Dear Rebbetzin Feige,
I’ve been struggling with having a positive body image. When I got married five years ago, I was very thin and felt that I looked good. Since then, I’ve gained weight and have been unsuccessful in losing it. I tell myself that I don’t have to be thin to look beautiful but somehow, I don’t really believe it.
My husband has never mentioned this issue. I have never brought it up to him, as I don’t want to draw attention to it. The situation doesn’t seem to bother him. However, it does bother me in our relationship. I am more inhibited in the intimate aspects of our relationship. I feel the need for complete darkness when we are together, I cover myself with a blanket, and I don’t wear the same clothing that I used to. My husband has commented on multiple occasions that he would prefer if, when we are alone, I wear the types of clothing that I used to. But I don’t feel attractive wearing those more revealing outfits, so I tell him that it’s just easier and more comfortable for me not to. I know that he is confused and hurt, not understanding why I won’t do him this favor. I am hoping you could give me some perspective on this issue. Thank you.
Rebbetzin Feige Responds
My dear reader,
Some years ago a man walked into our synagogue on a Friday evening and observed the services as a curious bystander. It was quite obvious that it was a first time experience for him. At the conclusion of the service, my husband, the Rabbi, walked over to him and asked if he would care to join him for a Shabbat meal at our home.
He acquiesced and as they were walking towards the exit my husband apologized in advance for the request he was about to make. He then asked Alex, the young man, to empty out his pockets in the synagogue office so he would not be violating the constrictions of Shabbos observance. Alex, though perplexed, conceded. On the walk to our home, my husband proceeded to explain his strange request.
Our real identity runs much deeper than the material things in our life.
Shabbat, he told Alex, was a time of shedding all the peripheral accoutrements of our life so as to maximize our ability to confront who we really are. The entire week our identity is drawn from the items we carry in our pockets - the keys to the car we drive (posh or otherwise), credit cards that indicate credit ratings and social standing, driver’s license that provides information about our age and appearance, etc. The statement we are making when we let go and divest ourselves of these things for the 24-hour period is that on this spiritual day we want to acknowledge that the real us - our real identity- runs much deeper and is far more significant than the material and physical things in our life. Indeed, Shabbat is a day when we do a reality and awareness check.
My dear reader, the pendulum measuring the values of our society seem to be slowly but surely swinging in the direction of celebrating quality over appearances and fluff. While in the car today I heard the announcement of the sudden death of James Gandolfini, the popular actor. The entertainment industry and fans were devastated and in total shock. The discussion that ensued was about how counterintuitive it was that a man with a pot belly and a receding hairline could have achieved so much and been so beloved and acclaimed. The conclusion drawn was that his personality, character, humility and talent far outweighed his deficiencies in the classic George Clooney model. They claimed that substance is garnering greater and greater appeal even in, of all places, Hollywood. Additionally, it is noteworthy that Oprah, who wields more influence than any woman in American society, has not achieved it through physical beauty.
Having said that, dear reader, the real gist of your conundrum lies not with what other people think of you. An on-point observer of human interactions cynically commented, “There is something existentially alarming about finding out how little room we occupy and how little allegiance we command in other people’s heads.” Your challenge is the need for a paradigm shift in your own thinking, in your own head. Regardless of size and physical configuration, the crucial factor is how one carries herself, her confidence and self-assurance.
Regardless of size and physical configuration, the crucial factor is how one carries herself.
Consider Judy, a young woman who married into a family of classically beautiful women. She was by no means thin or good looking by objective standards. However, she exuded an air of confidence, an aura of being comfortable in her own skin that endeared her to everyone she met. She moved in both familiar and unfamiliar circles with equal grace and ease.
How can one achieve a persona of confidence?
My brother-in-law Rav Shlomo Twerski of blessed memory shared the secret with me. It has been hugely helpful in my life. He suggested that if one can overcome the natural inclination to focus on oneself and instead concentrate on the person or people with whom he is interacting, the result will be powerful. Focus on self makes one self-conscious and insecure, whereas honing in on the other – their pain, their joys and concerns – relieves one of the necessity to “breathe down one’s own neck” ad nauseam. It broadens ones horizons and gives one an appreciation of what is truly important.
On a practical level I would suggest exercise, not necessarily for weight loss purposes but for the energy and uplifting quality it provides. Outdoors, sunshine, nature, and God’s world are all great mood boosters. I would guess that you probably have done the basics- i.e. checked your thyroid, engaged in “portion control” which my doctor claims is the most effective in maintaining a healthy eating pattern.
Dear reader, please don’t allow your marriage to suffer. Oblige your husband; give him what he wants. A therapist counseled a young woman who was feeling less than attractive in the bedroom. He told her to remember that she was the only woman in the room. No comparisons were being made and most certainly her husband was nothing less than delighted with her. Be advised that it is your thinking and your thinking alone that gets in your way.
Good luck and God bless you.
(11) Ruth, March 4, 2017 5:47 PM
body changes
Did anybody note that women are at their thinnest and most beautiful during their late teens and early twenties. Then the metabolism changes and she gains weight. Especially if you have children. One friend says eating after sex was a weight gain factor for her. The media keeps saying that thin is beautiful, ignoring reality. so we need to ignore media opinion. Genetics is also a strong influence.
(10) LIna, May 2, 2014 8:44 PM
How you carry yourself is based on your thoughts and feelings. I never felt pretty when I was thin.
I was very stubborn & thought I knew it all. I also came from a family where most ppl were overweight & I felt so different being very skinny. So what you believe is really what makes it.Not what you see on the outside. I looked fine when I weighed 115-125 , but I surely never thougt that myself. I now tell ppl like what you see & NEVER think twice about what Hashem gave you.
