I often think of how many times I've accidentally done this, as in, made a well-intended, positive remark to someone who is instantly reminded of demons, or their own insecurities. The inability to feel complimented is the most tragic part. Someone may be feeling genuinely jealous of how well you look, but behind you is a well of sadness and heartache that you just can't share. You smile, but...it's so redundant sometimes, really, isn't it, at the end of the day, how well we may look to another on the outside. This poem is a stark reminder of this. An innocuous.

'Hi, wow, you look great!'
'Thanks'

There can be so many more layers to this that we often never consider. This is an important piece of poetry.

Hi Noura. Isn't it odd how we automatically play these roles? Someone who knows you, must know what you've been through and know that weight loss could be a negative for you. But also, rather than offend, you remain polite and don't correct the person complimenting you. It's a minefield and we all do it. Wouldn't it be great if we could just tell the truth and be open to gaining support.
This is an achingly good piece and will make us all think twice. Well done! :-) x
=^.^=

Daniel worded it perfectly, and reflected what I wanted to say as well, in the comment that this is an important write. I have refrained from saying certain things because I know how much, though the intentions may be good, can stir us something in someone else. It can seem like "oh it's just a compliment", but it's so much more. And the assumption that just because someone looks alright, doesn't mean they aren't battling a thousand things and barely holding on.

Love you and your voice and your strength.

Thanks for your comments, guys. This "compliment" was made last night by someone who I'm sure intended well, but it hurt, because how can you explain that the weight loss, something a lot of people want to achieve, is actually a symptom? That it's a constant reminder of how awfully you're struggling? You just can't. Because society decided that it isn't nice to reply to a compliment with a sob story, it will make you sound ungrateful and dramatic. And because at some point, you refrain from telling others what's actually going on, they won'treally understand. They might be judgmental about it. They might give you that look of pity.

I lost 4 kgs in 10 days. And even though I've always loved being slim, this did not feel good. It felt scary and unhealthy and nerve-wrecking.