Dr. Laura: Peggy-whoops, it helps if you press the button-Peggy, welcome to the program.
Peggy: Good morning-afternoon. I'm a first-time caller. Dr. Laura: Welcome.
Peggy: My question is: How do I respond to people who continue to make comments about a weight loss that I've made three years ago, and I don't want to make an issue of any longer? Dr. Laura: Well, you're not making an issue. Peggy: They are.
Dr. Laura: If they're complimenting, just say, "Thanks, I worked hard at it." Peggy: Okay.
I would just as soon they not bring it up at all.
Dr. Laura: Well, since you and I-you know, it would be wonderful, Peggy, if you and I had control over everybody in the world. Wouldn't that be great? Peggy: It would, wouldn't it? Dr. Laura: I'm just sitting down right now with a piece of paper and a pencil thinking of how I'd make everybody be different. Peggy: Yes.
Dr. Laura: But the reality is, we don't have that power. So I don't even know why you're going there. If somebody says something about your weight loss, just be gracious and say, "I worked hard at it. Look great, don't I?" Peggy: Okay, I guess that's what I needed, is how do I respond, because I have a tendency to get angry. Dr. Laura: Why?
Peggy: I don't like it brought up. Dr. Laura: Why?
Peggy: I think it's a reflection, a comment on, "Well, you used to be so heavy." Dr. Laura: Yeah, you used to be fat and now you're not. You must have worked at it real hard, so it's a fact. You were fat and now you're not. Be proud of the work that went in, the discipline. Be proud of it. See, it is a character issue, because a lot of people talk about wanting to eat better, exercise better, look better, be more fit, but it's the extraordinary person with discipline who can pull it off. I think that's a character issue, so your character is being complemented. You don't look lazy, or self-indulgent. You look like a person who controlled what was in her control. I think that's admirable. Some of what they're saying might be a little envy; nonetheless, I think you ought to be proud at what you accomplished. Peggy: I am. I guess it's just after three years, I thought it was something that would go away. Dr. Laura: Oh, honey, never turn down a compliment even if it's after thirty, baby doll. Come on.
Peggy: Okay.
Dr. Laura: Unless you just ate a chocolate soda or something, and you're feeling guilt. Peggy: Oh, no, I have one of those once a week, and no guilt.
Dr. Laura: You have a chocolate soda once a week?
Peggy: Once a week. That's my splurge. Dr. Laura: Oh, good for you.
Peggy: Yeah, you know. And I still handle it.
Dr. Laura: I have an Oreo a day.
Peggy: Oh, well, see I couldn't have one every day. Dr. Laura: [laughter] And the key is to not have it while you're sitting. Peggy: Right.
Dr. Laura: See, you understand that, right?
Peggy: Yes.
Dr. Laura: Yeah, well a lot of people are shrugging their shoulders at us right now. Well, if you're sitting, then you can be sitting and eating more. But if you take one while you're on the move and doing other things, then it's just your little treat. Peggy: Exactly.
Dr. Laura: And you keep on going. All right, Peggy. Peggy, by the way- Peggy: Yes. Dr. Laura: You're looking great without-less eighty-five pounds. Peggy: Thank you.
Dr. Laura: You're welcome. Peggy: [laughter] And thank you.
Dr. Laura: Take care. I'm Dr. Laura Schlessinger, I'll be right back.
