The article emphasizes the importance of respecting friendsâ autonomy regarding food choices. It critiques unsolicited advice about habits, labeling it as presumptuous and rude. The responder reflects on their own experiences with a friend struggling with an eating disorder and acknowledges the difficulties of wanting to help while respecting boundaries. Ultimately, it advocates for supportive friendship, acceptance of flaws, and refraining from judgment about personal choices such as eating.
It is presumptuous and arrogant to assume that you have no annoying habits or addictions, or that no one else might have reason to be concerned about some of your behaviors.
I have a dear friend who has struggled with an eating disorder for years. I have mostly said nothing and have always stood by her, asking only once years ago if there might be something for her to address.
That she rebuffed your unsolicited advice once should be a big hint. She said you were rude, and you were.
Be a real friend, accept her for who she is, flaws and all, and put your energy into finding good things in her instead of obsessing over her eating, which is none of your business.
Collection
[
|
...
]