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Pardon the interruption for a PSA - This time of year tends to be stressful for everyone, but food-centered social events are a special kind of hell for those who struggle with disordered eating.
As you see family/friends for the first time in awhile few tips:
As you see family/friends for the first time in awhile few tips:
Don't comment on people's physical appearance. Even well-intentions comments can be misinterpreted; noting that a person who lost weight "looks great" reinforces the idea that they didn't before.
Instead you can say how happy someone seems, the amount of energy they have, etc.
Instead you can say how happy someone seems, the amount of energy they have, etc.
Try not to look at what someone is eating/not eating. The idea that everyone is watching and judging their food choices is a common fear among those with EDs; you're just validating this fear.
Remember the reasons that you're celebrating and have other plans or conversations that are not food-related. With the concern of COVID, this is a great time to go for a walk around the neighborhood (wearing a mask!) and reconnect
Finally, you may not know if someone is struggling with disordered eating. The obviously-thin anorexic is a small minority of those with an ED and sufferers tend to feel intense shame and be incredibly secretive.