(9) Bobby5000, July 5, 2013 3:58 PM
why not address the problem
Women are very strange !!! She gained weight, is unable about it, so why wouldn't she go on a strict diet and exercise program to lose the weight. I have no idea why she would constantly complain about the weight, but not take the steps to address it.
(8) Eva Schapira, July 5, 2013 7:02 AM
Crucial point
I think that the other commenters have a point that if one method of weight loss is not effective there are programs and routines that should be explored. But the most crucial point that the Rebbetzin addressed is that even if someone cannot or does not lose weight, they can still carry themselves with an aura of confidence that instantly makes them more beautiful. I have a friend who is far from slender but she is sharp, funny, and attractive. She is the person. Everyone wants to be around and is very popular with the male population as well. I think a huge percentage of someone beauty comes from their attitude.
(7) Anonymous, July 4, 2013 12:18 AM
Another solution
I, too, felt UGLY because I became overweight after marriage. While what Rebbetzin Twerski says is true, it would not have changed how I felt. Discovering OA (overeaters anonymous) had completely changed my life. I finally lost the weight I had struggled to lose unsuccessfully for years, and gained so much more in my serenity, personal relationship with Hashem and with my husband. If, as you say, you have tried to lose weight and couldn't, and are completely miserable and desperate, then maybe you are ready for OA. It's definitely worth trying! Good luck.
(6) L.S., July 2, 2013 8:00 PM
Practical suggestions
Struggling with a bad body image is a painful experience. Although all the suggestions were wonderful I would also like to add practical suggestions: weight training and interval training. Lifting heavy weights will up your metabolism and burn up fat like crazy. Eliminate all dairy sweets and gluten. Stop eating past 3 p.m. And drink lots of cold water. You'll be slim and solid quickly if you follow these suggestions regardless of your age and metabolism. If you take practical steps towards health as your focus, you'll feel much better and more confident in yourself. Also remember that if your husband compliments you, he loves you as you are and you should embrace that.
(5) Galia Berry, June 30, 2013 11:50 PM
PLEASE read this very profound link.
Someone sent this link to me, and I will share it with many others. I think this will really help you, and please keep it in mind before it's too late to undue any damage already done!
http://www.rolereboot.org/life/details/2013-06-when-your-mother-says-shes-fat
Elizabeth, July 3, 2013 6:20 PM
Thank you Galia!
Thank you Galia! I've read and shared that article. It's so moving and important to share.
(4) chaya mannes, June 30, 2013 4:12 PM
excellent topic and answer
Thank you, Rebbetzin for a brilliant response.. i have forwarded it to quite a few obsessed life long dieters !!!( all married ones)
(3) Dale, June 30, 2013 4:07 PM
body image
Having a positive body image is hard to maintain in our current culture to be sure. Over the last year I have lost 40 lbs and even though I look in good shape for my age I still feel and see chubby in the mirror and any reflective surface.Learning to love ones self seems to be a hard thing to do. I like the suggestions in the article even though they are general but they work and are not big steps to institute.
(2) Shlomo, June 30, 2013 4:01 PM
"Oblige your husband; give him what he wants."
Your husband knows what he needs to feel excited and attracted to you.
(1) Yehudith Shraga, June 30, 2013 10:27 AM
There is another way to deal with the problem
The article contains a lot of useful pieces of advice,but they are general in their nature and may not be used by the individual who feels that overweight IS the problem.
As we know people have different attitude to one and the same "problem" and to understand why, we have to remember How the Creator communicates with us.
The Sages teach us that there is the influence which in Kabbalah is called Ohr Yashar=Straight Light, which comes to the creation form the Creator and make the creation think or feel something, the role of the creation is to stop Its first reaction on the situation and to look for right one.
How do we know which reaction is the right,it is easy-We have Hallakhot!
As for the body, it is a part of the G-d's creation and it should be taken care of,and if the Creator makes a woman think that she used to be more attractive,these are the thoughts which should be dealt with, and the reason for the overweight found,as the article states, BUT one point which may not be justified is telling oneself, that our outer appearance is secondary to our inner one. There is a constitution the person is born with, and he/she should see oneself within these limits, but to let oneself doing nothing with the overweight is a very dangerous mistake.
If the Creator continues on sending the young Lady the thoughts that she used to look better, it means that she has still the opportunity to correspond to her better form, and the question is what she is ready to make to fit her better image.
With the modern speed of life, it isn't always possible to spend 2-3 hours on body building programs, but there are a lot of optimal sets of exercises which combine the breathing patterns,which insure the natural lessening of the stomach and the decrease of our desire for fat and creamy products in favour of vegetables and fruits.
Do not think that somebody is fatter or uglier,think of bringing oneself to the optimal form.
Tracey, June 30, 2013 2:58 PM
One factor missing
Last night I spent time with an old friend. She spent part of the night bemoaning the "fact" that she was not as slim as she once was. This woman is a size 4 and her idea of slim is fitting into a child's size 14! (She's 50 years old. I've been about a size 14 my whole adult life and I'm sick of women who could fit through the eye of a needle saying that they're fat. It is so ingrained in our heads to be impossibly thin, and anything else is unacceptable. I, too, suffered mightily because of this mind set, we need to focus on who we are inside, on our souls, to understand true beauty. (I hate to say this, but if Gandolfini was a woman or if Oprah were white, neither would've been so revered. Society demand that white women be. "Perfect."
Yehudith Shraga, June 30, 2013 6:30 PM
I agree with your observation, Dear Tracey, the standards the society puts on us make a lot of useless pressure, BUT my point is to remind all of us, that we should learn to differ between our lack of resposibility for how we look like, imability to exercise the strength of will to make the day by day exercises, and our wish to look like Barbi doll all the life in every time of the day.