cardio.… https://t.co/EsBLDizHB3</div> — 🐺Mira (@🐺Mira)<a href="https://twitter.com/LostWolfling/statuses/1214981521758666752">1578509142.0</a></blockquote></div>
<p></p><p>
<br>
</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-twitter_embed">
</p><div id="6ed76" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="YZH84K1578596721"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-twitter-tweet-id="1214981076319457281" data-partner="rebelmouse"><div style="margin:1em 0">@AM2DM @JillianMichaels More people die from complications of anorexia than any other mental illness, but sure, let… https://t.co/3JocP4V2eP</div> — Michal is Mandalorthodox (@Michal is Mandalorthodox)<a href="https://twitter.com/inkasrain/statuses/1214981076319457281">1578509036.0</a></blockquote></div>
<p></p><p><br></p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-twitter_embed">
</p><div id="44bb7" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="T3VGIF1578596722"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-twitter-tweet-id="1214994383038083072" data-partner="rebelmouse"><div style="margin:1em 0">TW Fatphobia - Once you understand that nothing she is saying is backed by fact or science, this interview becomes… https://t.co/ClA0YanxXo</div> — belen (@belen)<a href="https://twitter.com/cloudiabelen/statuses/1214994383038083072">1578512209.0</a></blockquote></div>
<p></p><p>Fans reminded Michaels of Lizzo's fierce athleticism on stage singing and dancing in heels night after night in addition to playing the flute.<br></p><p>
<strong>Facebook user Stefan Brundage shared a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/stefan.brundage/posts/10221147604984284?__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARDv64tnBEUpfCGx3BBlINCqfUEf5d0PJ5uuOSn18fuKHJzQ4uyfUGj34YHB3j5jBYuTwp_ufAigz2_9owIKaAp4KeaMKfB3umiMPEf1RvM8jeJ9ek8YLL7yurMBUdmLRFEfXTqE2uCYcqECR9rrWitxjUNcWiyU0tI6sxK6-4FdbUPlwdFkFfZpE_lsr8YpqRFWjpJIkWNLl4fvHWUCCsm-vUGFebD2kaWb2tgTY4c52QpwfkOl3GTKuahLarErnhdAvHZU1dDKizrcOmueNOdPvoswG7DHjtqCImCejnec9_-FrxYrkiPsIMoaDxEGpnhSkLqZrMeyHbb4jZZF2amD&__tn__=H-R" target="_blank">quote</a> from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/melissa.florerbixler?__tn__=%2CdK-R-R&eid=ARDLsP1ONo2d15e6_Gw1McUq77PkJ9GQKRHEGMmSSdm2zDK1nqcu-Oxhal3KykVquYt-zo0BaQ-G5Qzs&fref=mentions" target="_blank" title="Melissa Florer-Bixler">Melissa Florer-Bixler</a> – a pastor from Raleigh Mennonite Church – who defended Lizzo and said:</strong>
</p><blockquote>
<em>"...the next time you hear someone opine that Lizzo is normalizing obesity, know that this is simply more fat-phobia disguised as health concerns."</em></blockquote><div class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="67cad496d6dd894e933e378e194ab83e"><div class="fb-post" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/stefan.brundage/posts/10221147604984284"></div></div><p><br></p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-twitter_embed">
</p><div id="1d85c" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="WMC0Y81578596722"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-twitter-tweet-id="1214979867306946560" data-partner="rebelmouse"><div style="margin:1em 0">Do let us know when you can twerk and play the flute at the same time, Jillian. Until then, shut your mouth. https://t.co/jvvYlNK5Fu</div> — Imani Gandy (@Imani Gandy)<a href="https://twitter.com/AngryBlackLady/statuses/1214979867306946560">1578508748.0</a></blockquote></div>
<p></p><p>
<strong>People continued to school Michaels with some facts.</strong></p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-twitter_embed">
</p><div id="ecfe6" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="NWLJCE1578596722"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-twitter-tweet-id="1214982485668438022" data-partner="rebelmouse"><div style="margin:1em 0">@AM2DM @JillianMichaels Nick Jonas and Halle Berry both have diabetes. Fat does not equal diabetes.</div> — Gheigh Niggaologist (@Gheigh Niggaologist)<a href="https://twitter.com/NegroClarkKent_/statuses/1214982485668438022">1578509372.0</a></blockquote></div>
<p></p><p>
<br>
</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-twitter_embed">
</p><div id="bf90a" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="GFHU8X1578596722"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-twitter-tweet-id="1214981216895528961" data-partner="rebelmouse"><div style="margin:1em 0">Also re: Jillian and Lizzo: this is a failed attempt to dunk on a girl who enthusiastically shares her dance & stre… https://t.co/3H6w7VdXTC</div> — Sara Benincasa (@Sara Benincasa)<a href="https://twitter.com/SaraJBenincasa/statuses/1214981216895528961">1578509070.0</a></blockquote></div>
<p></p><p>
<br>
</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-twitter_embed">
</p><div id="87fb6" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="YRBRM91578596722"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-twitter-tweet-id="1214981900403523584" data-partner="rebelmouse"><div style="margin:1em 0">Also, if Jillian Michaels actually cared about folks getting fit and healthy to meet whatever her own ideal is (whi… https://t.co/YKd114OKz1</div> — Sara Benincasa (@Sara Benincasa)<a href="https://twitter.com/SaraJBenincasa/statuses/1214981900403523584">1578509232.0</a></blockquote></div>
<p></p><p>
<br>
</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-twitter_embed">
