Thanks! Yeah, it’s SO frustrating to feel like you’re doing everything right and then sit next to some lithe coworker devouring a triple cheeseburger. I keep telling myself that my insides are what matters, and they’re healthy and happy, but I sure wouldn’t mind the outside matching. Frankly, just hearing from other…

It sounds like an emotional roller coaster ride, but I’m happy that you know what’s going on and you have a doctor helping you through it. From what I’ve heard, there are far too many doctors willing to assume that we’re all just fat lazies who don’t run enough.

I would like this very much.

Much like butter, I don’t think there’s ever been a time when I’ve said to myself “gee, these potato chips really ruined this _____.” My personal fave is chips and ice cream. Because why the hell not.

Oooh, very good idea! I’ll give it a go, I think!

Yeah, I think stress is a big part of it. I’m a teacher, and the first few weeks back to school are incredibly difficult. Last year I dropped 3 or 4 pounds the week after school got out just because I finally caught up on rest. The stress also makes me far more emotional, so not only do I hold on to pounds, I care…

This sounds beautifully therapeutic! Getting stuck in that shame spiral is going to happen no matter what, so maybe rolling around in it for one night is better than trying to muscle my way out of it for weeks. Last night after I closed Jez I inadvertently followed your advice with a couple glasses of vino and some…

I knew posting this year would give me the motivation to stop feeling sorry for myself and to DO something about it! Thanks!

I’m in Washington. LET’S MEET IN OREGON. More people need to get on the cabbage-dill-herring flavor train. Fools are missing out.

I think, as an adult, more things need potato chips added

I don’t understand why butter is being maligned so thoroughly by all these people. It belongs on bread. Why would you NOT include it in a sandwich? There are weirder things on sandwiches than butter. But that’s me.

THAT’S BECAUSE IT’S DELICIOUS. I was also banned from the green olive jar growing up because I would eat them all.

Thank you for your advice! Sounds like I should get myself to a doc to ask about this. I just had a quick checkup the other day and so I know my basic stats are fine, but I didn’t bring up my weight concerns when I should have :( I also like your strategy for feeling good. If I can’t be happy with my weight all the…

If I make a Danish/Swedish smorgasbord with smorrebrod and red cabbage and herring and lots of dill, will you bring some of these things? It’s dinnertime on the west coast and this is making me SO. HUNGRY.

YEAH! That’s why internet friends exist! When real world friends have baggage or just don’t get it, internet friends will squee about hand-holding and laughing at the same twisted jokes and feeling totally yourself and comfortable with a person to whom you’re attracted... and life is good!

I’ve been meaning to get to a doc for years, but in some ways I’m afraid to go. I think I’m worried that the doctor will tell me that there are no underlying causes and then I’ll really feel like I won’t have any solutions. It’s cowardly, but I’m an avoider by nature.

I get it! That clicking feeling is a crazy high. You’re making me smile just reading about it! So, you know, hope it’s cool that an internet stranger is totally stoked on your date...

I like this idea, because it gives me what I want!! I also love that you’re figuring this stuff out on your own. I’m down with trimming my own bangs and dying my own hair darker, but for some reason I get super nervous about anything involving lightening at home. Also, judging by Courtney’s comment you’re headed in…

This sounds sweet and adorable and like the best date ever. Revel in it! That’s a rare and treasured feeling, and I hope it works out!