My girlfriend is self-conscious about her weight. WHAT DO?

[Anonymous]

Her family is telling her that she's been putting on weight. I personally don't care much about it at all but she has been gaining a little bit of weight over the past couple months. I mean she's still beautiful but I don't want her to feel self conscious. So should I take her to do more active things to help her feel good but I don't know she might think I think she's fat and I don't want her to get upset. Just... what should I do? XD

[aly-marie]

Boosting her self-esteem is definitely the first and best thing you should work on, especially since you honestly find her beautiful regardless. Genuine compliments go a long way.

And it is really good to try doing some more active things when you're together. For couples, it's very appealing and easy to just spend time together in front of the tv, in bed, eating, stuff like that. But try getting out of the house more, going some new places and trying new things. I've taken to trying to make sure that my boyfriend and I take more walks and go places instead of just sitting in front of the TV (which we do way too often).

You can talk to her about it, you just have to make it very clear (repeatedly, probably) that you DON'T think she's fat and that you think she's beautiful the way she is.. you're just concerned about her own self-image. You want her to feel good about herself, naturally, so let her know you're willing to do anything (even accompany her on walks or to the gym) if it'll make her happier.

[melissarose8585]

This is a sensitive issue for females; we're told by the media, magazines, celebrities, and everything we see that we should be a certain way, look a certain way, and have a certain shape. When the family gets in on it, it makes it worse because it gets hurtful. After all, they are supposed to be the people that support you and love you.

(Take it from someone who grew up always a little bigger than her two stick-thin sisters, it can hurt.)

Just try to make her feel pretty. Make sure that you compliment her, that you let her know you enjoy the way she looks. If you can boost her self-esteem it can hopefully negate some of the comments they'll be making. Just don't bring up the weight-it's a bad idea. It will only let her know that you've noticed and then she'll think about it even more.

[Anonymous]

Most importantly, make sure that you remind her that you think she's beautiful. Also, try not to aid to the weight problem by taking her out to restaurants or eating loads of junk food when you spend time with her. I wouldn't all the sudden start doing a lot of more active things, but definitely try to fit some in some of the time.

[ilove2shop]

Your sure she's not pregnant?

[Asker]

Positive.

[ilove2shop]

Honestly, weight is not something you should bring up with girls. If you do, it will only make her more self conscious. You should love her the way she is and if she comes to you and says she wants to lose weight and wants help, then you can talk to her about doing more active things. Otherwise, I suggest you not say anything about it.

[Asker]

That's what I was thinking. Thanks