Botticelli would be proud.

Have you ever been reconciled to something and then someone comes along and reminds of your flaw, thus inducing self-loathing and all that goes with it? That happened to me this evening.

Late this afternoon, I drove to Murfreesboro to meet with the dress alterationist for my first fitting of my bridesmaids dress for Ben and Brittany's wedding. I expected straight pins, small talk, and a large bill, but I didn't expect what came next.

Basically, she made a very rude comment about my body---one that was not necessarily intended to be rude, but nonetheless, incredibly disrespectful and hurtful---and not to mention, completely unsolicited. I was minding my own business in my dress, thinking about packing for Europe, when I was reminded bluntly that I'm not a size 2 like the other skinny bridesmaids, and I had to have the most alterations because of my breast/waist/hip size.

I wanted to slap this woman, and then collapse in a heap and cry. Instead, I smiled politely, and then changed the subject.

Thing is, I don't look in the mirror and hate myself. Granted, I deal with body image issues, but overall, I choose to love me. And I realize that I can't compare myself to other people--because there's always going to be someone prettier, smarter, etc.

Recently, a good friend of mine made a comment about her body and how she is struggling with her self-image right now. To be honest, I was rather shocked to hear her say this. My friend is so beautiful and has the cutest little figure. And, she's an incredibly hip and trendy dresser---she's one of the few people I know that could compete with the ladies of Sex and the City. And she was questioning her self-worth???

When I was in Chicago last summer, Amanda and I visited the Art Institute of Chicago. Wandering around, I happened upon this bronze sculpture of a Rubenesque woman, created by a man---Gaston Lachaise. I thought she was magnificent and I couldn't take my eyes off of her. What do you think?

They say perception is 9/10 of the law. I'm a fox, dammit.