</p><div id="0ea02" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="OV3U5U1578596722"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-twitter-tweet-id="1214982793538588674" data-partner="rebelmouse"><div style="margin:1em 0">Also, there is a racial component here, whether or not Michaels makes a policy of policing all famous self-describe… https://t.co/RHzs4g8Xpp</div> — Sara Benincasa (@Sara Benincasa)<a href="https://twitter.com/SaraJBenincasa/statuses/1214982793538588674">1578509445.0</a></blockquote></div>
<p></p><p>
<br>
</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-twitter_embed">
</p><div id="60d39" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="YF16SC1578596722"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-twitter-tweet-id="1215006096991100928" data-partner="rebelmouse"><div style="margin:1em 0">@AM2DM @JillianMichaels Fat shaming is not ok. Using fat shaming as an alarm, code or determinant for contracting a… https://t.co/46anDVORaB</div> — MrsBundrige (@MrsBundrige)<a href="https://twitter.com/MrsBundrige/statuses/1215006096991100928">1578515001.0</a></blockquote></div>
<p></p><p>
<br>
</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-twitter_embed">
</p><div id="5b277" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="4UVCAP1578596723"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-twitter-tweet-id="1215088647827083265" data-partner="rebelmouse"><div style="margin:1em 0">@AM2DM @JillianMichaels Her body is nobody else’s business</div> — taylorbold. (@taylorbold.)<a href="https://twitter.com/TaylorBold/statuses/1215088647827083265">1578534683.0</a></blockquote></div>
<p></p><p>
<strong>Michaels responded to the backlash on <em><a href="https://www.instagram.com/jillianmichaels/?utm_source=ig_embed" target="_blank">Instagram</a></em> and wrote:</strong>
</p><blockquote>
<em>"As I've stated repeatedly, we are all beautiful, worthy, and equally deserving."</em>
</blockquote><blockquote>
<em>"I also feel strongly that we love ourselves enough to acknowledge there are serious health consequences that come with obesity -- heart disease, diabetes, cancer to name only a few."</em>
</blockquote><blockquote>
<em>"I would never wish these for ANYONE and I would hope we prioritize our health because we LOVE ourselves and our bodies." </em>
</blockquote><p>
<br>
</p><div id="3a484" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="OA7U9N1578596723"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="4" style=" background:#FFF; border:0;
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<div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC);
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B7FAAmAJJaN/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif;
font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;
word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">Instagram post by Jillian Michaels • Jan 9, 2020 at 12:04am UTC</a></p>
</div></blockquote></div><p>
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</p><p>
<strong>Last month, Lizzo faced criticism from author Boyce Watkins, who said her fame was due to the fact that "there is an obesity epidemic in America."</strong>
</p><p>
<strong>Watkins tweeted:</strong>
</p><blockquote>
<em>"Rather than encouraging people to do better, we are simply lying to them and telling them that they are just fine the way they are." </em>
</blockquote><blockquote>
<em>"Unfortunately, many of these people are dying from diabetes and heart disease."</em></blockquote><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-twitter_embed">
</p><div id="740fe" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="RDKA9U1578596723"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-twitter-tweet-id="1208114035071311874" data-partner="rebelmouse"><div style="margin:1em 0">#Lizzo popular is because there is an obesity epidemic in America. Rather than encouraging people to do better, we… https://t.co/2zyErfs63l</div> — Dr Boyce Watkins (@Dr Boyce Watkins)<a href="https://twitter.com/drboycewatkins1/statuses/1208114035071311874">1576871806.0</a></blockquote></div>
<p></p><p><strong>In response to Watkins' unwelcome insight, Lizzo disagreed and credited her popularity for reasons unrelated to her body image.</strong><br></p><blockquote>
<em>"I'm popular because I write good songs and I'm talented and perform high energy hour and a half shows filled with love." </em>
</blockquote><blockquote>
<em>"The only person who needs to do better is you." </em>
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<em>"Keep my name out ya mouth & look in the mirror before you come for me."</em></blockquote><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-twitter_embed">
</p><div id="cf563" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="H9ZDZE1578596723"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-twitter-tweet-id="1209218484527194112" data-partner="rebelmouse"><div style="margin:1em 0">I’m popular because I write good songs and I’m talented and perform high energy hour and a half shows filled with l… https://t.co/dDdEfMoxRF</div> — Feelin Good As Hell (@Feelin Good As Hell)<a href="https://twitter.com/lizzo/statuses/1209218484527194112">1577135127.0</a></blockquote></div>
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We love you, Lizzo!<br>
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