My Dear Bettie! I can so relate to what you are saying about not wanting to be in photos. I try and avoid them at all costs. In the past ten years I have put on weight and don’t feel good about it, but obviously don’t feel bad enough to do anything about it. I have struggled with weight all of my life. It too is a symptom of underlying pain, just like compulsive gambling. Your explanation to family members of not wanting to be in any more pictures should have sufficed, and you telling them that you were going to have an anxiety attack, had you stayed, should have brought out compassion, and not the relentless attack you suffered. We can’t choose our family but we can put boundaries around people that affect our self-esteem, including and especially family. I’ve adopted the attitude that what you see is what you get, and if people don’t like it, it’s their problem, because my weight doesn’t define me. It doesn’t take away from the caring person I am. And it doesn’t take away from the beautiful person you are, inside and outside. Carole
